Westward to Riccarton

We've enjoyed several days of unseasonably warm and sunny weather recently. Unfortunately, today wasn't one of them. It started out heavily overcast with temperatures in the low single figures, and it stayed that way the whole day.

Given the conditions, a turnout of twenty for today's ride was most respectable. It was especially good to welcome several newcomers and also to see a couple of old friends, including one person who last cycled with us back in 2008. (I hope she won't wait another 16 years before coming out with us again.)

Under Alan's leadership, we headed out on a familiar route across Bruntsfield Links and down to the Leamington Lift Bridge. On reaching Russell Road, it dawned on me that this would probably be the last time that the group  would be obliged to cycle along the busy Dalry Road and make the awkward right turn into Murieston Crescent. All being well, the new Roseburn-to-Canal cycle path should be open by the end of this month, which means that we will be able to avoid those difficulties. I hope we will be able to include this new link in our December ride.

For today, we followed our more usual route though Roseburn Park, passing Murrayfield stadium and on to the Pinkhill Path. On crossing Meadow Place Road, we continued through Gyle Park, then over the very busy Glasgow Road – taking three phases of the lights to do. After a short climb through North Gyle, we crossed Maybury Road to reach West Craigs. This is essentially a huge housing development, still very much under construction – not the most scenic location on  today's route but at least relatively free of traffic.

We then re-crossed the Glasgow Road, this time via the pedestrian subway next to Edinburgh Gateway station. Then came another not-very-scenic stretch through the car park of the Gyle shopping centre. But this was soon behind us as we headed through Edinburgh Park and along Gogar Station Road to our lunch break  at the Heriot-Watt campus in  Riccarton.

Steep-ish climbs

The afternoon leg started with a couple of steep-ish climbs through the back streets of Currie, but we soon reached the much pleasanter Water of Leith path. We took this as far as the narrow metal bridge and the short track up to Woodhall Road, and then via Bonaly to Dreghorn Loan. Then came a section that was new to many in the group: a narrow path through Dreghorn Woods, running between dense woodland on one side and a razor-wire fence on the other (presumably intended to stop errant cyclists from straying into Dreghorn Barracks).

After emerging from the woods, we were soon back in familiar territory: the Braid Burn path, Braidburn Valley Park, Hermitage Drive and Whitehouse Loan. On reaching the foot of Middle Meadow Walk, the leader declared the ride officially over. Thanks to Alan for organising another enjoyable ride with an interesting route. It would have been even better if the sun had put in an appearance, but you can't have everything.

Leader: Alan

Report and photos: Mike

November ride this coming Saturday

Our next ride will take place this coming Saturday (9th). We'll meet at our usual spot at the  north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. The ride will finish at or near the Meadows around the middle of the afternoon.

For this ride, Alan will be leading us on a tour of cycle routes in the west of the city, with a lunch stop at the Heriot-Watt campus at Riccarton. I don't foresee any particular difficulties along the way, apart from a few moderately steep hills and a couple of busy main roads to cross. The total distance will be about 22 miles.

Lunch arrangements

Please note that the catering at the campus is very limited. There is no cafe of any kind - only a small shop that sells confectionery, biscuits and similar snacks, with vending machines for hot and cold drinks. With that in mind, I strongly  advise you to bring a packed lunch.

Lighting up

With the end of British Summer Time, this would be a good time to check that your bike lights are in good order and have plenty of battery power. Saturday's ride should end well before dark (sunset will be at 16:15), but you might need lights to see you home afterwards, especially if you stop for a post-ride coffee.

Winter arrangements

Saturday's ride will be our last full-day outing of the year. As in previous years, our December run will be a half-day ride finishing around midday. This is partly because of the mid-winter weather and short daylight hours, and partly because of the difficulty in finding suitable lunch venues in the run-up to Christmas. Our January ride will also be for the morning only; we'll return to our usual full-day format in February.

I hope to see you on Saturday or on another of our rides. And remember, if you do decide to join us, you don't have to let anyone know in advance. Just turn up.