Mining Museum Newtongrange

Starting promptly at 10am from Fisherrow Harbour this group ride for non rugby fans will go to the Mining Museum cafe at Newtongrange (lunch stop) and then return to Fisherrow. 39 miles in total. As the return ride will pass around the outskirts of SE Edinburgh some riders will have opportunities to leave for home early rather that stay with the group all the way back to Fisherrow. The ride can also be shortened if there is inclement weather or if we run out of daylight. Remember that as the clocks change on Sunday morning you will need to bring cycle lights.

Long sections of this ride are on cycle tracks, paths and vehicle tracks, some of which will be rough or muddy. Thus the ride is appropriate for bikes with wider tyres and could be difficult for riders using road bikes with skinny tyres.

At first the ride utilises the local CR 76 through Stoneybank which connects with NCR 1 to Whitecraig. We then go though the Carberry Estate to view the autumn colours and the redwood trees. We continue on the Pencaitland Railway Walk, leaving it at Ormiston to go through the estate of the former Ormiston Hall. We will visit the 1000 year old yew if interest and time permits. After this estate we use the B6367 to get to Pathhead and then descend to Ford where we take a track direct to Dewartown. Carberry Estate is next where there is a WC stop. The B6372 then leads us to Gorebridge which we skirt around to get to the lunch stop (18 mls)

Post lunch we descend to the Gore Glen Woodland Park ( no doubt part of a former estate) all on tarmac and continue on public roads before going through the Whitehill estate to Rosewell after which we go west on cycle path CR 196 (again) before going down and up Roslin Glen to Roslin and onward via the cycle route/path to Loanhead (WC stop) and SE Edinburgh. For riders still with me at this stage we will leave the cycle path at Gilmerton to go though the Drum Estate and then Danderhall. We then get to descend on the well designed and enjoyable new cycle path (known to speedy Strava users as the Twisty Wisp Avoidance). This ends near to the ERI which we pass and then ascend (still on new cycle paths to Craigmillar Castle (estate). A descent follows to Craigmillar and the Innocent Railway path which takes us ( or what is left of us! ) back to the start at Fisherrow ( 39mls). There is no afternoon tea stop planned.

Click on the following www link to see and download the probable route.

https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4974169.html

Only part of this route is on public roads. The remainder includes some unsurfaced tracks and some of these will be muddy. Be aware that some of the ride is along busy roads with fast traffic. Bring LIGHTS, 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 (if you don’t want to eat in the cafe). 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 and ride in accordance with the group safe riding guidelines at

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

On busy roads we must maintain sizeable gaps between groups of 6 or 8 cyclists and make sure the following groups know which turning we are taking.

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.

Hope to see as many of you as possible. Remember to test and bring your cycle lights

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

Bob Fowler

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