A wet ride to Roslin

Heavy rain was the order of the day for today's ride to c. Fortunately, the heaviest rain came down when we having lunch in the pub. After lunch, the rain wasn't as heavy; but there wasn't a dry spell on the whole ride. We were able to ride on some new paths, like the one that took us all the way from Danderhall to Roslin.

A turn out of nine riders was better than expected given the heavy rain and the forecast promising more of the same. The only places where we didn't get wet on the ride were in a tunnel, under bridges and at the lunchtime pub stop. We left the Meadows and made our way to the Innocent Railway, where a brief respite from the rain was had in the Innocent Tunnel. Out the other side and the rain hit us again. Clutching at straws for positives on such a day, at least it wasn't particularly cold. We left the Innocent Railway and cut through the industrial estate and crossed Peffermill Road before heading into Craigmillar Castle Park. As we ventured off the surfaced paths, even the lightest of braking resulted in squeals of protest from mud-caked rims and discs. We passed Craigmillar Castle, which we could just about make out through the rain and gloom. Close to the Royal Infirmary, through the new housing estate, before emerging onto The Wisp. Across the road and the shared path kept us off the busy road. Leaving The Wisp behind, quiet suburban roads around Danderhall led us to new houses forming part of the huge Shawfair development. Following a few twists and turns, we were on the new path that would take us all the way to Roslin for our lunch stop. On this path we stopped under a bridge which carried Gilmerton Road. Sweets were passed round, and for a few brief minutes we stopped getting wet. At the next bridge, a couple of graffiti artists were at work decorating the walls. It was interesting to see they were wearing face masks to protect them from the fumes. Good to see them taking health & safety seriously. From there it was a short ride to the pub in Roslin for lunch. Our group of bedraggled cyclists were ushered into the conservatory. Once we had spread around our wet kit to dry, it looked like a refugee camp. It was lovely to be out of the rain and tucking into much needed hot food. This was when the heaviest rain of the day came; we could hear it bouncing off the conservatory roof.

Lunch over, we endured that inevitable pulling on of wet clothing before venturing back out into the rain. It was not raining as heavily as before but felt cooler as we retraced our inward route back to Danderhall along the new path. At The Wisp, we took another new path into Little France Park which then joined up with the path that took us back to Craigmillar Castle. A slight variation on our outward route added a little variety before arriving at Peffermill Road. By now riders were beginning to peel off and head home. Frequently the post-ride coffee stop is a great attraction; today a hot bath or shower usurped that option. So it was a very depleted field that joined the Innocent Railway for the run back into town.

Thanks to Jim for leading an interesting ride and showing us some new paths. Everyone enjoyed the ride; but how much nicer had the weather been better. Next time perhaps?

Leader: Jim
Report: Glenn
Map trace: Jim

At least there was no wind ...

There's no other way of describing it. As far as the weather was concerned, this year's Christmas morning ride was a washout. The 40 mph winds of recent days had gone. What we had instead was incessant rain, often heavy, which lasted well into the afternoon.

But the eleven riders who turned up at Middle Meadow Walk were all in good spirits, determined not to let a bit of dampness spoil the morning. Fortified along the way with mulled wine and other treats, the ride proved to be an enjoyable one – at least until the final couple of miles when the cold and wet started to take its toll.

Our first stop was the Castle, where we did a circuit of the esplanade and posed for photos next to William Wallace. The Pentland Hills were just about visible through the murk. We then headed down the Mound for our traditional traverse of Princes Street. Not surprisingly, the city centre was dead. A few buses and taxis were to be seen, as well as the usual forlorn tourists looking in vain for something to do. Apart from that, we had the place pretty much to ourselves.

The next stage took us to the summit of Calton Hill, where we toasted the season with the aforementioned mulled wine, which was much appreciated (thank you, Michael). We then headed down to Greenside and through empty streets to Easter Road. At the Easter Road / McDonald Road junction, we experienced the new bike-friendly traffic lights, where a special green light gives cyclists a momentary priority over other traffic.

Our route then took us to St. Mark's Park, then via Five Ways to Goldenacre, Inverleith Park, Stockbridge and along the Water of Leith, which was unusually fast-flowing because of the rain. At Dean Village, we crossed the river by the narrow footbridge, then headed up Belford Road. By now, we were thoroughly wet and cold. By the time we reached the West End, about half the party had either peeled off or were seriously considering doing so. So at about 12.30, and with just under eight miles on the clock, we declared the ride officially finished. We went our various ways, with most of us heading for a hot shower, a change of clothes and a good meal. What better way to spend Christmas?

Leader: Mike
Backmarkers: Jenny and Derek
Report and photos: Mike
Map: David

A Craigie Caper

When I woke up this morning the rain was pounding on the window panes. And the forecast promised more relentless rain throughout the morning. Pessimistically, I donned my waterproofs and set out for Middle Meadow Walk. But such are the uncertainties of Scottish weather. By the time I arrived, the downpour had turned into a light drizzle. An hour into the ride it had stopped, and by lunchtime we were sitting in the sun with the temperature in the twenties.

