A rather blowy ride to Roslin

Not far into today's ride to Roslin one rider was heard to say, "it's rather blowy today". That turned out to be a perfect description. There was a noticeable wind that stayed with us all day, we endured a couple of showers, but the temperature was probably about average for early September. The forecast had suggested we would have a mixture of light rain and showers all day, so it was better than that. Roslin has been a regular destination over the years, but whoever is leading always seems to manage to shake up the route just enough to make it a little different. The same thing happened today courtesy of Alison who was leading her second 20 Milers ride in as many months. Given the weather forecast, a turn out of twelve riders was neither unexpected nor disappointing.

With the briefing over, Alison led us away from The Meadows and into the Park via Holyrood Park Road. A short distance along Duddingston Low Road and we dropped down to join the Innocent Railway. We remained on it as far as Bingham, where we turned right under the bridge, up Hay Avenue and across Niddrie Mains Road. Edinburgh Council Quiet Route 61 took us through Niddrie and onwards to the Royal Infirmary. Having crossed Old Dalkeith Road we rode through Mordun, Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park and emerged on Lasswade Road. The shared use path then took us down to Gilmerton Station Road where we joined the Gilmerton to Roslin path. Near Loanhead we stopped to don waterproofs as we now had heavy drizzle to contend with. The writer [as an Englishman who has lived in Scotland for over 35 years] still can't get used to that uniquely Scottish phenomenon where there is rain and bright sunshine at the same time. We carried on across the impressive Bilston Glen Viaduct to arrive in Roslin. The heavy drizzle continued, but soon eased and gave way to blue skies. We spread out between the pub and tea room, whilst the picnickers settled on the benches on the grassy area beside the road.

We regrouped after lunch with those that had been to the tea room telling us that the service had been very slow. We retraced our outward route as far as Lasswade Road. The blue skies had given way to grey, and light rain came and went. At Gilmerton Dykes Road we headed into the new housing estate, where a mixture of quiet roads and paths led us to a sharp steep climb up Ellen's Glen Loan. Following a pause to regroup and get our breath back, we continued along Ellen's Glen Road before turning left onto Gilmerton Road for a short distance. Another left turn onto Double Hedges Road, down Kirk Brae and up Mayfield Road. We turned off and made our way through King's Buildings, crossed West Mains Road, through The Grange and returned to The Meadows where Alison declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alison for leading an enjoyable ride that had taken many to places they had not been before. Thanks to Saqib for back marking.

Leader: Alison

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

A last minute change

For today's ride we were meant to head to Musselburgh via an interesting and unusual route. Unfortunately, the leader was unwell which necessitated a last minute change of plan. The in-depth and combined knowledge of the group's organisers meant a new route and leader were in place by the time riders began to gather at the meeting point. Apart from the change of destination, the alteration went seamlessly thanks to all those involved. For the second ride in a row, we were blessed with lovely weather - long may it continue. Clearly helped by the weather, we had a very respectable turn out of 25 riders. Along with the regulars were some riders we hadn't seen for a while along with some new faces.

With the leader's briefing over, we headed off towards Dalkeith. We took that well-worn route towards the Innocent Tunnel. But, rather than turning left to head to the tunnel, we swept past and into Holyrood Park. Along Duddingston Low Road, a right turn, down the steep path and we were on the Innocent Railway Path. Crossing several roads, we stayed on the path as far as Musselburgh station. After a brief rest, we headed down the lovely smooth path, crossed under the railway twice and were soon waiting to cross the busy B6415. Crossing took longer than usual thanks to four-way temporary traffic lights. With everyone safely across, we continued through the Ferguson housing estate, crossed the bridge over the River Esk and were on the Grove heading towards Whitecraig. We took our customary breather at Cowpits to recover from the short, sharp climb to the road at the end of the path. The leader took us on an unfamiliar route through the houses in Whitecraig to join the path to Dalkeith. We meandered through the backstreets of Dalkeith to avoid busy roads as far as possible, and were soon at King's Park for our lunch stop.

Following a delightful picnic lunch in the warm sunshine, it was time to begin our journey back. Down the path at the side of the park, across Abbey Road, into the new housing estate and we were soon queuing to get through the kissing gate. In Alan's absence, Sakhib did a sterling job of manning the gate to let 24 riders and three golfers through. Through the woods, over the Maiden Bridge, past the far-from cycle-friendly barrier, through a couple of parks, and we were soon heading into Dalkeith Country Park where we had a comfort break. Given the lovely weather, the paths in the park were busy. But the number of walkers decreased the further we got from the car park. Leaving the park behind, there followed a brief stretch on the busy A6094 before turning off and heading to Cowpits and following the Grove down to Musselburgh. A further comfort stop at Fisherrow Harbour, and we were soon on the Brunstane Burn path. From there we headed back to the Meadows on the paths we had headed out on earlier. But this time we went through the Innocent Tunnel. At the Meadows, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alison for stepping in at short notice and providing a ride enjoyed by all. Thanks to Yaz for back marking, and thanks to the weather for being kind to us for the second time in as many rides.

Leader: Alison

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn