November ride to Mortonhall (10th November)

For our November ride, Chris Pearson led a group of 20 riders on a fascinating route through the east and south of the city.

In bright sunshine, we left the Meadows via George Square and the Pleasance, then headed through Holyrood Park to Duddingston Village. We then proceeded along Cavalry Park Drive to Duddingston House (built in the 1760s for the Earl of Abercorn, and now housing offices and a conference centre). We continued through the quiet streets of Bingham (passing St Mary Magdalene, which Chris describes as "possibly the ugliest church in Britain"), and then along a short stretch of the Innocent Path.

Just before Asda, we took a new section of path that goes to Fort Kinnaird, and then on to Whitehill Road. We continued through Shawfair, Hilltown, Millerhill Road and Danderhall. At the padlocked gate leading into the Drum Estate, Chris surprised us by apparently using his key to enter the grounds (it was actually a bit of sleight of hand involving what looks like the door to a private house but which actually leads to a public path).

After passing Drum House (a Palladian mansion built by William Adam around 1730), we continued through Gilmerton and along Lasswade Road to the entrance to Burdiehouse Valley Park, and then across Captain's Road and into Gracemount. After crossing Howden Hall Road, we reached Mortonhall.

For lunch, we divided ourselves between the Mortonhall Stable Bar and the café in the nearby garden centre. In the bar, the server asked (politely) for payment in advance, hinting at previous difficulties with cyclists leaving without paying - no further details forthcoming.

After lunch, we took a muddy but picturesque woodland path towards Braid Road, struggling a bit up a section with loose gravel. We crossed Comiston Road into Pentland View, and then on to Braidburn Valley Park.

At this point, the first drops of rain were falling, so we hastily continued on the final section of the route, via Canaan Lane, the Astley Ainslie grounds and Whitehouse Loan, with people peeling off at various points along the way. It was another excellent ride - and, as a bonus, was completely puncture-free.

Leader: Chris
Photo: Darren

8th October ride to Prestonpans

For today's ride, we were promised "three historic houses, some superb views, and a historic pub for lunch". We got the houses and the pub. The views were no doubt there too - somewhere behind the curtain of rain that accompanied us all day.

To my surprise, 17 riders turned up, which was impressive, given the poor weather. Our leader, Chris, conducted us through Newington and Holyrood Park, and then to our first test of the day: the long climb up Queen's Drive (the "behind Arthur's Seat" road). We cycled almost to the summit, before slipping through a gate into Paisley Terrace and the nice swoop down Meadowfield Drive to Duddingston.

Our first stop gave us a chance to view Duddingston House, built in the 1760s for the Earl of Abercorn, and now housing offices and a conference centre.

We then went on to Bingham, where we joined NCN 1 as far as Brunstane Station and the Brunstane Burn path, which has been partly paved since our last visit. This was followed by a muddy stretch to Newhailes House. This fine 18th Century building was home to the Dalrymple family for nearly three centuries. It was acquired by the National Trust for Scotland in 1997.

From Newhailes, we took a path alongside the railway line to Musselburgh Station, and then back on NCN 1 to the River Esk. After a short stretch on main roads, we faced the real work of the day: Falside Hill. This killer hill, which seems longer and steeper every time I do it, took us to the 15th-Century Falside Castle and what would have been superb views if the weather had been better. Never mind. We all enjoyed the excellent freewheel down to our lunch stop at the Gothenburgh in Prestonpans.

By now, we were so wet and cold that even the hardy picnickers amongst us (of which I am one) decided to forego our usual al fresco meal in favour of the warm hostelry. The staff, who were friendly and welcoming, gave us a private dining room, which was fortunate because it had plenty of space for us to hang up our wet clothing. Unfortunately, when we set out to leave, we found that the aforementioned clothing was still as wet as ever. What can be worse then having to put on a soaking cycling jacket, gloves and helmet after a warm, comforting meal?

For the return journey, we followed the coast path into Musselburgh. This route includes a welcome new stretch of bike path that avoid the churned-up track used by lorries serving the ash lagoons. This part of the ride was interrupted by a puncture break - the only one of the day. Fortunately, the rider in question was well-equipped with tools and a spare tube, so the problem was quickly dealt with.

At Musselburgh, we decided to retrace our earlier route along the Brunstane Burn, and then onto the Innocent Railway for home. We split up at East Parkside, 25 miles from the start point, at the end of what turned out to be a very enjoyable ride (but perhaps not as enjoyable as the warming drinks, hot baths and dry clothing that were waiting at home).


Leader: Chris Pearson
Report by: Mike Lewis

April's ride

What happened? We missed a month? Yes. On the day of the March ride, it was snowing. Well, slushing/sleeting/snowing. Eight intrepid (foolhardy) people turned up anyway, and with my self-interest plain to see I re-planned the route to be short (about 4 miles) and include Mimi's Bakehouse in Leith again. I was the coldest and wettest and least-keen on cycling that I'd been for a good while, so after cake the group broke up and we all went home.

Today however the weather couldn't hardly have been nicer. Warm, sunny, not too windy - just perfect spring weather.

Chris led the route today out to Cammo via Corstorphine Hill and back via Cramond. Actually fairly similar to the route planned for last month, so it's good that that one was cancelled or we'd have got bored seeing the same sights again!

View 20milers to Cammo Apr11 in a larger map
Photos:

April 2011 to Cammo and Cramond

It was great to see new members coming along and hope that the hills weren't too much of a deterrent to coming back again next month (14th May), when Logan will be leading the ride out to South Queensferry.