Heriot Watt campus from Gyle Centre

A leisurely ride starting from The Gyle Centre, we cycle alongside Loch Ross then cut through to Gogar Station Road and Hermiston Village. We'll make a circuit around the Research Park then through the lovely Heriot Watt Campus to our cafe stop (indoor or out) at the Students Union.

Leaving the campus, we'll make our way to the quieter roads of Currie then cut through to Donkey Lane. This is a tree-lined hard-packed gravel path, mostly downhill in this direction. There is a very short section where it is slightly rougher and more likely to be wet so we will dismount here and walk with our bikes. It's an interesting diversion for a Spring ride when it is dry and not overgrown. (If there has been a lot of rain it may be muddy so we will have a plan B for this part of the route!)

We soon turn onto Baberton Road which has lovely views over farmland, looking towards the Forth Bridges. After crossing the bypass we make a left turn through a residential area, cross over the canal by the footbridge then join the towpath as far as the Cultins Road exit. The shared paths alongside Cultins Road and around Edinburgh Park Station take us back to Loch Ross and the Gyle Centre.

Mostly shared paths and cycle ways, quiet roads. There is a short section (about 1/2 mile) on a slightly busier road as we link between Heriot Watt and Currie.

The terrain is mostly tarmac with some hard packed gravel paths.

We'll take our time, pausing to catch our breath and take photos as required.

Helmets are recommended, bring cash/card if you want to buy anything at our cafe stop. Bring a spare inner tube to fit your wheels and your usual repair kit - or have a plan to get home with your bike if for any reason you are unable to continue the ride (eg friend/taxi).