A sunny South Queensferry jaunt

Today's ride saw us head to that ever-popular destination of South Queensferry. The weather forecast suggested we were in for pleasant temperatures and sunny intervals. Given some of the torrential downpours of recent days, we were hoping it was accurate. What we eventually got was blue skies, bright sunshine and higher than expected temperatures. A turnout of 18 riders was acceptable - that seems to be about the figure we expect these days.

Following the obligatory route and safety briefing from the leader, we headed to Leamington Bridge via Bruntsfield Links. From there we continued to the well known zig-zags at Russell Road via Fountainbridge and the Telfer subway. One rider struggled up the zig-zags and stopped at the top with gear problems. Alan, our resident mechanic was on hand to help, and following a slight delay we were all back together and on our way via Craigleith, Silverknowes and Barnton to Cramond Brig. We stopped on the bridge whilst two riders offered round cake. A few lucky riders also saw a kingfisher darting about above the river below. A short sharp climb and we were on the path beside the busy A90. Up beside the B924 and we paused at the entrance to the Dalmeny estate to regroup. Through Dalmeny village and on to the path that brought us out at the Co-op in South Queensferry. Down the hill, right at the new traffic lights and we were on South Queensferry High Street. We parked up at the steps leading down to the beach. On such a lovely sunny day, most of the group stayed there to enjoy their picnic lunches.

Lunch over, we mounted up and rode along the cobbled High Street through the town, turning off to head under the Forth Rail Bridge and into the Dalmeny estate. The path varied between smooth tarmac and rough unsurfaced track with a few climbs and descents to contend with. Despite the heavy rain in the last few days, mud wasn't a problem. We emerged just above Cramond Brig, where again we paused before heading back towards town. Our route back being the same as we had taken out in the morning. At the Cramond Road South / Silverknowes Terrace cut-through we came across several dog walkers who believed 18 cyclists had no right to be on this recognised shared cycle and foot path. The backmarker stopped to politely debate the matter with them. Not sure if it will make any difference. From there we had a relatively trouble-free ride back to the Meadows, making a couple of detours to avoid road works. Here the leader declared the ride officially over. 

All seemed to have enjoyed the ride. One comment summed it up perfectly, "I've been to South Queensferry many times; but this was a lovely route and it's so much nicer when riding in a group. Thanks to Yaz for leading, Neil for back marking and the weather for being so kind to us.

Leader: Yaz

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

How two became one

Every now and again something unexpected happens on one of our rides. Today was such a day. As would be expected, the first group set off first with today's leader at the helm. A few miles into the ride, the second group caught up when a puncture delayed them. The leader waved the group through and told them to carry on. As the day unfolded it became clear that this would be the order for the rest of the ride.

A light breeze and sunshine greeted the 37 riders that started today's ride. It was good to see quite a few new faces in amongst the familiar ones. It has been quite a while since we had such a large turn out. As a result, we split into two groups with the first group heading off ten minutes before the second. Via the familiar route taking in Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge, the canal, Telfer subway and Gorgie Road, we arrived at the Russell Road zig-zags. Up them and we were on the Roseburn Path heading for Granton. The first group were delayed by a puncture near the Granton gasometer. The leader waved the others through and told them we would all meet up at lunch. From there we took Silverknowes prom to Cramond where we had a comfort and sweetie stop. On our way again, past Cramond Falls and up the stiff little climb that is School Brae to join Whitehouse Road. A right turn down Peggy's Mill Road before dropping down to join the River Almond Walkway. We made our customary stop at Cramond Brig before taking the off-road path beside the river. It was a bit rough and muddy in places, but everyone made it through without incident to Grotto Bridge. The run along Turnhouse Farm Road, beside the airport saw us battling into a strong headwind. The path beside Edinburgh Gateway station led us to the Gyle Shopping Centre car park. Once safely across that, we left the hustle and bustle of the Gyle behind to take Gogar Station Road to our lunch stop at Heriot Watt University. As ever, there was plenty of space for us in the cafeteria. The leader's group arrived some five riders short. They had missed a turning and had to retrace their steps. As a result, by the time they arrived, the first group were ready to leave.

Lunch over, we joined the canal and began heading back towards town. After a stretch beside the canal, we left it at Cutlins Road. Bankhead Drive, Broomhouse Drive and the path beside the tram line led us to the impressive old Jenner's Depository building. From there we took the Water of Leith path past Murrayfield and at the Russell Road zig zags the leader declared the ride officially over. Despite the mixing up of the groups, the puncture and the lost riders, the ride went well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Thanks to Jenny for leading us on an interesting [some may even say dramatic] ride. Was good the way she mixed up the route. Quite a few sections were familiar, but the way they were threaded together made things seem quite different. Also good to have a decent bit of off road in the mix.



Leader: Jenny
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn
Map trace: David