Winter Solstice Celebration Spin

We will start at Dalkeith High School / Community Campus heading south west, using quiet roads, crossing Newmills Road and picking up the shared path to go over the picturesque 13th century bridge over the South Esk River that skirts Newbattle Golf course ( this bit can get a bit muddy but usually ok for bikes), then onto Edinburgh College and then cross above the railway bridge at Eskbank to pick up the disused railway line (Cycle route 196) that goes all the way to Penicuik. We will do a tiny loop around Valleyfield Pond and then return on the same path. When we reach Rosewell on the way back we will stop off for light refreshments with a short road loop around the south side of Rosewell, back up to the main road and then pick up the shared path again and retrace our route back to the high school campus.

A fairly easy 21 miles spin out to Penicuik from Dalkeith on the shared path (Old Railway line) and back with a stop at Rosewell. Approx 700' of elevation with nice rolling gradients.

This is mainly well surfaced cycle paths with a couple of short sections of roads. When we are on the paths, we'll likely pass walkers, dogs and horses, maybe tiny humans on balance bikes, so please stay safe and keep other path users safe.

We will stop at the Steading at Rosewell on the way back for light refreshments.

Please bring the following with you: Bike in good and safe working order and well maintained, a helmet, spare inner-tube / puncture repair kit, a bike lock if you have one, layers (including a waterproof incase of rain), card or cash payment if you want to buy anything at our café stop. We don't leave anyone behind but if you find yourself in a position of being unable to continue with the ride for any reason, for example in the event of a puncture / mechanical that cannot be fixed at the roadside, then you need a plan for getting back home. And of course you will need a water bottle or two, some snacks just incase we dont stop for coffee (for what ever reason) and loads of chat!

We never leave anyone behind