A familiar location, a few novel variations and a new leader

Today saw us head to a familiar location - South Queensferry. This was Saqib's inaugural ride as leader, and he added in a few novel variations to our usual route options. In addition to the new leader, it was good to see some new faces amongst the 19 riders that gathered at the start. The forecast for showers in the afternoon hadn't put people off, which was fortunate as they failed to materialise. It was mainly overcast with a few sunny intervals making it feel reasonably warm when they appeared. But there was a cool wind that kept the temperature down for most of the ride. As that stalwart of the 20 Milers, the late Logan Strang used to say, "it's chilly for June".

With the briefing over, Saqib led us away from The Meadows to the Telfer Subway via Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge and Fountain Park. Across the Western Approach Road, along the new cycle path to Russell Road, and through Roseburn as if we were heading for Murrayfield. This is where we had our first deviation from the norm as we went up Roseburn Place, across Roseburn Terrace and took the cycle path towards the city centre. We weren't on the path long before heading left up Coates Terrace to join the Roseburn Path. At Craigleith Retail Park we joined the Blackhall Path and continued via Davidson's Mains and Barnton to Old Cramond Brig, where we had an obligatory pause. The NCN1 path beside the A90 took us to the Chapel Gate entrance to the Dalmeny Estate, where we regrouped. All together again, we took the road up to Dalmeny village. In another change to the norm, we turned right in the village and headed down past the road to Dalmeny station, then left on the B924 and down the hill into South Queensferry. We headed under the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge and through the town to our lunch stop at the steps with panoramic views of the three bridges. It was disappointing to see that the cycle racks have been removed with a big useless space there instead. Let's hope they put them back.

With lunch over we headed back out of town, this time taking the track into the Dalmeny Estate beneath the rail bridge. The route through the estate was as lovely as ever with delightful gravel tracks and a couple of stiff little climbs to see us emerge back at Cramond Brig. Down the hill, a brief pause on Old Cramond Brig and we retraced our outward route from the morning. But this time, we remained on the Roseburn Path to the zig-zags at Russell Road. From there, we headed to Leamington Bridge where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Saqib for leading us on a familiar route with a couple of interesting variations to keep us on our toes, which was well received. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Saqib

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

June ride this coming Saturday

We've got our June ride coming up on Saturday (13th). For this ride, Saqib will be making his debut as leader. He has opted for a familiar destination - South Queensferry - albeit with a few novel variations to add to the interest.

The total distance will be just about 20 miles. We will be on well-surfaced paths and quiet roads for most of the time, although there will also be a some short stretches that might be a little rough. The route won't in any way be flat, but at least the hills will all be reasonably gentle.

Lunch

South Queensferry offers a couple of options for those who like a cafe or pub lunch, notably the Little Bakery and the Ferry Tap. Both serve light meals, but they tend to be busy at lunch time and therefore the service is often slow. For that reason, many of us prefer to bring a packed lunch. There is a nice picnic spot where we can eat it, overlooking the Forth (with toilets just across the street). Another option would be to pick up a sandwich at the co-op, which is fairly close to our stopping point. There is also a shop nearby that does take-away tea and coffee.

Logistics

As always, we'll gather at the top of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. We'll aim to get back to the Meadows around the middle of the afternoon.

And, as always, the ride is free and open to all, with no advance booking.

Looking ahead

Our second Extra of the season is scheduled for 27 June. I'll post full details of that run in good time.

An Extra leader change

Today's opening 20 Milers Extra of the year saw us muster just nine riders. It was suggested that a clash with "Pedal on Parliament" may have been a contributory factor, but who knows? The weather forecast suggested it would be pleasantly warm with a risk of drizzle or light rain in the afternoon. As it turned out, it was warm without being too hot, and was mainly bright but overcast. We did experience a brief spell of light rain, but it didn't amount to much. The ride to Almondell Country Park is one of Mike's favourites, so he was disappointed not to be able to lead today; fortunately, Alan stepped in.

