South Edinburgh to Midlothian Loop

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

Start at 10:30 from outside Morrisons at Gilmerton Road, Moredun
--> Ride SW along Burdiehouse Burn in 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 QuietRoute 61 along a long and easy cycle path to Rosslyn Chapel, going past the Battle of Roslin monument
--> 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
--> 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 and 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 till Eskbank Railway Station
--> Ride up N along Dalhousie Road to Eskbank roundabout
-->Turn NW to Melville Road then Gilmerton Road, mostly cycle lanes and dual paths, via Dobbies Garden Centre and City of Edinburgh Bypass
--> Drum Street and then other minor roads, lastly back to Morrisons
(Actual cycling time about 2.5-3 hours)

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

Re-run with an improved route to south of Edinburgh, covering Roslin, Auchendinny, Rosewell, and Eskbank

Road types you'll be riding on: Mostly cycle paths/ cycle lanes/ shared use paths and quiet roads, with small sections of a bit rough grounds. A very short leg of rough and muddy path (less than 20 metres) in Auchendinny requires walking and pushing your bikes.

Coffee stop: the community café of Glencorse Centre in Auchendinny (before half leg of the ride). Toilets: available at the start & end point of Morrisons at Gilmerton, 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 clothing to keep warm, snacks and drinking water, cash/ card if you fancy buying food at the community cafe, and front and rear bike lights in case you may linger on your way home (forecast sunset time: 18:17). A roadworthy bike with good brakes is certainly a must.

First-timers welcome!