Breezing through Midlothian

Our second Extra ride of the year saw fourteen of us head through the lovely Midlothian countryside to Vogrie Country Park. We've only been there once before, a couple of years ago. For many on today's ride, it was their first visit. We don't venture into the depths of Midlothian as often as we might, but today clearly showed us what we are missing - delightful country roads devoid of traffic, beautiful views and a lovely lunch stop. There was a noticeable breeze that stayed with us all day, but it was warm and we had no rain. It fluctuated between being overcast and sunny - ideal conditions for a route that had quite a bit of climbing. Glenn was today's leader, and made it clear that there would be quite a few climbs to contend with; but he told everyone to take them at a pace they were comfortable with and we'd regroup and get our breath back at the top.

We left Fisherrow Harbour and followed the road beside the river, ducked under the main road bridge through Musselburgh and headed on to Campie School, before making our way through the houses to the station. From there we made our way down to join the Grove and onwards to Cowpits. At Whitecraig Primary School, we had to make a detour onto the grass as the path was blocked by people attending the Whitecraig Gala Day. Taking the path towards Dalkeith, we turned off and headed to Smeaton Shaw and climbed up to join the B6314 for a short distance, before turning left for more climbing on a minor road towards Cousland. Turning right onto the A6124 saw more climbing towards the A68 junction. After pausing to rest and regroup, we turned right and crossed the bridge over the A68. Following a tricky little left-right turn, we found ourselves on a delightfully quiet country road which gave us a panoramic view over the beautiful Midlothian countryside. After a little over a mile, we arrived at a T-junction with a busier road near Whitehill. Everyone was glad of the leader's advance warning, as we had turned left to be confronted with a steep little climb. Having been pre-warned made the difference between getting up the hill rather than grinding to a halt as there was nothing to suggest what lay around the blind corner on approach. The road soon flattened before climbing steadily to Edgehill to be followed by a glorious descent through the village. We regrouped before turning right on the B6372 which led us to the entrance to Vogrie Country Park via Dewartown. A short way after passing through the gates, one rider had the misfortune to fall which resulted in bruising and a grazed elbow. Having given them time to recover, we continued down to the café and picnic area where we enjoyed lunch sitting outside.

With everyone fed and watered and the injured rider patched up, we headed back out of the park and retraced our outward route towards Edgehead. At the staggered junction, instead of turning left towards Edgehead, we turned right towards Ford. Following a lovely fast descent through the village, we began our toughest climb of the day. This took us to Pathhead where we had to cross the busy A68 trunk road. It took a few minutes to get everyone safely across, after which we regrouped, and took a chance for everyone to get their breath back. It was good to be back on another lovely quiet country road which we had to ourselves. The B6367 that followed was not much busier and took us back to the busier A6093. A very short stretch on that road found us on yet another deserted country road. A couple more climbs and we were in the village of Cousland. From there it was an easy run back to Crossgatehall, along the shared-use path beside the road, and we were soon speeding down the road to Smeaton Shaw we had ridden up in the morning. We turned off and took the path back to Whitecraig, this time staying on the path and avoiding the field where the gala day was being held. The path exits onto the busy main road through the village at a pelican crossing. Unfortunately, whilst the crossing was installed several years ago, it has never been switched on - so we had to cross carefully. Once everyone was safely across, we made our way to Cowpits where we joined the Grove and retraced our outward route to arrive at Musselburgh station, where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the ride. The weather had been kind to us - perhaps it could have been a little less breezy, but that is probably nit-picking. Most of those present had been somewhere totally new which is always a bonus. The lovely views and deserted country roads were most welcome. We really must get out into the wilds of Midlothian more often as it has so much to offer. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Glenn

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Second of this year's Extra rides on Saturday

We've got the second of our 2026 Extra rides coming up on Saturday (27th).

This promises to be a particularly pleasant run. Glenn will be leading us on a nice route through the Midlothian countryside, mainly following quiet rural roads, some with extensive views. The route will be one that we have only done once before, back in 2024, and is certainly worth repeating.

Please keep in mind that our Extra rides are longer than our usual 20-mile runs, with a somewhat faster pace and fewer stops. You won't need to be super fit to join these rides, but if you haven't cycled for a while, or if you feel that you are below your normal fitness level, you may prefer to stick with our usual "second Saturday" outings for now.

Saturday's ride will be about 30 miles. There will be quite a few hills during the course of the day, but at least we will be on firm surfaces and away from heavy traffic for most of the time.

Lunch stop

Our lunch stop will be in Vogrie Country Park. There is a friendly cafe there that serves a good selection of sandwiches, toasties, baked potatoes and an all-day breakfast. There are also plenty of picnic tables for those of us who prefer to bring a packed lunch.

Time and place

The ride will start at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh. See here if you need directions. Please aim to get there in time for a punctual 10:30 departure. Note that Fisherrow is about seven miles from central Edinburgh, so depending on where you set out from, your total mileage could be nearer 40 than 30.

The ride will end back at Fisherrow mid- to late-afternoon.

What if the weather's bad?

The ride will go ahead whatever the weather. We won't let drizzly rain or a stiff breeze put us off. But if conditions are particularly bad, we reserve the right to alter the route and destination accordingly. But the meeting time and place will still be as stated above.

Finally, please remember to bring a spare inner tube plus whatever tools might be needed (if any) to remove your wheel in the event of a puncture.

I hope to see you on Saturday, or, failing that, on a future ride. Our next "second Saturday" run will be on 11 July. And we'll have another Extra later in July, details of which will be posted here in due course.

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