Wetsuits optional

The plan for today's ride had been to head out to the new surfing centre near Ratho. But the weather being what it was, the prospect of a lakeside picnic while watching wave machines at work had lost its appeal. The morning had started with just a light drizzle but had got steadily worse, so our leader, Alan, wisely decided that a shorter ride would be in order.

Six riders turned up at the meeting point in defiance of the rain - not a bad tally given the conditions. We set out hopefully across Bruntsfield Links, up Braid Avenue, through Braidburn Valley Park and along the Braid Burn path to Redford Road. Although there was no sign of the rain easing off,  things could have been worse. At least the day was warm, there was only a slight breeze, and we all had good waterproof clothing. The feeling of the group was that we would carry on.

That optimism didn't last long. By the time we reached Bonaly the rain was coming down by the bucketful. Muttering something about enough being enough, our leader decided on a change of course. So we freewheeled down Bonaly Road and West Mill Road to reach the Water of Leith Walkway from where we started back to town. We stopped for a breather in the shelter of the Colinton Tunnel where we admired the famous mural (now something of a tourist attraction).

Pausing to admire the mural in the Colinton tunnel

After setting off again, we soon reached the footbridge across the Lanark Road and the Union Canal. At this point we usually either join the canal towpath or descend to the main road, but this time Alan led us on a less-familiar route through Redhall Park to Inglis Green Road from where we reached the Water of Leith Centre. We continued along the riverside path through Stenhouse, Saughton Park, Balgreen and Roseburn Park, then finally along the excellent new bike path that links Roseburn with the canal. We were soon back at Bruntsfield Links, barely two hours and 13 miles after setting out, which seemed just about right. It was not exactly a long ride, but still enjoyable in its way, with the Water of Leith looking lovely and the Colinton mural adding some extra interest.

As for the surfing centre, we'll schedule another ride there at some point in the summer – weather permitting, of course.

Leader: Alan

Report and photo: Mike