Double-Circuit Ride to Glencorse & Dalkeith

{*Refer to the route map for a visual presentation, with possibly slight adjustments}

Start at 11:00 from the east end of The Meadows - outside the Public Toilet and Cafe Refresh (Google Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AQUgGD5dp3zh4CQXA )
--> Ride SE through Innocent Tunnel to Craigmillar Castle Park
--> Join Old Dalkeith Road and then Gilmerton Road via the Inch
--> Ride through Moredun Wood and Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Local Nature Reserve
--> Turn SE to quiet roads and shared use path around Gilmerton Dykes and Lasswade Road - QuietRoute 61 (Portobello to Rosslyn Chapel) till City of Edinburgh Bypass
--> Continue SW on the long and easy 'QuietRoute 61', paying a visit to the lovely wee Straiton Pond, passing past the Battle of Roslin monument, and a quick look outside Rosslyn Chapel
--> Go NW till Penicuik Road and Gowkley Moss Roundabout
--> Turn SSW along a quiet road beside A701
--> Cross the traffic light to join The Brae down to Glencorse Centre, Auchendinny, where we'll be having our lunch/ coffee
--> Firth Road - a quiet road and path with a short steep descent near Firth Viaduct
--> Walk and push bikes up to Firth Viaduct on a very short (less than 20 metres) but rough/ muddy path. Enjoy the tranquil scenery on the bridge.
--> Ride NE along the long NCN 196 (later section overlapping with NCN 1), riding past Three Hares Community Woodland, Rosewell, Bonnyrigg/ Hopefield, Eskbank till King's Park in Dalkeith
--> Return NW along Old Dalkeith Road, Melville Gate Road, Gilmerton Road (passing Dobbies Garden Centre and City of Edinburgh Bypass), and A701 - mostly with cycle lanes and dual paths
--> End at the starting point at the east end of The Meadows
(Actual cycling time about 3-3.5 hours)

Be prepared with going uphill and downhill in certain legs, despite not very challenging.

A longer version of my previous 'South Edinburgh to Midlothian Loop' with an improved route to the south of Edinburgh, covering Roslin, Glencorse and Dalkeith

Road types you'll be riding on: Mostly tarmac cycle paths/ cycle lanes/ shared use paths and quiet roads, with occasionally gravel/gritty and bumpy surfaces. A very short leg of rough and muddy path (less than 20 metres) in Auchendinny requires walking and pushing your bikes.

Lunch/ Coffee stop: the community café of Glencorse Centre in Auchendinny (before midpoint of the ride). Toilets: available at the start & end point at the Meadows, and the cafe stop. (McDonald's near Eskbank Railway Station and Dobbies Garden Centre in case needed.)

Bring with you: Helmet highly advised, at least one spare inner tube suitable for your bike tyres and relevant tools for mechanics, appropriate layers of clothing to keep warm, snacks and drinking water, cash/ card if you fancy buying food at the community cafe. A roadworthy bike with good brakes is certainly a must.

We never leave anyone behind