There was a little confusion at the start as to whether Alan had actually given a briefing or not. If so, it certainly wasn't one of his usual in-depth ones. So, with the briefing over [or skipped] the small group headed off along the Blackhall Path and through the quiet streets of Barnton. We took our obligatory pause on the Old Cramond Brig, where we saw people swimming in the River Almond. Most of us have crossed the bridge many times, but this was the first time we had seen anyone swimming there. We continued, taking the subway under the A90 to arrive at the Burnshot Bridge. Along Burnshot Road past Craigiehall army camp and the road up to Craigie Farm, we turned off and walked our bikes up the rough, steep path to join the delightful path through the woods. On the narrowest part of this path, some of us encountered an impatient rider on a gravel bike who was unwilling to wait a few seconds until we reached a wider part of the path. The back marker shouted, "bike through", to which the writer replied, "he'll be lucky". Next moment he was barging past where there really wasn't room. In doing so, he spooked the rider in front who stopped, forcing the two behind to stop as well. Some people are so impatient and inconsiderate. Those sorts should stay at home on their turbo trainer where their actions will not affect others. We left the path and headed through Kirkliston where we were held up briefly by temporary traffic lights that had not been there on the recce a couple of weeks earlier. Following a comfort stop at the town's sports centre, we headed under the M9 motorway, before turning left onto quiet back roads that led us to Niddry Castle. There we joined the Union Canal towpath towards Broxburn. After a lovely couple of miles beside the canal, we left the towpath and took the road towards Almondell Country Park. Just behind the visitor centre there is a quiet walled garden that most visitors seem not to know about. That was our picnic lunch venue, and we had it to ourselves.

The first spots of rain began as we were finishing our lunch. We hurriedly finished and donned waterproofs before setting off to climb out of the valley to the park's exit, by which time the rain had stopped. We took the path through the new housing estate, and a minor road to arrive at the very busy junction of the A71. Crossing safely at the lights, we were all across and soon negotiating the level crossing at Kirknewton station. Via Kirknewton and Long Dalmahoy we took the rear entrance into the Heriot-Watt University campus. Through the campus, down Gogar Station Road crossing the canal and the M8, we took the subway under the Edinburgh City Bypass to emerge in Edinburgh Park. From there we went through the Gyle shopping centre car park, before taking the path to South Gyle station and over the new bridge across the railway. On through Broomhall, Carrick Knowe and Saughtonhall to Murrayfield, before taking the familiar route back to the Meadows where Alan declared the ride officially over.

The ride had been enjoyed by all with Almondell Country Park being as lovely as ever; the rhododendrons there being even more spectacular than in previous visits. Thanks to Alan stepping in to lead at short notice, and thanks to Saquib for back marking.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

First Extra of the season this coming Saturday

We've got the first of this year's Extra rides coming up on Saturday (30th), when we'll be heading to East Calder and Almondell Country Park.

Just to remind you - our Extra rides are longer and faster than our usual 20-mile outings. We aim for the same sociable atmosphere, but the pace is somewhat speedier and we take fewer stops. Please keep that in mind when deciding if this ride will be a good choice for your fitness level.

Of all the places that we regularly visit on our rides, Almondell Country Park is one of my personal favourites. It is set in the delightful River Almond valley, and parts of it feel very secluded. Although the area near the visitor centre is often busy, there is a quiet walled garden there that most visitors seem not to know about, and this is where we will take our picnic lunch.

Our route

The ride will start from our alternative meeting point at the Craigleith path junction (see here if you are not sure where that is.) We'll head out on mainly quiet roads as far as Niddry Castle, then pick up the canal towpath for about three miles before joining the road into the park. The return leg will be on quiet roads via Kirknewton and Long Dalmahoy.

The total distance will be about 34 miles. We should be away from traffic for most of the time, apart from just over a mile on the main road through Kirkliston. We can expect a few steep climbs, especially in the afternoon, but no other serious hills.

