What, there's a palace here?

For today's Extra ride we headed to the historic West Lothian town of Linlithgow. We hadn't been there since 2017. That, linked with a considerably different route to which we have taken previously, made for a most enjoyable ride. The weather was kind to us as well. The forecast suggested we were in for a breezy and overcast day; but, whilst it was a bit breezy, the sun came out at times and it got quite warm. Such a contrast from the previous Saturday when a few of us had set out to recce the route. In heavy rain [that didn't look like stopping anytime soon] we threw the towel in at Cramond Brig and headed home.

Following Mike's briefing, 17 of us rolled away from the Craigleith meeting point and made our way to Cramond Brig, where we paused on the bridge. Onwards to Burnshot Bridge where we took the road towards Kirkliston. This road was as busy as many of us had ever seen it. That linked with several suicidal drivers [that thought nothing of trying to overtake a long line of cyclists into the path of oncoming traffic] made for a far from pleasant experience. What a relief to leave the road behind and head up onto the quiet railway path towards Kirkliston. The traffic was heavy again in the town, but with sensible drivers. A comfort stop at the sports centre (where Iain kindly offered around his delicious homemade cake), a brief stretch along the B9080, and we were on the quiet road towards Niddry Castle. At the canal we usually join the towpath to head towards Broxburn or Winchburgh. Not today! Instead we headed west along quiet back roads through Faucheldean and Ochiltree. Thanks to steady climbing, the group became quite stretched out on this section. We regrouped and enjoyed a nice fast downhill run for the last couple of miles into Linlithgow. We paused in the square before heading off to our lunch venues. Nearly everyone opted for picnicking - some in the palace gardens and others beside the palace itself. Everyone enjoyed the lunch stop. So quiet and peaceful, yet only a stone's throw from the bustling high street.

We reconvened in the square ready to depart. One rider said they had been to Linlithgow more than a dozen times with another cycling group (that will remain nameless), but had always had a picnic lunch in the square. They had never seen the palace or its gardens! We left Linlithgow and made our way through Philipstoun, took a quiet path under the M9 motorway before crossing the busy A904. At this point we were caught by another smaller cycling group we had seen earlier. Whilst we took the cycle path beside the road, they opted to join the fast traffic on the busy road. Rather them than us. We turned off onto a delightful country road that took us to Abercorn, where we headed into the Hopetoun Estate. Through the estate and onwards to South Queensferry. A stiff little climb saw us on the Forth Road Bridge, where we had a comfort stop at the visitor centre. We then returned to Craigleith via Dalmeny village, the path beside the A90, Cramond Brig, Barnton and Silverknowes where Mike declared the ride over.

Everyone enjoyed the ride, despite some stiff climbs in the morning. The weather had been kind to us, we'd enjoyed the scenery and one rider went home with the newfound knowledge that Linlithgow has a palace. Thanks to Mike for leading such a lovely ride. Perhaps we won't wait so long before returning next time. Thanks to Alan for back marking. One thing the writer noticed that deserves mention is how Alan positioned himself on the road so that vehicles could not attempt to squeeze past when it was not safe.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Extra ride to Linlithgow on Saturday

We've got the third of this year's Extra rides coming up on Saturday (26th). We'll be heading to the historic West Lothian town of Linlithgow - a place we haven't visited since 2017. It promises to be a pleasant scenic route, mainly on quiet country roads with some nice views. But as with all our Extra rides, it will be longer than our usual 20-Milers outings, at a somewhat faster pace and with fewer breaks. Please keep that in mind when deciding whether the ride will be right for your fitness level.

The route

We'll be heading out on the familiar route via Cramond Brig, Kirkliston and Niddry Castle. At Winchburgh, we'll strike west along quiet back roads through Faucheldean and Ochiltree. We'll be climbing steadily on this part of the ride, but we will have a nice fast downhill run for the last couple of miles into Linlithgow. The return leg will involve more quiet country roads, this time by way of Philpstoun, Abercorn, the Hopetoun Deer Park and South Queensferry.

The total distance will be about 35 miles.

Lunch stop

For those who like to bring a packed lunch, the grounds of Linlithgow Palace offer some nice picnic spots overlooking the loch. If you prefer to be catered for, there are several cafes very close to the palace, including at least one where you can pick up a take-away hot drink and snack. There are toilets in the nearby Burgh Halls, and we will have toilet stops on both the outward and return legs.

Time and place

The ride will start and end at the Craigleith path junction (see here if you need directions). Please be there in time for a prompt 10:30 departure. I can't say for sure what time the ride will finish, except that it is unlikely to be before 4 pm.

If the weather is bad, we might opt for a shorter ride, but with the same meeting time and place as above.

