For our third Extra ride of the year we headed to Bo'ness Station on the preserved Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway. Despite it being a summer Saturday, we didn't see a single train. Not sure if we were there at the wrong time, or if none were running; but this was to be our first ever train-free visit. But it was a lovely route, being quiet and peaceful in many parts. It was reasonably warm and alternated between sunny and bright, but overcast. We had a couple of light showers, but they didn't last long. We mustered 23 riders for what was one of the longest and fastest rides of late.
Following the leader's briefing, we left Craigleith and took the familiar route to Cramond Brig via Silverknowes and Barnton. The group had spread out a little, and those further back were most surprised to discover there was no stop on the bridge. Instead we pressed on to the Burnshot Bridge and took the road towards Kirkliston. At this point, one rider left the ride to head home. Apparently, the pace was far too pedestrian for their liking. We turned off the road and made our way up the rough and rocky path to join the old railway path. Whilst most riders were content to wheel their bikes up this section, a few riders commendably rode up. There was a comfort stop at the leisure centre, where not one but two lots of home baking were passed round. Thanks to Ian and the leader for sustaining the group. There followed a short stretch on the road to Winchburgh. A bridge under the M9 motorway, and we turned left onto a quiet road. Another bridge under the M9 and we were in lovely countryside heading towards Niddry Castle. Leaving the road, we joined the delightful Union Canal towpath for the next 4 miles to Philipstoun. At the point where we left the canal were a pair of swans with their signets, in the water. On the recce a couple of weeks ago, the swans were on one side of the path, and the signets on the other. Left with no choice but to cycle between them, pecks from the parents made it clear we were not welcome. From there more quiet roads led us towards the busy A904. We crossed the M9 for the third time, this time the bridge taking us over it. A very short stretch on the busy A904, a left turn and we were again on a quiet road. There followed a delightful downhill run to Blackness where we joined the lovely coast path towards Bo'ness. A short stretch through the woods was rough and unsurfaced, but most of the coast path was wide and well surfaced with beautiful views across the Forth. Through Bo'ness, and we were at our lunch stop at Bo'ness Station. Some of us sat outside to enjoy our picnics, whilst others headed for the café.
With lunch over, we took the coast path back to Blackness, where we joined NCN 76 through Wester Shore Wood and the Hopetoun Estate. This section being by far the roughest and bumpiest of the day. We left the estate and made our way into South Queensferry. Skirting the town, we were soon at Dalmeny village. From there, the path beside the B924 and A90 led us back to Cramond Brig, where we did pause on the bridge. Back to Craigleith by the same route we had taken out. Here the leader declared the ride over.
Shame about the couple of brief showers and not getting to see any trains, but thanks to Neil for leading such a successful ride that was clearly enjoyed by all. Thanks to Mike for back marking.
Leader: Neil
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn
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