Our lunch stop

Be sure to bring your own food for a picnic lunch, as there is no useful catering of any kind in or near the park. The visitor centre has vending machines for hot and cold drinks and also sells a very limited range of confectionery, but unfortunately it is closed between 12:30 and 13:00, which is likely to exactly coincide with when we are there.

There are toilets in the park. We will also have toilet stops on the outward and return legs.

Meeting time

Please plan to arrive at the meeting point (see above) in good time for a punctual 10:30 departure. The ride will end late afternoon in the Bruntsfield / Leamington area.

As always, the above details should be regarded as provisional. The meeting time and place are fixed, but we occasionally need to vary the route and destination according to conditions on the day.

Before setting out ...

If you haven't been on your bike much during the winter, this would be a good time to give it a quick once over.  Check that the chain is clean and well lubricated and that the brakes don't rub on the wheel (replace the brake pads if they are worn). Check too that the tyres are properly inflated and free from embedded stones or other fragments that could cause a puncture. Most modern bikes have quick-release wheels, but if yours doesn't, be sure to bring an appropriate spanner or whatever other tools are needed to remove a wheel in the event of a puncture. And of course don't forget that spare inner tube.

Looking ahead, we'll have our standard June ride on the 13th, and our second Extra later that month. I'll post the usual details here for both rides nearer the time.

A chilly trip to the tower

At today's pre-ride briefing, the leader, Glenn welcomed everyone to the "March ride", before correcting himself to say the "May ride". The weather was certainly more like March than May, being dull, grey and decidedly chilly. It did warm up in the afternoon and stayed dry all day. Our destination was Preston Tower, the remains of a 14th century castle, set on high ground in a lovely garden on the edge of Prestonpans. Given the chilly start, a turn out of 15 riders was quite respectable.

In a change from our usual route when heading east, we threaded through the quiet back streets of the Grange. Fountainhall Road was closed for the 2026 Grange Fair, so a minor detour was necessary. We were soon back on our intended route crossing Ratcliffe Terrace, Minto Street and Dalkeith Road. One rider's minor mechanical issue delayed us briefly. Back underway, we made our way carefully down Priestfield Road. Being a quiet road and downhill, we would have expected to whizz down it; but the appalling state of the road surface prevented that. Via Peffermill Road and Kings Haugh, we were soon on the Innocent Railway which we stayed on as far as Brunstane station. The Brunstane Burn path, Milton Road East and Edinburgh Road took us to a comfort stop at Fisherrow Harbour. From there we crossed the Electric Bridge and made our way to the Lagoons and along the path beside Musselburgh racecourse. Following a section of rough path, we were soon on the surfaced path beside the sea wall which took us to Prestonpans. Back on the road, we turned right at the traffic lights and climbed up to Preston Tower, which would be our lunch stop. But we continued past the tower for an extra pre-lunch loop. We took the road past the Prestonpans station car park, past Bankton House and the bridge over the A1, before turning left on the unsurfaced track that took us to Scotland's earliest railway, the Tranent - Cockenzie Waggonway. Turning left, we passed the Meadowmill Sports Centre before taking the B1361 and returning to Preston Tower. Although far-from warm, it was pleasant sitting in the lovely garden for our picnic lunch.

With lunch over, we headed down the hill into the centre of Prestonpans for a comfort stop, then took the road back towards Musselburgh. We left the road behind and joined the path beside the sea wall we had taken on our outward journey. Unlike in the morning, this time we stayed on the path beside the sea rather than heading slightly inland. Up beside the river and we were soon crossing the Electric Bridge before heading through Musselburgh's quiet backstreets to arrive at the railway station. From there we took the familiar route via Newcraighall and onto the Innocent Railway and back to the Meadows, where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Judging by the round of applause for the leader, it appears that everyone had enjoyed the ride. It is always satisfying to take riders to new places or to familiar places via lesser known routes. Thanks to Saquib for back marking.

