EDINBURGH 20-MILERS

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Monday, 7 July 2025

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.

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