October ride to South Queensferry (13th October)

View 20-Milers to South Queensferry 2012 Oct 13, Sat 10:14 in a larger map

One of the things we aim to do on our monthly runs is to explore lesser-known cycling routes: to introduce riders to places they might not discover on their own. On that basis, today's run was an undoubted success. Thanks to some careful map-reading and reconnaissance by Ken Roxburgh, we found a delightful place to cycle that was completely new to almost everyone on the ride.

About 20 of us set out from the Meadows, heading up the familiar NCN 1 route to Cramond Brig. There was some light rain at first, but this soon eased off, leaving a slightly damp and overcast day.

After Cramond Brig, we turned west on the minor road past the Craigiehall army base. A couple of miles later, we hauled our bikes up the steep slope to the railway path, which took us quickly into Kirkliston. We then headed north for a short stretch on the shared-use pavement alongside the busy A8000.

So far, so unremarkable. But things started to get interesting when Ken brought us to a halt by a narrow driveway leading into private grounds. A sign by the gate told us that this was one of the entrances to the Dundas Castle estate.

Dundas what? No, I'd never heard of it either. Dundas Castle, it seems, is the family home of Sir Jack Stewart-Clark. The magnficent fortified house, which is also used as a conference and wedding venue, was built in 1818, on the site of an earlier 15th Century castle. It's located in the middle of a 1,500-acre estate, and, despite its size, is completely hidden from the road. The sign by the gate made it clear that this was very much private property.

Fortunately, Ken had contacted the estate office in advance, and had obtained special permission for us to cycle through the grounds. Out of respect for the family's privacy, we had agreed not to go past the house itself, but instead took a delightful back road through a deep, secluded valley. We paused by a charming loch at the base of a craggy cliff, surrounded by mature trees. The only sign of human habitation was a former boat-house, now used as an up-market self-catering venue.

Another couple of miles of pedalling through these peaceful woods took us to the estate's north gate, from where we had a quick downhill run back to civilization, otherwise known as South Queensferry.

After lunch, we took a much better-known route: through the Dalmeny Estate on NCN 76, and so back to Cramond Brig. The last leg was through Barnton and along the Blackhall Path to the Sustrans marker by Craigleath, where we went our separate ways. The total distance to this point was 24 miles.

Thanks to Ken for devising and leading this excellent ride. Thanks also to Jim for back-marking and route-tracing, and, of course, to the staff at Dundas Castle for letting us discover their delightful and secluded corner of the world.

Leader: Ken
Report: Mike

October's ride to Craigie Farm - Cranes, Trains and Planes

Today we had 22 people on our ride. We were anticipating some not-particularly-nice weather (the forecast had been for rain) but after a chilly, damp, misty start it turned out very nice for most of the ride. The wind was gentle and we had plenty of sun. Perfect cycling weather.

View 20Milers Oct09 in a larger map
Our route today headed out through Roseburn Park, Balgreen and Corstorphine, then through South Gyle and a very quiet Edinburgh Park (I imagine that it must be very busy on a weekday - at the weekends it is dead!) with a pretty section beside the small burn that runs through the site. We then headed under the Bypass on an excellent secret path beside the burn and out beside a crane yard on the Gogar Station Road. From there we turned North and headed over the RBS bridge over the A8, then turned East briefly and then back out towards the Freight section of the airport (so we could watch planes land while we ate some jelly babies kindly provided by today's route leader Andrew). A more undulating section followed (that's code word for "hilly") as we made our way to our lunch stop at Craigie Farm where there is a deli and cafe and picnic benches.

After lunch, which was quite late today at 2/3 of the way round the route, we had a straightforward run back into town along Route 1, saying goodbye to people as they headed home until only about 5 of us were left at the Leamington Lift Bridge where the ride was declared officially Over.

October's ride

The next ride will be on Saturday 10th October (we always meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month) and will be to the West of the city. The final route is still to be confirmed but we will probably be having lunch in a farm cafe, or bring a picnic.

Update: If the weather is not windy, we'll head out via Corstorphine and Edinburgh Park, to Gogarburn, the airport, Cammo and lunch at Craigie Farm, then back in through Barnton and Roseburn - about 22 miles.
However the weather forecast has been a bit pessimistic, so if it turns out to be really windy or wet then we'll do an alternative (shorter and more sheltered) route within the city limits - Grange / Craiglochart, Water of Leith, Roseburn, Inverleith, lunch around Canonmills, Leith, Lochend and Holyrood Park - about 18 miles.

Hope to see you on the day whatever the weather!

Ride report - October

October's ride to Prestonpans

Today's weather was beautifully sunny, if slightly windy, and we went about 25 miles out to Prestonpans. There were about 20 people on this month's ride, and we made good time through Holyrood Park, some quiet back streets in Willowbrae and Northfield and then onto Route 1 as far as Brunstane, where we joined a muddy track along the Brunstane Burn. There was only 1 bit where the majority vote was to push our bikes (although those that cycled ended up a bit less muddy than those of us who pushed!)

We then joined the Edinburgh road into Musselburgh and mustered at the Promenade (it takes a while to get across the road, by which time the leading group has disappeared round the corner! - no one got lost though which is good).

We followed the coast as far as Prestonpans - this is varied terrain, ranging from roads, tarmac paths and then some grassy paths at the Eastern end, in the Levenhall ash lagoons. These lagoons were made from the spoil from Cockenzie power station, just along the road, and apart from the active dumping areas, are now being converted into some nice nature reserves (and are a quiet place to learn to windsurf too). We stopped off briefly at Prestongrange Museum, an early Industrial Park, it seems. Then on to lunch at the Gothenburg pub, where they coped pretty well with a sudden influx of 20 hungry cyclists.

After lunch we had today's Hill (Falside - only 144m from the Ordnance Survey map, but from sea level I felt every metre). There is a Tower House (Castle) at the summit so it's easy to see how near (or far) you are. After the summit of course there's the payback on the downhill stretch - my top speed was 29.6mph - my new bike has disc brakes which are my favourite feature - makes braking on that sort of hill so much more reliable and it was such fun going whoosh!

Then we wended our way back into town via Musselburgh golf course and the River Esk, then Route 1 all the way back to Middle Meadow Walk. We finished at about 4.30pm and total cycling time was about 3h10mins for me, average speed about 8mph.


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Saturday 11th October

We've got another excellent ride in prospect for this Saturday (11th October). Under the knowledgeable leadership of Chris Pearson, we'll be heading east along the coast, aiming for the historic village of Prestonpans -- noted for its murals, its 18th-century battle site, and its more recent industrial heritage.

Our lunch stop will be at the celebrated Gothenburgh pub, where there will be hot food on offer. For hardy folk who prefer eating al fresco, there are a couple of pleasant picnic spots nearby.

The total distance will be just over the nominal 20 miles. The route will be reasonably flat, and will be mainly on dedicated bike paths, with a short section on a shared-use path alongside a main road. There'll also be a couple of short stretches in traffic, but we'll take these slowly and carefully.

Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). There are coffee shops and a supermarket near by if you'd like to pick up picnic provisions.
Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. No need to book.
Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Chris Pearson (0131 343 2685).