Christmas morning ride

This is a reminder of Jim Cameron's half-day ride which is coming up next Thursday (25th December, Christmas morning). This is not an official 20-Milers event, but Jim tells me that all those who cycle with us will be welcome to come along. Like our own rides, this one is free, with no advance booking.

One of the attractions of cycling on Christmas morning is that there is much less traffic than usual, which makes it nicer to visit places where we might not otherwise care to pedal. In this case, the ride will take in parts of the West End, Princes Street, Calton Hill and Leith. The pace will be leisurely with plenty of stops.

The ride will start from the Black Sheep café at 56 Shandwick Place. Get there around 10:00 if you want to join Jim for a pre-ride coffee. The ride itself will set out at 10:30. It will finish around midday at the Mosque Kitchen in Nicholson Street, where those who want to have lunch can do so.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact  Jim direct: 07760 455819 or Easycycle@JimCameron.Co.uk.

Looking ahead, the first 20-Milers of 2026 will on 10 January. Look out for more details of that ride nearer the time.

Just right for December

Today saw us head to Lauriston Castle for our last ride of 2025. As is now the custom, our December and January rides are shorter than usual being half day rides finishing around 1300 back at the Meadows with no lunch stop. We had a new leader in Julie Matthews. Whilst Julie has led other rides, this was her first time at the helm with the 20 Milers. The weather forecast suggested it would get windier, with strong winds and rain by the time we finished. Fortunately, the weather was kinder to us than expected. Yes, it was windy at times, but not too bad; the strong winds held off until after the ride had finished, and the rain stayed off until everyone was home. Given the forecast and the fact that it's the December ride, a low turnout would not have been a surprise. Instead we had a very respectable eighteen riders make the start.

Following Julie's briefing, we left the Meadows and headed to Leamington Bridge via Bruntsfield Links. The novelty of riding down the smooth road that is Leamington Terrace remains several months after it was resurfaced; if only more roads in Edinburgh were like that. From there, we pressed on via the canal, Fountain Park, across the Western Approach Road and the new cycle path to the zig-zags on Russell Road. We paused there whilst the leader briefed us on the next section of the route. Instead of heading through Roseburn Park as we so often do, we made our way up to Roseburn Terrace and took the CCWEL cycle path to Wester Coates Terrace, where we joined the Roseburn Path to Craigleith junction. We then took the Blackhall Path; a familiar route as if we were heading to Barnton, but instead of going straight over at the crossing on Quality Street, we turned right to join the busy Cramond Road South and into Lauriston Castle Park. We paused in front of the castle whilst Mike offered round sweets to the riders. 

Leaving the park, we turned right to re-join the busy Cramond Road South. In the interests of safety and consideration for other road-users, the leader had us split into three groups of six for this section. At the traffic lights we turned right onto Cramond Road North. A short distance further on we turned right and headed through an archway. A slightly muddy path led us through lovely grounds to Cramond Kirk Hall. After a brief pause we headed out onto Cramond Glebe Road to emerge on the esplanade beside the River Almond. Whilst it wasn't warm, it was nothing like as cold and windy as it might have been, so we paused for a while to admire the views. We then made our way along the quiet Silverknowes Promenade, before climbing up to Marine Drive. The signs told us that Silverknowes Road was closed, but we rode up it anyway. One half of the road surface had been scraped off, but the other half was fine. The old barriers were gone and we didn't have to share the space with other traffic. So it was a pleasant climb up. It had been recced previously, of course. At the roundabout, instead of going straight up the hill to the Blackhall Path, we turned right along Lauriston Farm Road and up Silverknowed Drive to get there. From there it was an easy run back to the Craigleith junction, along the Roseburn Path and down the zig-zags at Russell Road. We then more-or-less retraced our outward route back to the Meadows where the leader announced the ride officially over.

Everyone enjoyed the ride, which given the time of year and the weather was just right. Fortunately, the weather was better than expected. Thanks to Julie for leading us on an interesting ride. Thanks to Mike for middle-marking and Alan for back-marking.

Leader: Julie

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

December run coming up on Saturday

We've got our last ride of 2025 coming up on Saturday (13th). As is now our custom, this December run will be shorter than most: just half a day, finishing at around 13:00. This is partly because of the winter weather and partly because of the difficulty of finding suitable lunch venues during the festive season.

For this ride, one of our long-standing members, Julie Matthews, will be making her debut as a ride leader. Julie will be taking us out towards Davidson's Mains and Cramond, with possible stops at Lauriston Castle and Cramond Kirk. The exact route will depend in part on conditions on the day, but it is likely to be about 14 miles. I don't foresee any difficulties except for the fairly steep - but short - climb up from Silverknowes Esplanade.

