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