Looking ahead

Our next "second Saturday" run will be on 9 August. And we're aiming for at least two more Extras before the end of the summer. As usual, full details will be posted here in good time. Until then, happy pedalling. 

Up high to Harlaw

In the briefing at the start of today's ride, I felt obliged to give a warning about something that rarely comes up on our rides: the risk of heat exhaustion. We are officially in the middle of a heat wave, with the afternoon's temperature forecast to reach 25C. Folk in some southern regions might not think of that as particularly hot (it has recently been over 32C in parts of southern England), but it is not something we in south east Scotland are accustomed to.

Despite the heat (or perhaps because of it), twenty riders joined us for today's outing. It was good to see several newcomers in the group. Our destination was the Harlaw Reservoir, a ride that inevitably involves some substantial climbing.

The first part of our route was a familiar one: Roseburn Park, Pinkhill, South Gyle Station, Edinburgh Park and Herriot-Watt. So far, reasonably flat. But then the climbing started – gently at first – through the back streets of Currie and Newmills. Reaching Balerno, we faced the real work of the day: the final haul up to the reservoir. In previous years, we have taken the direct route up Harlaw Road, which frankly is a slog. But last year we found a better option, via Johnsburn Road and Cockburn Crescent. It involves the same overall ascent, but is spread over a longer distance and so avoids the worst of the gradients. It is also particularly scenic, with open views to the west and a delightful wooded section through Malleny Millgate. It was this route that we took this time.

Not surprisingly, the reservoir was crowded. There were people venturing onto the water with paddle boards, inflatable dinghies and the like, not to mention the usual anglers and dog-walkers. But we all managed to find a nice spot for our picnic lunch, with some of us settling on the grassy water's bank and others heading for the walled garden. Because of the heat, some of the group were running alarmingly low on drinking water, but a pair of rangers came to our rescue by allowing us to top up our water bottles in the kitchen in the former visitor centre (which has been closed to the public for several years).

Return to town

Lunch over, we set out on the return leg. Pausing at the top of the Currie Kirkgate, we saw a remarkable view. Looking down, we could see the whole of the Firth of Forth blanketed by a low dense haar, while the rest of city and the Fife hills were all clearly visible in the sunshine. Folk in Granton, Newhaven and the Fife coastal villages must have been shivering with cold while those just half a mile inland would have been sweltering. Such are the quirks of the Scottish climate.

We continued through Easter Kinleith and then along a series of paths alongside the Clubbiedean and Torduff reservoirs. This is a very scenic route, but some of the paths were quite rough – so much so that some of us decided to dismount and push for short distances. At least it was all downhill now, with the bonus of a pleasant easterly breeze to cool us down. Before long we were off the hills and heading down through Bonaly and Colinton Mains, and then along the Braid Burn path, through Braidburn Valley Park and the Braid Estate, and so back to the Meadows.

We all managed to finish the run without any ill effects from the heat. And the reservoir proved to be an ideal spot for our picnic lunch, being high up and exposed to the cooling breeze. It was good to be able to enjoy some sunshine, given that the weather will probably soon be back to its normal uncertain state.

Leader: Mike

Report: Mike

Photos: Glenn and Mike

Harlaw Reservoir ride this coming Saturday

We've got out next ride coming up on Saturday (12th). We'll be heading to a familiar destination: the Harlaw Reservoir at the edge of the Pentland Hills. For the most part this will be a pleasantly scenic route with a nice spot for a picnic lunch.

The route

For the outward leg, we will mainly follow quiet roads and well-surfaced paths. Inevitably, there will be a fair amount of climbing during the morning (the reservoir is 250 metres above sea level). However, while our route will involve the same overall ascent as on some of our previous visits to the reservoir, it will be spread over a somewhat longer distance, so we will be avoiding the worst of the gradients.

In return for our exertions of the morning, we can look forward to some nice downhills on the return leg. But this will also include a couple of very rough stretches where we might have to dismount. Thankfully, these will be fairly short.

The total distance will be about 24 miles, with slightly more than half the mileage in the morning.

Lunch arrangements

There are no shops, cafés or other catering outlets at the reservoir or anywhere near it. So please be sure to bring food and drink for your lunch. Happily the reservoir provides several nice spots for picnics.

There are portable (chemical) toilets at the reservoir. We will also stop for a toilet break about half way through the morning.

Time and place

As always, we will set out at 10:30 from our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. As I hope you know by now, there is no advance booking for our rides, so just turn up if you decide to join us.

What if the weather is bad?

The 20-Milers rides go ahead regardless of the weather (as those who turned up for our June run will confirm). For this ride, please bring a picnic even if the weather is bad, as we have an alternative spot in mind where we can eat our lunch under cover if necessary.

Looking ahead

We have pencilled in 26 July for our next Extra. I'll confirm that date and post the usual details in due course. In the meantime, happy pedalling.