Leader: Glenn

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

May ride this coming Saturday

Our next ride, which will take place this coming Saturday (9th). Glenn will be leading us on an interesting route around Musselburgh and Prestonpans. The total distance will be about 22 miles. Most of the route will be reasonably flat except for a a few short climbs during the morning. For most of the time we will be on quiet roads and well-surfaced paths, with just one or two short rough patches

Lunch stop

We will stop for a picnic lunch in the grounds of the Preston Tower. This is the remains of a 14th century castle, set on high ground in a lovely garden with a noted laburnum arch. There is plenty of seating there, and fine views over the Forth.

Those who prefer to eat indoors can make for the Coastline cafe in the centre of Prestonpans (about half a mile from the picnic spot). There are also a couple of places in the village where you can pick up a take-away sandwich and a hot drink. There will be a toilet stop in the village immediately after lunch.

Logistics

Nothing new here. We'll set out as usual at 10:30 from the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. Like all our rides, this one is free with no advance booking.

Looking ahead

This is the time of year when we start planning our longer Extra rides. With that in mind, we have scheduled the first Extra of the season for 30 May. I'll post full details here nearer the time; for now, note the date.

Almost spring-like in Dalkeith

Dalkeith was the destination for today's ride. It had been raining earlier, and the forecast suggested there would be more to come. But by the time the 17 riders gathered at the start, it was dry and the sun was shining down from a clear blue sky. It was breezy, quite cool and felt not quite like spring, but [perhaps] heading in the right direction. The wind strengthened in the afternoon, but the rain stayed away.

Following the customary briefing, our leader for the day, Alison led us off down Middle Meadow Walk. But instead of heading down and turning left onto North Meadow Walk, she took us through George Square, along Crichton Street, right along Potterow, Chapel Street and Buccleuch Street, before turning left up Gifford Park and back onto our usual route. Just before the start it was realised that getting the group along North Meadow Walk would have been difficult as the cycle path section was closed due to the Meadows 5k/10k run. We went past the entrance to the Innocent Tunnel into Holyrood Park, along Duddingston Low Road, and turned right down the steep hill to join the Innocent Railway path which we followed all the way to Musselburgh station. After a brief pause, we headed down the new path beside the railway line, and along The Grove to Whitecraig. The A6094 to Dalkeith was closed, so there was little traffic to contend with, and we were soon on NCN 1 heading towards Dalkeith. Once there, we took the path through Riverside Park to Newmills Road. It was tricky crossing the busy road due to roadworks and the pedestrian crossing being out of action. With everyone safely across, we continued on the paths through the Newbattle Estate to arrive at the kissing gate. This is always a bottleneck, but we were soon through it and making our way into King's Park for our lunch stop. It was a bit cool and breezy, but being outside in the sunshine was very pleasant.

We left the park and rode through the busy town centre to enter Dalkeith Country Park at the end of the High Street. As we got to the more open parts of the park it became clear that the wind was strengthening as we were blown about more. We took our tried-and-tested route through the park until we were almost at the A6094 exit, where we forked left and took a new route to exit through a tall wooden gate, crossed a bridge over the City Bypass and emerged in New Craighall beside the new crematorium. From there, it was a short run back to Musselburgh station, before returning to town via the Innocent Railway - this time going through the tunnel. At The Meadows, Alison declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alison for leading. Was great to find a new exit from the country park avoiding the section of busy road into Whitecraig. The gate has been closed for a number of years, and it is so good that it is open again. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Alison

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Ride to Dalkeith this coming Saturday

We've got our April ride coming up on Saturday (11th). Alison will be leading us to Dalkeith on what promises to be a pleasant scenic route.

The total distance will be around 22 miles, with no particular difficulties. We will mainly be cycling on well-surfaced paths and quiet roads, although there might be a couple of paths that will be a little rough and possibly muddy. Apart from a short stretch through Dalkeith town centre, we should be able to avoid busy roads. Nor do we expect any serious hills.

