Kelpies

Wednesday is 59 miles from start to finish at Roseburn - destination is the Kelpies at Grangemouth where we can eat our picnic lunch at tables outside.

There are also a café and toilets.

We meet at 9.50 am for 10 am departure on the cycle path at the Roseburn Bridge where it crosses the main road to Corstorphine.

We will head out to the Kirkliston Leisure Centre for a toilet stop then through the Dundas Estate, Philipstoun and a turn right off the B9080 to take the path along the north side of the beautiful Linlithgow Loch.  Lots of walkers here who do it every day so they treat it as their domain – let’s be very polite. 

We will continue to Linlithgow Bridge and Whitecross where we will take the canal path as far as Polmont.  Then it’s downwards through Gray Buchanan Park to take up a cycle path that will lead us past the Helix and onto the Kelpies. (28 miles)

I can be bribed to give you my loyalty card!

After lunch we will head home by NCNR 76 via Grangemouth, Kinneil Estate and the coastal John Muir Way via Bo’ness to Blackness.  It’s now time for coffee, so we will head up to Mannerston’s Cafe where I have reserved a table. (43 miles) 

We will head back to the canal for an easy journey to Winchburgh, then on back roads to Kirkliston and retracing our outward journey to Cramond and back to Roseburn. (59 miles in total).

When I did the recce on the canal path there was a huge swan guarding his brooding mate so we may need to take a small diversion!  Maybe the cygnets have now been born.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/story/20141204-the-truth-about-swans

You can shorten this ride by car assistance to Cramond or Kirkliston or train back from Falkirk Grahamston Station which is just over 2 miles away from the Kelpies.

Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/18047291  Most of this ride is on tarmac, although there are short sections on gravel paths at Linlithgow Loch, Kinneil Estate and on the John Muir Way.

Weather: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2648215  It’s pretty good although a bit of wind on the way back.  Everyone should now have shorts – photos will be taken of anyone without (longs)! 

Riding in a group requires consideration for others in the group. Our riding guidelines are essential reading prior to coming out on the ride to ensure safety for yourself and the other riders.  https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding

Please ride in groups with football pitch sized gaps between and at any turns, make sure the person behind sees you or stop till they catch you up.  Please take note of my phone number 07977540202 in case you get separated from the group.

Please ensure your bike is roadworthy, and that you carry 2 spare inner tubes and basic tools to change.

In accordance with good riding practice you should carry emergency contact details both on your person (card in wallet/purse, ICE on mobile) and in your bike bag.

While experienced group members will always give assistance and advice to other riders ultimately you are responsible for yourself and making your own way home.  An attendance sheet will be completed on the morning.  The ride is primarily for Cycling UK members.  Non-members are very welcome but would be expected to join Cycling UK after 3 rides.

Cheers

Gordon