Yesterday’s strong winds continued into the night. To be out of
sight my tent was near a tree and partly under a swaying branch
above. It looked strong enough as it swayed above but was still a
concern. A band of rain passed over through the night and it was
still raining by morning.
Morning tent view of Ramsay's Monument
I have a short ride today so delayed my start until it stopped. I
part wheeled and part rode my bike across the fields back to the
road. I’d put plastic bags over my shoes to keep the wet grass from
getting my feet wet. At the road I freewheeled down the long descent
to the bridge over the River North Esk at Penicuik.
Penicuik Kirk
I stopped briefly to look at the church before turning right into a
housing estate to pick up the old railway line which is now a cycle
track. It was good route to ride with a couple of illuminated
tunnels to ride through. I reached a car park and the B7003 road
where I turned right to descent to the river then a very sharp right
bend and steep steady climb up to Roslin.
Cycle track to Roslin
Tunnel on the old railway
Station platform
I turned right down to the Roslin Chapel area. It was only 09:25 but
many tourists were queuing up at the entrance reception for the 10am
opening. I walked round the back to take a photograph then continued
my way. Along the minor lane I came to the line of the old Edinburgh
Loanhead & Roslin Branch railway which is a cycle track.
Roslin Chapell
Often missed by visitors is the Old Rosslyn Inn (c 1660-1866)
Distinguished visitors were Dr Samuel Johnson and James Boswell,
Robert Burns, Alexander Naysmith, Sir Walter Scott and William &
Dorothy Wordsworth.
Old Rosslyn Inn
Graffiti
Graffiti
I missed the start and had to wheel my
bike up through Bilson Wood to re-join it. It was an interesting
ride with some very nice graffiti art under the City of Edinburgh
bypass road. Shortly after I left the cycle track to join the
Lasswade Road to the North West. I continued to Craigmillar Park and
the approach road to the Royal Observatory.
Royal Observatory
The climb up Observatory Road was steep
but steady and I rode it to the top and the entrance to the
Observatory. I called in at reception but was told I could only walk
around the outside as it was a private facility. I was on Blackford
Hill and had impressive views across Edinburgh and out across the
Firth of Forth. I cycled on the grass around the observatory, back
down the access road and towards Meadow Park.
Start of the climb
On the approach I stopped to look in the
Bicycle Works Bike Shop then continued through the park. I cycled
along the dual bike/pedestrian track which was being well used by
many people. I stopped by a seat and a young man stopped to chat
about my bike and he told me of his cycle touring adventures with
his girlfriend. I continued up the hill to the familiar High Street
and many tourists around.
Meadow Park
Miss
Brodie
I continued over the rise and down to
Market Street and the entrance to Edinburgh Waverley Railway
Station. I still had plenty of time before my train so wheeled my
bike through Princess Gardens Park. There was a short burst of heavy
rain so I sheltered under the trees for a while then continued up to
the Scottish National Gallery and had a look in the shop. I bought a
book of some of their exhibits then returned to the station to catch
the 14:51 Virgin train back to Preston which arrived on time at
17:15. I rode to Avenham Park and along the tram road cycle track to
Bamber Bridge then the A6 back home.
Return to
Whittle Wanderer
