Below are suggestions for day's rides, of moderate distance, from Edinburgh. We shall be adding to these suggestions from time to time.
Start at the Eskbank roundabout (the one with 6 roads feeding into it at GR 325667). Leave by Dalhousie Rd towards Galashiels, and in 1 mile, L at roundabout to join A7 for 1/3 mile. Turn R under railway viaduct (SP: Carrington) and after 1 mile straight on at X-roads (with church on right).
In Carrington bear left following road to Temple, but after crossing the Braidwood Bridge turn L on B672 for ¾ mile. Turn R for Castleton opposite to Arniston Estate houses and closed gate. Continue round past old lime workings on right with hill with radio mast on left to Middleton.
At X-roads in Middleton, turn right, and go up the hill to turn R at T-junction with B7007. You are now climbing "the Granites". From the top of the hill, enjoy the 2-mile descent past Garvald Farm to the first junction, where L on B709, running down alongside Heriot Water. About 1 mile after McFie Hall (at Sandyknowe when A7 comes into view) sharp R on small road. Cross Heriot Water and at Halltree Farm about 1 mile further on go L through gate on track with farmhouse on left to cross the river and the old railway line. Go straight across the A7 and follow the B6368 (SP: Gilston) to the A68. Turn L (towards Edinburgh) on the A68 for 1/3 mile, then R on B6368 (or is it A6137?) (SP: Haddington) for Humbie.
After passing through Humbie village, L on B6371 for 5 miles where L at T-junction with A6093 for 2 miles. Take R up hill at Fordel Dean (the last hill!) (SP: Cousland). At top of hill, join A6124 and go R down to X-roads where L (SP: Dalkeith). At T-junction by Forrest Furnishings, R and cross roundabout to get to the centre of Dalkeith. Home by any route you choose.
Eskbank: pub at roundabout called Justinlee _ possibly corruption of mediaeval `jousting area'.
Lothian Bridge: Site of former paper mill and viaduct carrying Waverley Line to Gala, Hawick and Carlisle.
Granites: Extensive views over Esk valley to Pentlands, Firth of Forth and beyond.
Soutra Aisle: On route of Roman Dere Street between Melrose and Inveresk. Site of a mediaeval hospice of great repute. Views over East Lothian.
Humbie: Small shop.
Windy Mains: Divert at Y-junction coming up hill past Keith Marischal, about 2 miles after Humbie, R to Glenkinchie Distillery at Peastonbank. Only active distillery in the lowlands, open to visitors.
Although never far away from Edinburgh, there are no refreshment facilities and only one small village shop, so carry food and drink with you.
