A Mortonhall Meander

After twenty years of 20-Milers rides, it can be hard to find fresh routes that we haven't covered many time before. Last month, we followed a well-worn path to South Queensferry, but the leader still managed to introduce enough variation to keep up the interest. For this month's ride, my aim was to repeat that example. Our goal was Mortonhall, and although much of the route was familiar to most of us, I was able to find several bits that we had never visited before as a group.

Unfortunately, the weather was not great: a chilly breeze and a thin drizzle which later turned to heavy showers. Despite that, around a dozen riders turned up - not a bad turnout given the conditions.

After the usual briefing, we set out, first to Holyrood Park and the Innocent path, then through Niddrie and the bike paths in the Bioquarter (including the delightfully-named Wellbeing Walk).  

Next came a twisty route through the back streets of Moredun. I have to admit to being a little nervous about navigating these unfamiliar roads, but I managed to get the group through without any wrong turns.

Ellen's Glen

Cake stop

After crossing Gilmerton Road, we took a somewhat more familiar path towards Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. This forms part of our standard route to Roslin. But this time, instead of turning left into the park,  we turned right for a steep climb up Ellen's Glen Loan. Pausing for breath at the top, our efforts were rewarded with a wonderful round of cakes kindly produced by Iain. I can't answer for the rest of the group, but this gave me the energy boost I needed to get through to lunchtime.

Cake stop over, we saddled up for another twisty section, this time through the Gracemount area, from which we emerged at Howden Hall Road. This was very busy with traffic but we eventually got safely across. Up to now, we had been cycling on quiet roads and well-surfaced paths. But the next section, which took us along the edge of the Mortonhall Crematorium grounds, was more of a footpath than a cycle path. It was just about cyclable at first, but it soon deteriorated into a rough, muddy track. We had no choice but to dismount and walk, but happily only for a short distance.

Picnic at Mortonhall

And so came our lunch stop, which was the garden centre at Mortonhall. The rain had eased at this point, so about half the group opted for an al fresco picnic while others made for the restaurant. Unfortunately, after about ten minutes, the rain returned with a vengeance, causing the picnic group to pick up their sandwiches and thermos flasks and make a dash for the meagre shelter of the bike shed.

Afternoon leg

The afternoon leg started off with the least pleasant part of the day: half a mile or so in heavy rain along a very busy Frogston Road. It was a relief to turn off onto the quiet road through the Winton Estate which we followed as far as Biggar Road. Next came another unfamiliar section, along a residential road through New Swanston. At a road aptly named Caiystane View, we paused to view the Caiy Stane. This great lump of Neolithic rock is thought to be 5,000 years old and sits somewhat incongruously amidst south Edinburgh suburban housing.

Next came another new bit: the very pleasant Fairmilehead Park. This was followed by a nice downhill run to the foot of Greenbank Crescent, where we joined a more familiar route through Braidburn Valley Park and the Braid Estate, and so back to the Meadows. 

Pausing to view
the Caiy Stane

At less than 18 miles, it was not a particularly long ride, but I hope everyone enjoyed seeing some unfamiliar places. One member of the group told me that, despite being a long-standing EH10 resident who lived a few metres from the route, we had taken him to places he never knew existed. It's always gratifying when that happens.

Leader, report and photos: Mike