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.