The rain stopped
overnight and the sky cleared. I was surprised how cold it was at
3degC, and its mid-June! The sun was shining on the trees opposite
but I was still in shade. I’d hoped that the sun would dry the tent
but cloud started to roll in so no sun when I was packing up. I took
thinks easy as my train isn’t till 14:52 and I only have about 26
miles to ride. The road is on the main cycle route 1 so I decided to
follow it for a while. I descended the main road but sun turned off
left along a minor road into Middleton, then left through more lanes
to Braidwood Bridge at Temple. The datestone reads ‘Erected by
Robert Dundas of Arniston. Chief Baron of the Exchequer. A.D.
1811’
Cycletrack on the old railway
The bridge had been
considerable enlarged and reinforced and I don’t think much of the
1811 structure remains. I continued to the large railway viaduct
at Lothianbridge and turned right then left into Dalketh. I was here
last year and followed the cycle track through the woods and aprk
but this time I by-passed that area to re-join the route at
Thorneybank housing estate. I called at the Supermarket to buy some
bread and continued to the cycleway along the
Penicuick & Musselburgh cycleway which is on the line of the old
Edinburgh Peebles rail line (1855 – 1962)
1550s bridge over the River Esk at Musselburgh
It was a lovely ride and I had this stretch to myself. At Whitecraig
I joined then soon left the road then back on the cycle track. I
followed it along the River Esk then over a wooden footbridge and on
the A6095 for a short while before crossing the old stone bridge
with steep steps at both sides. I was then soon on a cycle track
that took me to the coast at Musselburgh. The cycle track was a
delight along the front. Near the boathouse club there were knitted
displays on the fence. I soon left the road to follow a narrow muddy
track along Brunstane to the Railway Station. The last time I was
here I cycled round by road but this time I pushed the bike over the
footbridge and in to the car park on the opposite side.
I was then on familiar ground and followed
the track above Niddrie Burn. I reached the Innocent Railway and
looked forward to the tunnel section on the final approach into
Edinburgh.
It was great fun riding through the tunnel from
the east. This direction is uphill making it slower and better for
enjoying the engineering views. I emerged into the housing estate
and watched a woman come through the tunnel on an electric bike.
Edinburgh street performer
We chatted briefly before continuing our separate ways. I followed
the road to the west of Arthur’s Seat Hill then down to the various
building around Holyrood. On my left was the Scottish Parliament
building and across Holyrood Palace. I took my time cycling up the
Royal Mile in the sunshine. There were several street performers on
the way. I took my time and arrived at Edinburgh Waverley Railway
Station in good time for my train.
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station
Waverley Railway Station interior
It was the Virgin service to London Euston and left on time from
platform 9. I was back in Preston shortly after 5pm and cycled home
via the cycle track through Avenham Park along the old tramway to
Bamber Bridge then the A6 home.
Return to
Whittle Wanderer
