Holyrood Challenge + Braid & Blackford Beauty

TRY the uphill challenge of Holyrood Park TOGETHER, no matter how fast or slow we are! Yet the uphill part is less than a mile (and not as steep as you may think), with very rewarding scenic views on the upper part of Queen's Drive. The later section of the route is an easier paced ride to Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve.

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

Start at 11:00 am from the east end of The Meadows - outside the Public Toilet and Cafe Refresh (Google Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AQUgGD5dp3zh4CQXA )
--> Cycle to the foot of the hill at Queen's Drive, Holyrood Park
--> Cycle clockwise round Queen's Drive - Enjoy the scenic views along, including three lochs - St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch, and Duddingston Loch from afar
--> Go SE via The Innocent Railway path, and then SW via Craigmillar Castle Park and Inch Park
--> Ride eastward on Blackford Glen Road, entering Hermitage of Braid
--> Snacks/ Coffee stop at The Lodge Coffee House (after about three fourths of the ride)
--> Ride up to the tranquil hidden gem Blackford Pond via Hermitage Drive and Midmar Drive
--> Return N back to the starting point at The Meadows

(Actual cycling time: about 2 hours)

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS: Holyrood uphill challenge; three lochs - St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch, and Duddingston Loch; Braid Burn and Blackford Pond in Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve

ROAD TYPES you'll be riding on: Mostly tarmac cycle paths/ cycle lanes/ shared use paths and quiet roads, with some sections on gravel, bumpy and muddy tracks - Road bikes with very thin, slick tyres may not be suitable. TERRAIN: Hilly mainly on Queen's Drive of Holyrood Park, with less than a mile of continuous ascent

LUNCH/ COFFEE STOP: The Lodge Coffee House at Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve (may bring your own food at outdoor tables) after about three fourths of the route. PUBLIC TOILETS available at: (i) start/end point at the Meadows, (ii) inside Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve

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 plan to buy food at the coffee stop. A roadworthy bike with GOOD BRAKES is certainly a must.

We never leave anyone behind