Despite the poor weather at the start, 22 people turned up for the ride – a very satisfactory number. There were several newcomers, including some graduates from Cycling for Softies and EasyCycle – all very welcome.

After the customary briefing, David, our leader for the day, took us down to the Leamington lift bridge and on to Roseburn Park and Murrayfield. We picked up Quiet Route 9 through Corstorphine and the Gyle, then took the lochside path through Edinburgh Park. After passing through a new underpass below the main Glasgow Road (see photo), we paused for our first break of the day at the gleaming new Edinburgh Gateway station. Our leader, who was fresh off the plane from a business trip to India, produced some interesting sweetmeats purchased in Bangalore. I'm not sure what they consisted of, but they were definitely edible.

The next section of the ride took us north along Cammo Way, into Cammo Country Park and across the delightful Grotto Bridge. This is a beautiful spot, with the fast-flowing Almond gushing through a deep tree-lined valley and not a building or road in sight.

By complete contrast, we then approached the busy Queensferry Road. This is the spot where, because of the closure of the Burnshot Bridge, cyclists (and pedestrians) are obliged to use a coned-off lane of the dual carriageway. On our last ride, despite a strict admonition from the leader to stay as close to the verge as possible, one of the party ventured onto the wrong side of the cones and, sheep-like, half the group followed, despite cars speeding past inches away and other cyclists coming towards them. Obviously, the authorities had taken note of this flagrant transgression. Today, the lane in question was guarded by a solid metal barrier keeping us cyclists well and truly where we belong.

Once safely off the dual carriageway, we quickly tackled the only serious climb of the day and were soon taking our ease on the sunny terrace of Craigie's Farm, where luncheon was served.

For the afternoon leg, we went down the far side of Craigie Hill and back across the Queensferry Road to join NCN 1. We pedalled about half a mile north, then through the Chapel Gate for a circuit of the Dalmeny Estate. We re-joined NCN 1 at Burnshot, then headed back to town via Cramond Brig and Barnton. By the time we passed Roseburn, people started to peel off, with the remnant of the group making it back to the Meadows with time to spare for a coffee. At 23 miles, it was a very satisfactory ride with some interesting new sections and plenty of variety – not to mention the satisfaction of confounding the weather forecast.

Leader and map trace: David
Report: Mike
Photos: Michael

An educational in-town ride for March

For this month's ride (9th March), we took an unusual route through the south and east of the city. Ten people turned up, which I thought was pretty good, considering the awful weather (steady rain and a freezing easterly wind).

We headed out through the Grange and were soon climbing the eastern slopes of Blackford Hill. We paused for a few minutes while our leader, Andy Hunter, pointed out an exposed outcrop known as Agassiz Rock. It was here in 1840 that the Swiss geologist, Louis Agassiz, noticed the distinctive grooving in the rock, which he attributed to the action of ancient glaciers - an observation which laid the foundation for modern theories of geology.

Fortified with that knowledge, we continued down Blackford Glen Road, across Gilmerton Road, and into the Inch Park. After crossing Old Dalkeith Road, we climbed a steep path towards the back of Craigmillar Castle. The path was narrow and somewhat muddy, and we ended up pushing our bikes most of the way up.

While stopping for a breather near the castle (see photo), Andy told us how Mary Queen of Scots, who lived here at various times in the 1560s, would look out over the fields where we now stood, and where her French entourage was camped. She is said to have referred to the view as "my little France". The name stuck.

A short downhill run now took us to Duddingston Road West, and then to the familiar Innocent Railway path. We left the path at Magdelene Gardens, and headed north by Hope Lane, and so to the Portobello Promenade to look for a lunch stop.

By now, the wind was on the attack with renewed vigour, and the footway was being drenched by spray. With a chill factor well into the minus zone, even the hardened picnickers amongst us decided to forgo the idea of an al fresco lunch. Instead, we opted for the Espy pub, which was warm and welcoming.

As you can imagine, it took a good dose of willpower for us to drag ourselves back to the bikes after lunch. The rain had now stopped, but the wind was still bitterly cold, and we had to dodge the waves as we continued along the prom.

At Seafield, we left the shore, and used the excellent new access point to get to the path by the cemetery. This much-impoved path reaches Leith Links by means of a useful new bridge.

After crossing the links, we headed to the Water of Leith path, which we followed all the way through Warriston, Canonmills, Stockbridge, Dean Village and Roseburn. Most of the group peeled off at various points along this section of the route, so with only three riders remaining, the ride was officially declared finished at Ashley Terrace. At 21 miles, it was another excellent run - and an educational one at that.



View 20milers March-13 in a larger map

Leader: Andy
Photo and map: Andy
Report: Mike

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