To the edge of the Pentlands

11th April. Another excellent ride: a delightful route, good weather - and no punctures.

Twenty-four of us set out along the classic Union Canal / Water of Leith route to Colinton. We left the riverside path at West Mill Road, and headed west along Woodhall Road and the footpath to Blinkbonny. This is a useful path that had been closed for a while because of a building project; it's good to see it open again.

At the west end of Blinkbonny Road, we faced the serious work of the day - the long haul up Kirkgate. Everyone made it to the top, although a few folk decided to push rather than pedal. After that, there was a delightful stretch to the Harlaw House Visitor Centre, the Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs, and the long downhill into Balerno, where we stared back along the Water of Leith.

By now it was well after our usual lunch time, so we left the WoL at Juniper Green and headed for Miss Bentley's Tearoom and the Kinleith Arms (nice garden). We returned to the city via Woodhall Road, Colinton, Redford Road, Oxgangs, Comiston and the Grange - a fascinating route through little-known roads and paths.

Thanks to Jenny Meek for leading this run. Our next ride is 9th May, provisionally fixed for Dalkeith Country Park.

Photos on Flickr