We'll set out from our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk at 10:30. We'll aim to finish the ride at or near the Meadows. If anyone wants to go for lunch after the ride, they will find an ample choice of  cafes, pubs and sandwich shops near the finish point, but that won't be part of the official programme.

As always, the ride is free and open to all, with no advance booking.

Christmas morning

Another of our long-standing members, Jim Cameron, will again be leading a short ride on Christmas morning (25 December). This is not a 20-Milers event, but Jim says that anyone who cycles with us will be welcome to come along. Like our own rides, this one will be free, with no advance booking.

The ride will start at the  Black Sheep cafe, 56 Shandwick Place, at 10:30. Those wanting a pre-ride coffee can gather there from 10:00. It will end around midday at the Mosque Kitchen in Nicholson Street, which will be open for those who would like to go for lunch or a snack.

Nearer the time, I'll post a reminder of this ride, along with more details of the route.

Looking ahead, our first ride in 2026 will be on 10 January, and that will be another half-day run. We'll get back to our normal full-day format in February. In the meantime, happy pedalling.

An old favourite via a new route

For today's ride we headed westward to the familiar destination of the Heriot Watt campus in Riccarton. But this time we took an unfamiliar outward route, and visited a different venue for our lunch stop. The leader's intention had been to include a section that we have not used before as a group; but the mile and a half on a rough track was scrapped due to muddy conditions. The day dawned unseasonably mild, bright and sunny. This clearly helped swell the numbers to 25, which was most impressive for a November ride, complete with some new faces. 

Following the customary leader's briefing from Mike, we headed through the quiet backstreets of Morningside, through Braidburn Valley Park and onwards to the stables at Woodhall Road via Colinton Mains, Redford Road and Bonaly. From there we took the rough path across to Blinkbonny Road. Seeing how muddy that path was led Mike to decide that the mile and a half rough track would be best avoided. A short stretch on a muddy path is one thing, but a mile and a half is quite a distance to deal with under such conditions. A dynamic decision made on the fly; but no doubt it was the right one. We continued along Blinkbonny Road and down Kirkgate, past the track we would have taken, before stopping whilst Iain passed round his delicious homemade baking. We then joined the Water of Leith Walkway for a short distance, before climbing up and crossing Lanark Road West. A short distance into the housing estate, up went the dreaded shout, "puncture!" Alan and Ken were soon on the case helping the stricken rider. It wasn't as straight forward as it might have been and took longer than expected. Two-thirds of the group were waiting ahead. After some discussion, it was decided that they would press on to the lunch stop, and the remainder would join them once the puncture was fixed. At least it was dry, sunny and mild. With the puncture fixed, we headed off in pursuit of the others. After threading our way through the housing estate to emerge at Curriehill station, we wheeled our bikes up and over the footbridge to cross the railway line. From there a short ride along Curriehill Road took us into the Heriot Watt campus by the rear entrance. Rather than head to the main admin building for a picnic lunch, we made our way to the Oriam sports centre. Some of the group headed to the café, others picnicked indoors, whilst the remainder took the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor November picnic.

With lunch over, we regrouped and made our way to Edinburgh Park via Gogar Station Road and the subway. Skirting the edge of the Gyle Shopping Centre car park, we made our way to South Gyle station where we had to dismount and negotiate the walkway in place whilst the road bridge is being replaced. Onwards from there via Broomhall and Saughtonhall to Murrayfield Stadium, where we made our way through the rugby fan crowds on their way to the Scotland v New Zealand match. We took the familiar route back to the Meadows via Fountainhall, the canal and the Leamington Bridge, where Mike declared the ride officially over.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the ride. Unfortunately, the totally new section had to be scrapped, but we look forward to using it in the future when conditions allow. But it was still a different route to the one we usually take, and we have found a new venue for lunch. The unseasonably mild weather was most welcome, and clearly added to both the turnout and enjoyment of the ride. With thanks to Mike for leading, Alan for back marking and helping with repairing the puncture along with Ken.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

November ride to Heriot-Watt

We've got our penultimate rid of 2025 coming up next Saturday (8 November). We'll be heading westward, with a lunch stop at the Heriot-Watt campus in Riccarton. This will be a familiar destination for most of us, but this time we will take a somewhat different outward route, including at least one section that we have not done before as a group.

The total distance will be 21 miles. There will be a couple of steep-ish climbs near the start but no other serious hills. The route will include a mile and a half on a rough track that might be muddy. There will also be two places where we will have to dismount and push our bikes across footbridges. Apart from that, I don't foresee any difficulties.

As always, the above details should be regarded as provisional. In particular, we might vary the outward route to avoid the aforementioned rough track, depending on conditions on the day.

