A dozen or so of our regular riders were on the Lepra ride yesterday, but we still had fifteen - including some new faces - for Ken's run out to South Queensferry.
Starting as usual at 10.30 at Middle Meadow Walk, we headed across the Meadows and round the back of Tollcross to join the canal at the Leamington Lift Bridge. We were very careful on the short canal section (one of our more senior members having had an unexpected swim while out this way recently) and then under the Western Approach Road at Fountainbridge, through the wee park at the back of Dalry, a left and a right, and then onto the cycle path at Russell Road.
Unhurried, and now mindful that it was really quite warm, we took the NCN 1 path down to the junction at Craigleith and bore left out towards Davidsons Mains, Barnton, and our usual stop for sweeties (the ride leader having brought some excellent toffees) on Cramond Brig.
We then climbed the little hill up to the flyover over the main road, but we couldn’t continue along the cycle path as this is in the process of being upgraded (and, while it will take some time to do that, it looks like a good
job is being done). So we took the Kirkliston Road past the Craigie
Farm road end, and then joined the old railway path at Carlowrie.
Rather than heading
straight into South Queensferry at this point, we went a mile or so down to
Kirkliston, then headed north for a short distance, and into the entrance to Dundas
Castle. This often-overlooked estate (see photo) is really
lovely, especially the pond and boathouse, and gives an interesting loop
south and west of South Queensferry.
After that, it was a very quick run into the town, with a lunch stop on the steps overlooking the
shore. Some of the group headed for the
Picnic Café, which served us well - as usual. It was mild enough to sit outside, even though there was a touch of haar.
Map to follow
Leader: Ken
Report: Alan (Stalker)
Photo: Michael (Law)
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