To the tower

We have often passed through Prestonpans, but today it was our actual destination. Yaz led us to Preston Tower - the remains of a 14th century castle, set on high ground in lovely gardens with a noted laburnum arch. With plenty of seating and fine views over the Forth, it was an ideal location for a picnic lunch. Whilst the forecast suggested we would have a dry and sunny day with a gentle breeze, we were not expecting it to be pleasantly warm for the time of year, which was an added bonus. In the 20 Milers 21st year, it is great to still find places we can visit for the first time.

The weather and the promise of visiting somewhere new helped muster 22 riders for an October ride. Following a comprehensive briefing from the leader, we left The Meadows behind and took the familiar route to Musselburgh via the Innocent Railway. Stopping at Musselburgh station, Iain handed round his delicious homemade cake and Yaz handed round sweets to sustain us until lunchtime. From there, we were expertly led on an unfamiliar twisty route through the backstreets of Musselburgh to emerge beside the blue arrow at the end of Goose Green. Pausing there, Yaz called on Mike to explain why the blue arrow existed and the story behind it. Mike expertly delegated the task to the writer, who told the story to the group. From there we took the path beside the sea that led us to join the road into Prestonpans. Along the High Street, we turned right onto Ayres Wynd and climbed the hill to Preston Tower. We spread out in the lovely gardens beneath the tower to enjoy our picnics in the warm sunshine.

With lunch over, we headed back down towards the High Street. After a welcome comfort stop, we turned right at the traffic lights, and just before the Robert Burns Memorial Gardens turned left down a slope to a path above the shore. Below us was another path right beside the sea. A couple of riders said they had been on it before, found it very slippery and did not want to go on it again. That didn't matter, as the intention was to stay on the higher path. A combination of previous experience and thorough recceing meant that the leader knew the lower path was unsuitable and shortly petered out resulting in a push across a stretch of of beach. But the path we took was a delight; twisting behind houses and giving fine views across the Forth before emerging back onto the High Street. A short stretch on the road and we were back on the path from the morning beside the shore. This time we headed inland and took the path running alongside Musselburgh racecourse, which is so much better now it has a proper sealed surface. Up beside the River Esk, across the Electric Bridge, a brief pause at Fisherrow Harbour and we were on Edinburgh Road heading towards Portobello. The group got split up on this section courtesy of temporary traffic lights. But we regrouped at the bottom of Milton Road and headed onto the Brunstane Burn path. At the end of the path, we re-joined the route we had taken outward in the morning. Via the Innocent Railway, we were soon back at The Meadows where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Yaz for leading us on such an enjoyable ride which was enjoyed by all. New to many was the section between Musselburgh station and the Electric Bridge, as was the path above the shore running parallel to Prestonpans High Street. But the highlight had to be Preston Tower set in such delightful gardens. Thanks to Saqib back marking.

Leader: Yaz

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn 

October ride to Prestonpans

This is a reminder of our next ride, which will take place this coming Saturday (11th). Yaz will be in charge. We'll be heading east, taking in some lesser-known parts of Musselburgh and with a lunch stop in Prestonpans. 

The total distance will be about 22 miles. While most of the route will be reasonably flat, there will be a couple of moderate hills as well as one steeper climb just before lunch. For most of the time we will be on quiet roads and well-surfaced paths, with just one or two short rough patches.

Prestonpans

Those of us who like a picnic lunch will head up to 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, which serves a range of sandwiches and hot snacks. There are also a couple of places in the village where you can pick up a take-away sandwich and hot drink.

There are public toilets in the village. We might also have an additional toilet stop at Fisherrow on the return leg.

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.

Saved the fast 'til last

For today's final Extra ride of the year we headed across the Forth to Dunfermline in Fife. There was nothing to suggest it would be when we set off, but it turned out to be [probably] the fastest Extra ride ever, and definitely the earliest finish for one. The weather forecast suggested we might see some rain before the ride was over; but it stayed off long enough for us to finish the ride and allow everyone to get home before it arrived. Although we didn't see the sun, it was one of those early autumn days that was warmer than it first appeared, but cooler when the wind blew - the type of day that makes it difficult to dress appropriately for.

Perhaps the forecast put off some riders, and there were a few regulars missing, but a turn out of just 10 riders was lower than expected for the final Extra ride of the year. Today's leader, Alan wasn't overly bothered. He knew that it is always easier to lead a small group, rather than a large one. He even opted to forego a back marker. We left Craigleith on the Blackhall Path and made our way to Cramond Brig via Silverknowes and Barnton. Following a brief pause, we were on our way again and it was beginning to look as if this may develop into a faster paced ride than usual. Going via the path beside the A90 and Dalmeny, we were soon skirting South Queensferry and having a comfort stop at the Forth Bridge visitor centre. Although it was somewhat dull and overcast, there was little wind as we crossed the Forth Road Bridge. Crossing the road, we made our way via cycle paths to Hilton Road and into Rosyth. A recently discovered route past the new Rosyth/SW Fife High School is a great shortcut that avoids a busy stretch of road. We were soon on Brankholm Brae. Whilst it is not the main road into Dunfermline, it was very busy, narrow and undulating. Turning off it onto Grange Road gave little respite from the heavy traffic. That section of the route was not nice at all. It was a relief to reach Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline, and stop for a picnic lunch in the lovely sensory garden.