Lunch arrangements

When we visit Heriot-Watt, we usually make for the eating area in the main admin building for a picnic lunch. This time, just to make a change, we will be heading to the Oriam sports centre on the campus. The cafe there offers a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads and soup, as well as hot and cold drinks - all at reasonable prices.

For those of us who prefer to bring a packed lunch, there is plenty of indoor seating within the centre as well as benches outside.

Time and place

No surprises here. We will gather at our usual spot at the top of Middle Meadow Walk, in time for a 10:30 kick-off.

I can't say for sure what time the ride will end, but given the short daylight hours, we will aim to be back at or near the Meadows well before dark (sunset that day is 16:20). That said, I suggest that you bring lights anyway - and check that they have plenty of juice. There is always the chance that we will be delayed, and you might also need lights to see you home if you decide to go for a post-ride coffee.

To the tower

We have often passed through Prestonpans, but today it was our actual destination. Yaz led us to Preston Tower - the remains of a 14th century castle, set on high ground in lovely gardens with a noted laburnum arch. With plenty of seating and fine views over the Forth, it was an ideal location for a picnic lunch. Whilst the forecast suggested we would have a dry and sunny day with a gentle breeze, we were not expecting it to be pleasantly warm for the time of year, which was an added bonus. In the 20 Milers 21st year, it is great to still find places we can visit for the first time.

The weather and the promise of visiting somewhere new helped muster 22 riders for an October ride. Following a comprehensive briefing from the leader, we left The Meadows behind and took the familiar route to Musselburgh via the Innocent Railway. Stopping at Musselburgh station, Iain handed round his delicious homemade cake and Yaz handed round sweets to sustain us until lunchtime. From there, we were expertly led on an unfamiliar twisty route through the backstreets of Musselburgh to emerge beside the blue arrow at the end of Goose Green. Pausing there, Yaz called on Mike to explain why the blue arrow existed and the story behind it. Mike expertly delegated the task to the writer, who told the story to the group. From there we took the path beside the sea that led us to join the road into Prestonpans. Along the High Street, we turned right onto Ayres Wynd and climbed the hill to Preston Tower. We spread out in the lovely gardens beneath the tower to enjoy our picnics in the warm sunshine.

With lunch over, we headed back down towards the High Street. After a welcome comfort stop, we turned right at the traffic lights, and just before the Robert Burns Memorial Gardens turned left down a slope to a path above the shore. Below us was another path right beside the sea. A couple of riders said they had been on it before, found it very slippery and did not want to go on it again. That didn't matter, as the intention was to stay on the higher path. A combination of previous experience and thorough recceing meant that the leader knew the lower path was unsuitable and shortly petered out resulting in a push across a stretch of of beach. But the path we took was a delight; twisting behind houses and giving fine views across the Forth before emerging back onto the High Street. A short stretch on the road and we were back on the path from the morning beside the shore. This time we headed inland and took the path running alongside Musselburgh racecourse, which is so much better now it has a proper sealed surface. Up beside the River Esk, across the Electric Bridge, a brief pause at Fisherrow Harbour and we were on Edinburgh Road heading towards Portobello. The group got split up on this section courtesy of temporary traffic lights. But we regrouped at the bottom of Milton Road and headed onto the Brunstane Burn path. At the end of the path, we re-joined the route we had taken outward in the morning. Via the Innocent Railway, we were soon back at The Meadows where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Yaz for leading us on such an enjoyable ride which was enjoyed by all. New to many was the section between Musselburgh station and the Electric Bridge, as was the path above the shore running parallel to Prestonpans High Street. But the highlight had to be Preston Tower set in such delightful gardens. Thanks to Saqib back marking.

Leader: Yaz

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn 

October ride to Prestonpans

This is a reminder of our next ride, which will take place this coming Saturday (11th). Yaz will be in charge. We'll be heading east, taking in some lesser-known parts of Musselburgh and with a lunch stop in Prestonpans. 

The total distance will be about 22 miles. While most of the route will be reasonably flat, there will be a couple of moderate hills as well as one steeper climb just before lunch. For most of the time we will be on quiet roads and well-surfaced paths, with just one or two short rough patches.

Prestonpans

Those of us who like a picnic lunch will head up to the Preston Tower. This is the remains of a 14th century castle, set on high ground in a lovely garden with a noted laburnum arch. There is plenty of seating there, and fine views over the Forth.

Those who prefer to eat indoors can make for the Coastline cafe, which serves a range of sandwiches and hot snacks. There are also a couple of places in the village where you can pick up a take-away sandwich and hot drink.

There are public toilets in the village. We might also have an additional toilet stop at Fisherrow on the return leg.

Logistics

Nothing new here. We'll set out as usual at 10:30 from the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. Like all our rides, this one is free with no advance booking.