For our lunch stop, we'll head to the King's Park in the centre of Dalkeith. This is a pleasant spot for picnicking, with plenty of seating. For those who prefer to eat indoors, there is a cafe in the Morrisons supermarket across the street (and also toilets). The cafe serves a range of snacks and light meals, or you can pick up a sandwich and take-away drink to bring to the park.

As always, we'll set out from our meeting point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk at 10:30. And, as always, you don't need to reply to this post or let anyone know in advance whether or not you plan to join us.

Please remember to bring a spare inner tube and any any tools that might be needed to remove your wheel in the event of a puncture. If you are not comfortable changing a tube, don't worry - there are usually willing helpers on hand.

Four seasons at the Lost Shore

Today's ride saw us head out to the Lost Shore Surf Resort near Ratho. The month of March lived up to its reputation by giving us four seasons in one day - hailstones, wind and a brief spell of warm sunshine. The forecast suggested it would stay dry until late afternoon, but that wasn't to be. It was bright and sunny but cool as an impressive turnout of twenty riders gathered at the start. There was even a new rider and a returnee we hadn't seen for quite a while.

Our leader for the day, Alan gave his usual in-depth briefing prior to us heading off towards Murrayfield via Bruntsfield Links, the Leamington Bridge and Roseburn Park. Through Saughtonhall, along the cycle path behind Silvan House, along Meadowhouse Road, and we then stopped beside the dovecot that gives Dovecot Road its name. Perhaps it was a little early in the ride for a refuelling stop [given some of the climbing that lay ahead], but Iain and the writer went amongst the group offering cakes. With the cake-stop over, we pressed on through Broomhall to South Gyle station where we dismounted and pushed our bikes along the walkway that is there whilst the bridge is being worked on. After remounting, we made our way through the Gyle Shopping Centre car park, through Edinburgh Park, took the subway under the Edinburgh City Bypass, along Gogarbank, Gogarmuir Road and Ransfield Road, before turning right to take the downhill followed by a stiff little climb up into Ratho village. We then climbed up through the village and out to join the B7030 for our final downhill run to the Lost Shore Surf Resort. A combination of dangerously impatient drivers and being blasted in the face with heavy rain made this the most unpleasant part of the whole ride. It was a relief to turn off onto the quiet road that took us to our lunch stop. Some riders headed to the dry and warmth of the café, whilst others decided to tough it out in the rain on the picnic tables. A few minutes later we were sitting beneath blue skies and basking in warmish sunshine.

The sun was still shining as we headed up the path back towards Ratho village. But before we had left the village we were being hit by hailstones. Several riders stopped to don waterproofs whilst others gritted their teeth and pressed on. We regrouped just before Roddinglaw by which time it was dry. Usually, we would have turned left onto the unsurfaced track past Kellerstain, but on the outward journey we had seen a sign telling us that Gogar Station Road was closed. Instead we stayed on Roddinglaw Road and joined Gogarbank to retrace our outward route from the morning to Edinburgh Park. From there we took the cycle path alongside Bankhead Drive, Broomhouse Drive and Stenhouse Drive before joining the path beside the tram tracks that took us back to Jenners Depository. Our route back to The Meadows was almost the same as our outbound route, the only difference being that we went via the King's Theatre rather than Bruntsfield Links.

It had been a enjoyable ride despite the changeable weather. Thanks to Alan for leading and thanks to Saquib for back marking.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Ride to Ratho this coming Saturday

 Hello everyone,

We've got our March ride this coming Saturday (14th). Under Alan's leadership, we'll be heading out to Ratho. The route will mainly involve quiet roads and firm surfaces, but there will also be a couple of short off-road sections that might be a bit rough. We can expect some steep climbing towards the end of the morning, but otherwise fairly easy gradients. The total distance will be about 22 miles.

Lunch stop

Provided the weather is not too awful, we'll have our lunch at the Lost Shore surf resort. This is an ideal place for a picnic. There are benches and picnic tables on the terrace as well as informal seating by the side of the lochs, all with nice views over the water and the wider countryside.