Alan had allowed us 30 minutes for lunch, which was sufficient time. We left the park and retraced our outward route back to Rosyth. This time, Grange Road and Brankholm Brae were even worse with heavy traffic. It was a relief to take the quiet paths and weave around the yet-to-be-completed school. We left Rosyth and made our way back towards the Forth Road Bridge. Thanks to a suggestion from Howard, we were able to avoid the narrow and quite busy Ferry Toll Road. Instead, we meandered along cycle paths through some woods and alongside deserted roads to get to the bridge. We had to contend with a strong headwind as we crossed the bridge, meaning the comfort stop once across, was most welcome. From there it was a simple matter of retracing our outward route from the morning back to Craigleith, where we arrived at 2.30 pm. To finish a 20 Milers ride by that time is quite an achievement, but to finish an Extra is unheard of.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed this year's final Extra, and we were all relieved the rain had stayed off. Thanks to Alan for leading. Probably shouldn't say this, but thanks to Glenn for opting to take on the role of back marker, albeit in an unofficial capacity.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Last of this summer's Extras this coming Saturday

We are planning to squeeze in one more of our Extra rides this summer. This will take place this coming Saturday (27th). Under Alan's leadership, we will be heading over the Forth Road Bridge and into Fife, with a lunch stop in Dunfermline. The route will be on a variety of roads and paths, including a couple of stretches on main roads that might be busy with traffic. There will be some long-ish climbs in the morning but no real killers (and some nice free-wheeling in the afternoon). The total distance will be 32 - 35 miles.

Please remember that these Extras go at a faster pace than our normal rides, with fewer stops. They are suitable for those of our riders who find our usual runs well within their capabilities. Those who are less fit or who haven't cycled for a while will probably prefer to skip this one.

Lunch arrangements

Our lunch stop will be in Pittencrieff Park in the centre of Dunfermline. This is an ideal spot for a picnic, so I suggest you bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there is a cafe in the park, serving a soup of day and a good range of snacks and hot and cold drinks.

Meeting time and place

For this ride, we'll assemble at the Craigleith path junction (see here if you need directions). Please aim to get there in time for a prompt 10:30 departure.

Looking ahead, our next ride will take place on 11 October. As usual, I'll post full details nearer the time.

Dalkeith Delights

Our destination for today's run was Dalkeith. That's somewhere the group often ride to – we visited it as recently as last April. But this time, under Alison's leadership, we managed to add a little variety to the route with a couple of interesting variations.

Nineteen riders turned up, including three newcomers – all very welcome. The first eight or nine miles were on familiar territory: the Innocent Path, Bruntstane, Newcraighall and Musselburgh Station, then on the new-ish bike path to Monktonhall and then onto the River Esk walkway. We paused for the customary breather at the top of the stiff climb up to Cowpits, then on through Whitecraig and the bike path past the Dalkeith school campus and along Salters Road.

Normally we would head straight into Dalkeith town centre from this point. But this time we turned off the road just before the bridge over the South Esk, taking a pleasant path through Waterfall Park. After crossing the Maiden Bridge, we continued through the woods next to Newbattle golf course. This is really a delightful spot. We normally approach it on the return leg from Dalkeith. Seeing it from the opposite direction made a welcome change.

The final leg of the morning took us across the busy Abbey Road and so into King's Park for our lunch stop. A few of the group headed to the nearby supermarket cafe, while most settled for a picnic lunch in the park.

Up to now the day had been dry, sunny and reasonably warm. But as we saddled up for the return leg, clouds started to appear and a few drops of rain were felt. This continued as we cycled through Dalkeith town centre. By time we reached the entrance to Dalkeith Country Park, the rain was much more in evidence, so we paused in the Restoration Yard to give those who hadn't already done so a chance to put on their waterproofs.

Re-opened gate

When cycling through Dalkeith Country Park, we normally head for the gate in the north east corner by Smeaton Farm. This takes us onto a busy stretch of road towards Whitecraig. This time, we were able to avoid the traffic by turning left just before the gate, taking a winding route through pleasant farmland to another gate, at Old Craighall. Older members of the group will remember that this used to be our normal route out of the park, but that gate was closed in 2013 and remained closed until a few weeks ago. It was good to be able to go that way again, if only for the sake of variety.

From Old Craighall, we took a shortcut through a new housing development and were soon on the path leading back to Musselburgh Station. By now the rain had eased off and blue skies were again in evidence. For the rest of the ride, we retraced our outward route back to the Meadows.

