Corstorphine to Calderwood with a bit of Canal

We head West from our start point, along the cycle paths adjacent to the A8 and A89 towards Newbridge and Broxburn. At last we leave the traffic behind as we head South towards Birdsmill on quiet roads, enjoying the long views of open farmland. Onwards then along a road through woodland to reach the North entrance of Almondell Country Park.

We will make a brief stop at the visitor centre to explore the lovely walled garden and visit the shop and toilets if required. There is a steady climb as we leave the park but we don’t go all the way to the top (!) as we cut off through the new Calderwood housing with its network of shared paths.

The friendly Calderwood Community Cafe at our half way point has great coffee and refreshments and a pleasant outdoor seating area with picnic tables. If the weather is kind we will stop here to refuel ourselves before the homeward cycle.

Continuing our way on shared paths through the development we reach quiet country roads to turn northwards again. There is a short, fairly steep gravelly track which we will need to push our bikes up, to join the Union canal for a quiet section where we can enjoy the wildlife and wave to passing narrow boats. Passing under just one canal bridge at Ratho (where we can make an alternative under cover coffee stop if weather dictates) we cycle onward to leave the canal at Gogarmuir Road to make our way back to the start point via Gogar Station Road and the RBS bridge.

A steady ride, due to some inclines which we will take at our own pace. Mostly on cycle paths, canal towpaths and quiet roads. All on tarmac apart from two short sections where we join and leave the canal.

Helmets are recommended. Also a spare inner tube, repair kit, pump with appropriate fitting. Bring cash or a payment card for refreshments - or your own - and a means of getting home if necessary.

We never leave anyone behind