31 20-milers on July's ride

What a superb turn out! Today we had our biggest turn-out of the year (or possibly ever) as we headed out of Edinburgh towards South Queensferry. We started out on the normal "bike rat-run" out of town: head through the Meadows then down to Fountainbridge and then onto the Roseburn Path to join NCR 1 out to Cramond Brig. We went along side the A90 for a while then crossed over on the route towards Kirkliston, and then Mike led us up a lovely shady, windy track (out of the rain which had started to become rather dampening) that eventually brought us out in Dalmeny. It was nice to head Downhill from there into South Queensferry for lunch - most people used the Picnic cafe - they ran out of soup, but still managed to serve everyone in time for us to head off 40 minutes later.

July ride to South Queensferry

There was a large cruise liner in the Forth, and their landing boats were zipping to and fro from the Maid of the Forth landing point, and disgorging the passengers onto buses. We passed by them and under the Forth Bridge - thankfully NOT heading up the offensive hill towards the station, but going along at sea level into the Dalmeny estate. I personally have never been into this estate, and it is definitely worth a trip. The paths were generally sound (some tarmac, mostly gravelly, only some short stretches of earth/grass single-track) and mostly car-free. We had glimpses of the beach all along the track, and ended up at Dalmeny House with a great view of the Forth. Nice place for a puncture!

Finally we headed back up along the Almond and returned to our original route at the Cramond Brig. Andrew's stick won the impromptu game of Pooh Sticks!


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