Despite the rain, it turned out be a very pleasant run, made more interesting by the variations to the normal route. Thanks to Alison for planning the route (helped by Alan) and for stepping in at short notice to lead the ride (not for the first time this year).

Leader: Alison

Report and photos: Mike 

Rride to Dalkeith this coming Saturday

We've got our September ride coming up on Saturday (13th). Glenn will be leading us to Dalkeith - somewhere we have visited many times over the years. But this time, just to keep us on our toes, Glenn has managed to incorporate some interesting variations to the route - including one particular bit which I think will be new to most of us.

The total distance will be 22 - 24 miles, with no particular difficulties. We will mainly follow well-surfaced paths and quiet roads, apart from a couple of short stretches that might be a little rough and possibly muddy. There will be no overly busy roads and no killer 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 email or to let anyone know whether or not you plan to join us.

Looking ahead

We are planning to squeeze in another Extra this month. This will be on 27 September. I'll post the usual details as soon as they are known.

Outrunning the rain

There are a few rides that we will always associate with a particular leader e.g. Mike and Harlaw Reservoir, Alan and Silversands Bay at Aberdour, Glenn and Fa'side Hill; but the one that springs to mind will always be Merryhatton and the late Logan Strang. Logan was one of the stalwarts of the 20-Milers [and a real character] who died while cycling with some of our group in 2017. He devised the route, and it has been ridden in late August most years. It has never been flagged as such officially, but it is the closest thing to a memorial ride the group has. Some eight years after his passing, the leader (who has led the ride since 2017) still considers it an honour to lead what will always be "Logan's ride". The route gives a taste of the variety of East Lothian: the coastline, quaint villages, delightful countryside and even a few hills - to dispel the belief that the county is flat.

Today's ride saw us trying to outrun the rain which was forecast to arrive between 3.00 and 4.00 pm. Unfortunately, it arrived just after 3.00. By then, we were between Cockenzie and Prestonpans, so not too far from the finish at Musselburgh. But, as most riders had to get back to Edinburgh, it was a soggy end to the day. A bright sunny morning with a light breeze greeted the 11 riders that set out from Fisherrow Harbour. We would have expected a larger turn out, but a smaller group is always easier to manage, especially on a longer Extra ride. Our first pause to regroup was on the Electric Bridge over the River Esk. One rider asked why it is called that. The leader (who has lived in Musselburgh for many years) explained how it was built in the late 1960's to transport the generators to Cockenzie power station. There was a further stop for a history lesson beside the blue arrow at Goose Green. The arrow dates from the early days of World War 2, and was an aid for RAF bombers doing target practice over the Firth of Forth. We pressed on beside the racecourse to Prestonpans where we joined the road through the town before taking the lovely cycle path into Cockenzie. We took the quiet backstreets past Cockenzie and Port Seton harbours. One rider said he had always stayed on the main road, and this was the first time he had seen the two harbours. It's always good to hear that someone has discovered something new on a ride. Beyond Seton Sands Caravan Park we re-joined the coast road [which was quieter than expected] towards Aberlady. For the last part of the run into Aberlady the leader gave the riders a choice of staying on the main road or meandering through the trees on a delightful path alongside. Not surprisingly, the majority opted for the latter. Leaving Aberlady behind, we took the A6137 to join the road to Drem. This is a deviation from our preferred route which would have taken us along the lovely quiet road past the Myreton Motor Museum. Alas, that road has been closed for over a year due to a sink hole. No idea if it will ever reopen. Being unable to find a viable diversion is the reason that this ride didn't happen last year. A further mile on the B1377 to Drem was a small price to pay. After Drem, quiet roads took us to the Merryhatton Garden Centre. The majority went into the café there, whilst the remaining few had their picnic in the nearby Athalstaneford cemetery.

With lunch over, we made our way to Athalstaneford, where we paused to read the information panel about the origin of the Scottish flag. Leaving the village behind, we crossed the Haddington road, passed the Hopetoun Monument and turned left onto the A6137 for the toughest climb of the day. With the climb over, we turned right and headed towards another steep hill. This one was down. Our whizzing down at speed was spoiled by a car making its way up - the first time any of us could remember having met a vehicle on the hill. The leader jokingly suggested we should ride back up to the top, so we could descend again. Unsurprisingly, there were no takers. Lovely quiet roads took us back to the level crossing beyond Longniddry. A brief wait for a train to pass, and we were riding along the cycle path beside the busy A198 dual carriageway. Another steep descent and we were back beside the sea at Port Seton where we had a welcome comfort stop. We retraced our outward route from the morning, having to stop to don waterproofs just before Prestonpans as the promised rain began shortly after 3 o'clock. Instead of taking the path beside the racecourse, this time we took the path between the Lagoons and the sea to Goose Green and the Electric Bridge, where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride; just a shame the rain couldn't have held off a little longer. Thanks to Saqib and Alison for being joint-back markers.

Leader: Glenn

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn