Extra ride to Livingston (19th August)

For our third Extra ride of the summer, Jenny Meek led a 21-strong group on a sortie into West Lothian. It turned out to be one of those rides where all the ingredients are just right: a delightful route, with quiet roads, well-surfaced bike paths, and mostly gentle gradients; an interesting lunch stop; congenial company; and, above all, near-perfect cycling weather (most of the time).

From our meeting point at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, we took the canal to Hermiston House Road, then weaved through a series of pleasant country lanes by way of Gogarbank and Bonnington Mains, before re-joining the canal for a crossing of the lofty Almond Aqueduct. We entered Almondell Country Park at the north entrance, and enjoyed a fast freewheel to the Visitor Centre, where we stopped for a toilet break and general regrouping (see photo).

The next stage was on NCN 75 as it follows the fast-flowing Almond through a deep wooded gorge. This is a tricky path, with several narrow and steep sections. Inevitably we had to dismount a couple of times to haul our bikes over some difficult bits.

We emerged from the park in south Livingston. Now, this is a part of the country where I usually get myself lost (the trouble with the bike paths in Livingston is that there are so many of them). But Jenny's diligent recces had paid off, and she led us unerringly past the civic centre and St. Margaret's Academy to reach our lunch stop in Livingston Village

This was something of a revelation to most of the group. Livingston Village is the original Livingston, before the arrival of the new town in the 1960s. It dates back to the early 12th Century, and was a typical West Lothian farming community. Today, the village is still intact, despite being entirely surrounded by the new town. Its focal point is the 18th Century Livingston Inn, where we enjoyed a leisurely al fresco lunch.

After lunch, we took the well-surfaced bike path that runs alongside the Edinburgh to Bathgate railway line. We then turned right at Uphall Station onto a somewhat rougher path, which eventually led us onto the dramatic Camps Viaduct. From here, we were able to look down onto the path along the Almond that we had traversed a few hours earlier.

A mile or so later, we re-joined NCN 75 for a mostly downhill stretch via Kirknewton, Long Dalmahoy and the Herriot-Watt campus. Up to now, the day had been mostly warm and sunny, but as we reached the canal for the final leg, it turned cloudy with some spots of rain. So we quickly got to the junction with the Water of Leith path, where we went our separate ways. At just over 35 miles, it was another highly successful ride.

Leader: Jenny
Report and photo: Mike

Long ride to Almondell (30th October)

Sixteen intrepid cyclists turned up on a beautiful morning for the re-run of the ride that was originally planned for 20th August. The route took us westward from the Water of Leith Visitor Centre up Lanark Road. We turned off just after Redhall Garden for the canal where we stayed for a few miles, then exited at Hermiston House Road to cross the busy A71 and head through the Heriot Watt campus.

From there we took Long Dalmahoy Road, turned off at Gowanhill Farm Road and headed for the railway crossing. With everyone across the railway safely (we managed to avoid a Virgin Voyager) we proceeded up the steep hill (some veterans even managed the whole hill without stopping). At the top we had a break to admire the fabulous view and take on refreshments before heading for Lanark Road West – another busy road.

Once safely across we headed down to the Water of Leith towards Balerno and on to Cockburnhill Road. It may have been the effect of the time change but several riders were experiencing hunger pangs by this time (12 noon).No lunch yet I’m afraid.

A strong headwind challenged us for a couple of miles on the A70. It was all worth it though when we turned right into Leyden Road and a fabulous long descent to Kirknewton and Almondell, where we split into two groups. Eight of us opted to picnic at the visitor centre while the remaining eight headed for hot food at the nearby garden centre.

After lunch we headed past the TA Centre to the canal. We turned off at “Junction 16” to face the headwind for half a mile, then a tailwind through Ratho, with a small hill en route. It was here that four riders decided to give in to the lure of the canal, while the remaining 12 went on by way of yet another (small) hill to Hermiston Village, Edinburgh Park, Corstorphine and Murrayfield.

The total distance was somewhere between 30 and 35 miles. Well done everyone, and thanks to the back markers, to Jim for plotting the route (see below), and everyone else for a great day out.

Leader and report: Jenny Meek


View 2011-10-30 09:26 30-milers in a larger map

9th October ride: over Corstorphine Hill to Davidson's Mains

Twenty three riders turned up for today's ride through the west of the city. Under Jenny's expert leadership, we set off via Leamington Terrace and Dundee Street to Murrayfield. From there we traversed the blue route through Corstorphine to Edinburgh Park, where we had a short break.

Amazingly we kept together most of the time, thanks to Ken's backmarking skills. Every now and then we gave each other the "Royal Wave" to make sure we were within sight.

Onward under the bypass to Gogar Station Road and the RBS bridge over the A8.  At Gogar Roundabout we turned left up Turnhouse Road where three of the riders took time out to calibrate their mileometers against the measured half-mile. We then headed east along Craigs Road (great views) before arriving at hazard no.1:  the crossing of Maybury Road. With no traffic lights, we had to make a run for it until one generous car driver actually stopped to let us across. Thank you. I take back what I said about inconsiderate motorists.

We continued upwards and eastwards until we finally reached Cairnmuir Road  and Corstorphine Hill Woods. Most headed on but a few wanted a breather after the climb. We traversed a pleasant path, got over hazard no. 2 - a set of steep steps - and arrived at the viewpoint over Murrayfield Golf Club. The view would have been one of Edinburgh’s best if it hadn’t been so misty. We then descended over hazard no. 3 - a narrow and rocky descent, which we managed without incident. There was then a nice shortcut down through Ravelston Woods to reach NCN 1.

Hunger and thirst pangs took hold as we headed to Davison’s Mains. Most of us took refuge in Ye Olde Inn whilst others took a picnic in the park.

After lunch, some of the group decided to return straight home. The remaining 13 of us headed for “an easy stroll” round Silverknowes Promenade. Don’t speak too soon – we were met with gale force winds that forced us inland, to Waterfront Park, Telford Path and home. In total around 23 miles.