There is a large restaurant at the centre, but this mainly serves full meals rather than quick snacks. It is quite expensive and the service is inclined to be slow, so you might be hard pressed to have lunch in the time available. For those reasons, I suggest you bring your own food for a picnic if at all possible. There is however a separate kiosk where you can pick up a hot drink.

If the day is particularly cold or wet, we might opt for a lunch stop at the nearby climbing arena instead. This has picnic space both inside and out, as well as a small cafe where you can pick up a light snack.

Logistics

We'll gather at our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. We'll aim to finish the ride at or near the Meadows some time around the middle of the afternoon.

There is no need to let us know in advance whether or not you plan to attend. If you'd like to join us, just turn up. The ride is of course free and is open to all.

Finally, please keep in mind that we always welcome suggestions for new routes or destinations for our rides, especially if you can volunteer to lead a ride yourself. If so, do get in touch.

Even Mike hasn't been to some of these places

For today's ride we were back to our usual full-day format after our recent programme of half-day mid-winter rides. But given the weather first thing, it still felt a lot like mid-winter. Despite a substantial overnight frost, the dry ground meant there was no problem with slippery surfaces. It was far from warm, but the clear blue skies and sunshine were most welcome. The frost obviously kept many away, resulting in a mere nine riders making the start. Surprisingly, we had one new rider amongst the small group.  During the leader's briefing, Steve told us we would be going on an interesting tour of bike paths, back streets and parks in the east and north of the city. He also promised us that we would be going to places none of us had been before; and to add gravitas, he said, "even Mike hasn't been to some of these places!" The morning saw us head to Ocean Terminal for a relatively early lunch. The actual route may not have been that familiar, but at least the majority knew where they were. That was in stark contrast to the [longer] afternoon part of the ride.

With the briefing over, we made our way into Holyrood Park and along Duddingston Low Road, where we had to dismount and walk a short distance beside the barriers by the unstable rockface. From Duddingston village, we took Meadowfield Drive, Queen's Park Avenue and Royal Park Terrace before cutting through to Lower London Road. Having crossed London Road, we were soon riding through Lochend Park past the ice-covered pond. Having left the park, we continued on to join the cycle path to Leith Links and made our way to the Shore. Across the Victoria Swing Bridge, along Ocean Drive past Victoria Quay, through a couple of quiet backstreets and we were at Ocean Terminal for an early lunch stop.

With lunch over, we left Ocean Terminal and made our way along the cobbles [and disused rail tracks] of the quiet street that runs between Victoria Quay and Commercial Street. Passing Leith Market, we crossed Commercial Street and were soon being given an history lesson by Steve on St Ninian's Chapel - a very impressive building tucked away down a quiet backstreet. He then expertly led us through unfamiliar streets and Pilrig Park to arrive at The Tram Shed off Shrubhill Walk. Here Steve explained the history of the iconic building and its evolution from the Shrubhill tramway workshops and power station to the luxury flats of today. Passing the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, we rode along McDonald Road, through St Marks Park and along the Chancelot Path to the Five Ways Junction. We continued along the path that runs beside Lower Granton Road, and onwards to visit the Granton Gas Holder. Steve then led us through Forthquarter Park and along West Shore Road. As we headed into Muirhouse on the new North Edinburgh Path Network we were all well and truly into unchartered territory with no idea where we were. Fortunately Steve knew his way around the area and led us back to the Blackhall Path, where we were all able to say, "now I know where I am". From there, it was an easy ride back to the Meadows on familiar paths and roads via Craigleith Junction, the Roseburn Path and the canal. At the Meadows, Steve declared the ride officially over.

Everyone enjoyed what was a really good ride. Thanks to Steve for leading us to new places and informing us of the history of places along the route. Even the weather turned out OK after a frosty start. It wasn't as cold as expected, and the sunshine and clear blue skies were an added bonus. Thanks to Mike for back marking.

Leader: Steve

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Full-day ride this coming Saturday

We've got our February run coming up next Saturday (14th). This time we will be back to our usual full-day format after our recent programme of half-day midwinter rides.

