Even Mike hasn't been to some of these places

For today's ride we were back to our usual full-day format after our recent programme of half-day mid-winter rides. But given the weather first thing, it still felt a lot like mid-winter. Despite a substantial overnight frost, the dry ground meant there was no problem with slippery surfaces. It was far from warm, but the clear blue skies and sunshine were most welcome. The frost obviously kept many away, resulting in a mere nine riders making the start. Surprisingly, we had one new rider amongst the small group.  During the leader's briefing, Steve told us we would be going on an interesting tour of bike paths, back streets and parks in the east and north of the city. He also promised us that we would be going to places none of us had been before; and to add gravitas, he said, "even Mike hasn't been to some of these places!" The morning saw us head to Ocean Terminal for a relatively early lunch. The actual route may not have been that familiar, but at least the majority knew where they were. That was in stark contrast to the [longer] afternoon part of the ride.

With the briefing over, we made our way into Holyrood Park and along Duddingston Low Road, where we had to dismount and walk a short distance beside the barriers by the unstable rockface. From Duddingston village, we took Meadowfield Drive, Queen's Park Avenue and Royal Park Terrace before cutting through to Lower London Road. Having crossed London Road, we were soon riding through Lochend Park past the ice-covered pond. Having left the park, we continued on to join the cycle path to Leith Links and made our way to the Shore. Across the Victoria Swing Bridge, along Ocean Drive past Victoria Quay, through a couple of quiet backstreets and we were at Ocean Terminal for an early lunch stop.

With lunch over, we left Ocean Terminal and made our way along the cobbles [and disused rail tracks] of the quiet street that runs between Victoria Quay and Commercial Street. Passing Leith Market, we crossed Commercial Street and were soon being given an history lesson by Steve on St Ninian's Chapel - a very impressive building tucked away down a quiet backstreet. He then expertly led us through unfamiliar streets and Pilrig Park to arrive at The Tram Shed off Shrubhill Walk. Here Steve explained the history of the iconic building and its evolution from the Shrubhill tramway workshops and power station to the luxury flats of today. Passing the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, we rode along McDonald Road, through St Marks Park and along the Chancelot Path to the Five Ways Junction. We continued along the path that runs beside Lower Granton Road, and onwards to visit the Granton Gas Holder. Steve then led us through Forthquarter Park and along West Shore Road. As we headed into Muirhouse on the new North Edinburgh Path Network we were all well and truly into unchartered territory with no idea where we were. Fortunately Steve knew his way around the area and led us back to the Blackhall Path, where we were all able to say, "now I know where I am". From there, it was an easy ride back to the Meadows on familiar paths and roads via Craigleith Junction, the Roseburn Path and the canal. At the Meadows, Steve declared the ride officially over.

Everyone enjoyed what was a really good ride. Thanks to Steve for leading us to new places and informing us of the history of places along the route. Even the weather turned out OK after a frosty start. It wasn't as cold as expected, and the sunshine and clear blue skies were an added bonus. Thanks to Mike for back marking.

Leader: Steve

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Full-day ride this coming Saturday

We've got our February run coming up next Saturday (14th). This time we will be back to our usual full-day format after our recent programme of half-day midwinter rides.

Steve will be leading us on what looks like an interesting tour of bike paths, back streets and parks in the east and north of the city. The route will be similar to the one that Steve led this time last year, but with some interesting variations, including a chance to see various bits of new cycling infrastructure.

The total distance will be about 20 miles. There will be a bit of climbing near the start, but most of the route will be fairly flat. We'll mainly be riding on firm surfaces, apart from one stretch that might be a bit muddy. Watch out too for some cobbled streets along the way, including some with embedded rail lines. Fortunately, these are all fairly short.

Lunch stop

Our lunch stop will be at the Ocean Terminal. I'm pleased to report that there is now some indoor seating there which will be suitable for those of us who like to bring a packed lunch. But you can still choose to take your picnic on the veranda if you prefer. There are also the usual take-away outlets, including a Starbucks and a Greggs, where you can pick up a hot drink and a sandwich.

Logistics

Nothing new here. We'll gather at our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. Like all our rides, this one is free and open to all, and there's no need to tell us in advance whether or not you plan to attend.

Looking ahead, next month's ride will take place on 14 March. Look out for more information about that nearer the time.

A chilly January jaunt

The original plan for today was to head out on the Water of Leith path, returning by a high route along Woodhall Road and through Bonaly. But with temperatures barely reaching zero, and reports of extensive icy patches on many bike paths and minor roads, we opted for a different route – one that involved staying in town, and on roads that were likely to have been gritted.

Seven of set out from the Meadows, which was not a bad turnout considering the conditions. We started down The Mound and Dundas Street, and then on to Canonmills and along Inverleith Row towards Leith. Fortunately, the traffic was light, and, up to that point, we did not encounter any serious ice.

We cautiously crossed Leith Links and then onto the Restalrig Path. At first, all was well. But about half way along the path, we came up against some serious slippery stretches, with the ramp leading up to Lochend Road being all but impassable. We had been aiming for Lochend Park and Meadowbank, but when one of the group slipped and fell on the ice (fortunately she was unhurt), we decided on another change of plan.

So we left the Restalrig Path at Easter Road, then weaved through back streets to Leith Walk. We stayed on the segregated bike lane to the top of the Walk, then into Leith Street and across Waterloo Place. The final leg took us over North Bridge and into Chambers Street to the National Museum, at which point the ride was declared over and we went our separate ways.

At slightly less than an hour and half in the saddle and seven miles on the clock, it was not exactly a long run, but the general feeling was that we had made the best of the morning, despite the difficult conditions. And although the temperature remained around zero the whole time, at least it stayed dry and reasonably sunny.

Next month we will have a normal full-day ride. With luck, the weather will have improved by then. (But don't hold me to that.)

Leaders: Alison and Mike

Report: Mike

 

half-day ride this coming Saturday

We've got our first ride of 2026 coming up on Saturday (10th). This will again be a half-day run, ending at around 1 pm at or near the Meadows. We will not be organising an official lunch stop, but there are plenty of cafes, sandwich shops and pubs near the finish point for anyone who wants to go for a post-ride meal or snack.

Alison will be our leader on Saturday. She'll be taking us on a pleasant route along the Water of Leith to just beyond Colinton, and then back via Woodhall Road and Bonaly. The outward leg will be mostly flat, but there will be a couple of moderate hills on the way home. Most of the route will be on quiet roads and well-surfaced paths, apart from one rough track that might be a little muddy, and a couple of short stretches on main roads where we might see some traffic. The total distance will be about 14 miles.

As always, we'll set out at 10:30 from our usual meeting point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. And, as always, the ride is free and open to all on a "just turn up" basis.

Keep in mind that the route details given here are provisional. Although it doesn't happen very often, there is always the possibility that we will have to change the route at short notice, depending on conditions on the day. But even when that happens, the meeting time and place will always be as advertised.

We'll look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Saturday. And, looking ahead, our February run will be on 14th, when we will be back to our usual full-day format.