Along the Esk to Musselburgh

We will ride from The Meadows on residential roads through The Grange and Prestonfield and after a short distance on Peffermill Road we cross into Craigmillar Castle Park. From there, we go through Little France Park where we head uphill to The Wisp. We then take a scenic country road with views across to the coast. (This road is quiet - motor vehicles are restricted to access only.) We then skirt Queen Margaret University before turning by Musselburgh Station towards Monktonhall. We then pass along the side of Musselburgh golf course to reach the River Esk Walkway. We then follow the River Esk all of the way to the coast. We then follow the costal path to Fisherrow Harbour, where we will stop briefly to admire the view. We then take the cycle path along Edinburgh Road towards Joppa, turning towards the Brunstane Burn and the back entrance to Newhailes. We will cycle up to the café in the Old Stable block in the Newhailes Estate for our refreshment stop. After our stop, we will retrace our route back to the Brunstane Burn path, which we follow up to Brunstane station. From here, we follow cycle paths through Magdalene Glen and Jewel Park, before joining the Innocent Railway path to the Innocent Tunnel. From here, we take marked cycle paths back to our start on The Meadows.
The hill in Little France Park, while not being particularly steep, is quite long. However, everyone can go at their own pace, and get off and push if they want. We will take plenty of time and make sure (as always) that nobody is left behind.

A ride with views of Arthur’s seat, Craigmillar Castle and out to the coast with a stop in the Newhailes Estate.

The route is mostly on cycle paths and quiet roads. The surface is paved, apart from some short sections of hard-packed gravel in Craigmillar Castle Park.

We will stop for refreshments at the coffee shop in the old stable block of the Newhailes Estate.

Bring a payment card or cash if you wish to buy any refreshments in Newhailes. Alternatively, feel free to bring your own refreshments. Helmets are strongly advised. Bring a spare inner tube and a lock if you have them, but don’t worry if you don’t have a lock as we can fasten our bikes to each other. Plan a means of getting home in the event of mechanical breakdown (call a friend, take a taxi etc).

First-timers welcome!