Steve will be leading us on what looks like an interesting tour of bike paths, back streets and parks in the east and north of the city. The route will be similar to the one that Steve led this time last year, but with some interesting variations, including a chance to see various bits of new cycling infrastructure.

The total distance will be about 20 miles. There will be a bit of climbing near the start, but most of the route will be fairly flat. We'll mainly be riding on firm surfaces, apart from one stretch that might be a bit muddy. Watch out too for some cobbled streets along the way, including some with embedded rail lines. Fortunately, these are all fairly short.

Lunch stop

Our lunch stop will be at the Ocean Terminal. I'm pleased to report that there is now some indoor seating there which will be suitable for those of us who like to bring a packed lunch. But you can still choose to take your picnic on the veranda if you prefer. There are also the usual take-away outlets, including a Starbucks and a Greggs, where you can pick up a hot drink and a sandwich.

Logistics

Nothing new here. We'll gather at our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. Like all our rides, this one is free and open to all, and there's no need to tell us in advance whether or not you plan to attend.

Looking ahead, next month's ride will take place on 14 March. Look out for more information about that nearer the time.

A chilly January jaunt

The original plan for today was to head out on the Water of Leith path, returning by a high route along Woodhall Road and through Bonaly. But with temperatures barely reaching zero, and reports of extensive icy patches on many bike paths and minor roads, we opted for a different route – one that involved staying in town, and on roads that were likely to have been gritted.

Seven of set out from the Meadows, which was not a bad turnout considering the conditions. We started down The Mound and Dundas Street, and then on to Canonmills and along Inverleith Row towards Leith. Fortunately, the traffic was light, and, up to that point, we did not encounter any serious ice.

We cautiously crossed Leith Links and then onto the Restalrig Path. At first, all was well. But about half way along the path, we came up against some serious slippery stretches, with the ramp leading up to Lochend Road being all but impassable. We had been aiming for Lochend Park and Meadowbank, but when one of the group slipped and fell on the ice (fortunately she was unhurt), we decided on another change of plan.

So we left the Restalrig Path at Easter Road, then weaved through back streets to Leith Walk. We stayed on the segregated bike lane to the top of the Walk, then into Leith Street and across Waterloo Place. The final leg took us over North Bridge and into Chambers Street to the National Museum, at which point the ride was declared over and we went our separate ways.

At slightly less than an hour and half in the saddle and seven miles on the clock, it was not exactly a long run, but the general feeling was that we had made the best of the morning, despite the difficult conditions. And although the temperature remained around zero the whole time, at least it stayed dry and reasonably sunny.

Next month we will have a normal full-day ride. With luck, the weather will have improved by then. (But don't hold me to that.)

Leaders: Alison and Mike

Report: Mike

 

half-day ride this coming Saturday

We've got our first ride of 2026 coming up on Saturday (10th). This will again be a half-day run, ending at around 1 pm at or near the Meadows. We will not be organising an official lunch stop, but there are plenty of cafes, sandwich shops and pubs near the finish point for anyone who wants to go for a post-ride meal or snack.

Alison will be our leader on Saturday. She'll be taking us on a pleasant route along the Water of Leith to just beyond Colinton, and then back via Woodhall Road and Bonaly. The outward leg will be mostly flat, but there will be a couple of moderate hills on the way home. Most of the route will be on quiet roads and well-surfaced paths, apart from one rough track that might be a little muddy, and a couple of short stretches on main roads where we might see some traffic. The total distance will be about 14 miles.

As always, we'll set out at 10:30 from our usual meeting point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. And, as always, the ride is free and open to all on a "just turn up" basis.

Keep in mind that the route details given here are provisional. Although it doesn't happen very often, there is always the possibility that we will have to change the route at short notice, depending on conditions on the day. But even when that happens, the meeting time and place will always be as advertised.

We'll look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Saturday. And, looking ahead, our February run will be on 14th, when we will be back to our usual full-day format.