Dunbar Harbour

Ride with a picnic lunch.

This Wednesday’s ride is a 59-mile anticlockwise loop in East Lothian to Dunbar.

Please meet at Fisherrow Harbour Musselburgh at 9.50am for a 10am start. There are WC facilities at Fisherrow.

We will ascend through Inveresk from Musselburgh and after crossing the bridge over the A1 we will turn right, cross the Whitecraig roundabout, pass Smeaton Farm and proceed to Crossgatehall. The route then takes us through Cousland, past the Glenkinchie road-end, West Saltoun, East Saltoun and then on the B6355 for a WC stop at Gifford (18 miles).  We continue along the B6355 after Gifford then shortly turn left onto the B6370 to Stenton. At the Pitcox junction we follow the road signed to Spott and cross the busy A1 near the Spott roundabout where there is a crossing suitable for cyclists. We will then make our way through Dunbar and have our picnic lunch in the park adjacent to Dunbar Leisure Pool where there are plenty benches with a sea view. There are public toilets nearby.

After lunch we leave Dunbar by the coastal path and after a short section on the A199 joint the pavement cycle path to East Linton. Then we make for Haddington via Markle, join the B1347 and then take the pavement cycle path as far as Abbey Toll when we cross the A199 and stop for coffee in Haddington (46 miles). If the weather is adverse after lunch we could take the lower level route to Haddington going past Hailes Castle from East Linton.

Thereafter we take the Longniddry cycle path as far as Cottyburn car park then follow country roads to the St. Germains crossing and then onwards along the coast road back to Fisherrow.

The route is as follows: https://www.strava.com/routes/19860727

This route is on surfaced roads except for 2 or 3 miles on the Longniddry cycle path which is, however, suitable for all cycles.  Be aware that short sections of the ride are along busy roads with fast traffic. Bring suitable clothing for the predicted weather, 2 spare inner tubes, pump and basic repair kit, snacks and drinks to keep you going and a picnic lunch. Please do not forget to check before you start out that your bike is roadworthy, especially the brakes. Always ride safely and in line with the Highway Code. In addition please be aware of and ride in accordance with the group safe riding guidelines at

https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding

On main or busy roads we must maintain sizeable gaps between groups of 6 or so cyclists and ensure the groups behind know which turning we are taking with the last person in each group stopping and signposting if appropriate.

The group will always do their best to help anyone in mechanical difficulty. However, you are ultimately responsible for looking after yourself and getting yourself home. Please carry emergency contact details both on your person (card in wallet/purse, ICE on mobile) and in your bike bag. I will also compile an attendance sheet. Please take a note of my number in case you get separated form the group: 07786 457 742.

The forecast is for a moderate southwesterly, 17C, sunny spells and showers.

This ride is for members of UK Cycling. If you are not a member you are welcome on this ride although you will be expected to join after being on a maximum of 3 UK Cycling rides.

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Sandy