February's ride to the Reservoirs

Some nineteen intrepid riders headed for the hills on 9Feb,  in hazy sunshine. After a swift climb up Braid Avenue, we headed through Greenbank to Comiston Rd past Firrhill High School, climbing Woodhall Rd and joining the Water of Leith path NCN75 near Juniper Green.

A gentle, steady climb offroad ensued, and up to Balerno for lunch at the Grey Horse - although the Balerno Farmers' Market was also an option, provided you caught them before they closed the stalls at 12:30. 

After lunch we rambled through the residential bit to the south of Balerno to the bus terminus, then a wee steep pull up to Red Moss, the apex of the ride.  After admiring the view, we glided gracefully past the four reservoirs (it was downhill after all), Threepmuir, Harlaw, Clubbidean and Torduff, stopping at the Ranger's Cottage in between, and emerging from the hills to cross the bypass at Bonaly.

From there, along Redford drive and Redford Bank, Passing Colinton mains park and traversing Braidburn Valley Park, then Oswald Rd to Marchmont, and ending up with 9 survivors celebrating with a coffee at Peter's yard.


View 2013 Feb 9, Sat 10:27 20-milers to Pentland Reserviors in a larger map

Leader: Julia
Ride report: Jim

Next ride - February

Our next bike ride will be this coming Saturday (9th February). Julia will be leading us on what is an excellent local ride: the "reservoir route" on the edge of the Pentland Hills. This promises to be an excellent run, so do try and make it if you can.

The arrangements are the same as ever. We'll set out from the top of Middle Meadow Walk at 10.30, aiming to return by mid afternoon. There'll be a lunch stop at a cafe or pub, or you can bring your own food for an al fresco lunch if you prefer.

Inevitably this ride will involve a couple of steep-ish climbs. But we'll get those over with fairly early in the day. After that, we can expect some delightful cycling along this very scenic route, with excellent views both of the Pentlands and the Fife hills. There will be a few stretches on rough track, but for the most part we will be on quiet roads and reasonable paths. The total distance will be about 24 miles.

You might also like to know that EasyCycle's next ride will be on the 23rd February. It starts at 10.30 from Peter's Yard in Middle Meadow Walk, just a short way down the hill from our own meeting point. EasyCycle's rides are suitable for less experienced cyclists and those that prefer a really leisurely day. They usually cover 10 - 12 miles, and finish around 3 pm.