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Cycling from Edinburgh to Musselburgh

14/7/2015

2 Comments

 
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The River Esk, Musselburgh
The traffic-free cycle route from Edinburgh to Musselburgh is about 6 miles, so if you fancy an easy ride to the banks of the River Esk and an ice cream from the famous S.Luca read on.

The route can be started in the Meadows. Look for the the National Cycle Network Route One blue signs and keep following these.

Soon you will find yourself proceeding down a 320m tunnel that was part of a disused railway. This is really exciting to cycle through with dim lighting and a drop in temperature. On a roasting hot day this tunnel is probably the best place in the city to cool down. It always surprises me that the tunnel is actually quite steep inside it, so in this direction it is a speedy descent, but a long and gradual climb on the way back.

This tunnel is one of Edinburgh's secrets and it takes a bit of effort to find it. The entrance is located within a residential complex of flats. It is a very unlikely place to find an old railway tunnel. The first time I tried to find it I got lost. 

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Cycling through this tunnel is the dramatic start of the route from Edinburgh to Musselburgh
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Inside the tunnel
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The route is carried on the former Innocent Railway. This sign is just outside the tunnel

The tunnel was part of the Innocent Railway, Edinburgh's first railway, so-called because it was a horse-drawn system in an era when steam engines were considered dangerous. It opened in 1831 and was originally designed to carry coal from Dalkieth to the capital, but passengers became an important source of income.

Disused railways are great for cycling because the paths are usually well-surfaced and flat. 
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The route is flat and well-surfaced

After leaving the tunnel the route takes you past Arthur's Seat and the verges are alive with foliage and flowers.
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A view of Arthur's Seat from the Innocent Railway path

The route continues along this flat path, shielded by trees and bushes from the busy capital beyond. Barking dogs, lawnmowers and someone practicing their electric guitar the only signs that you are in a major city.

Then you come across remains of a railway cast iron bridge.
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Remains of a cast iron bridge from the Innocent Railway
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At this location there is an information panel about the railway.
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Edinburgh's 'Other Castle'
At this point you have an opportunity to make a short detour to Craigmillar Castle. The cycle route crosses Duddingston Road West, but if  you turn right onto this road and continue straight on for 1 mile you will reach the castle. More detailed directions, photos and information about the castle are on my blog about the castle. 
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Craigmillar Castle
Continuing on the cycle path to Musselburgh you will pass through mainly residential areas, parks and playgrounds. It becomes much more obvious that you are in a city.
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When you reach Brunstane Station, where you come across the large homewares shop, the signage is slightly confusing. You should follow the National Cycle Route One signs which mean you must take your bike over the railway footbridge.

You will soon reach the village of Newcraighall. It was a mining village until the mine closed in 1968. There are some pretty miner's cottages that you pass on Newcraighall Road. This is the only section of busy road on the route and you will be on it for a very short time.
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Cottages in Newcraighall
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A closer look at the neat little gardens of the cottages in Newcraighall
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Another pretty house in Newcraighall
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There is also an interesting fountain in Newcraighall. It was constructed by residents "to show their high esteem" for  a doctor who served the community for 30 years.

To continue on the route you turn right on Newcraighall Road, but if you turn left you can reach Newhailes, a handsome Georgian villa where you can go on a guided tour and have cake in the stables tearoom. 
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Newhailes. To reach it turn left as you enter Newcraighall
The route then takes you via Queen Margaret University to Musselburgh train station. From here you travel through estates of semi-detached houses to reach the centre of Musselburgh, via the River Esk path. 

You could visit Inveresk Lodge Gardens, accessed from the River Esk path. These are beautiful and peaceful gardens that are worth the short detour. Read my blog about the gardens to find out more.
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Inveresk Lodge Gardens
The River Esk is a great spot to enjoy the sunshine with an ice cream from the famous S.Luca which has been making the stuff since 1908.
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S.Luca cafe in Musselburgh. Image from S.Luca website
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River Esk in Musselburgh
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Plenty of nice picnic spots on the River Esk, Musselburgh
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An interesting house near to the River Esk, Musselburgh
After this ride you might want to try a local beer. Read my review of Musselburgh Broke

Read my blog about Newhailes when I went on a tour of this handsome villa.


Musselburgh is in East Lothian and I have written several blogs about cycling and things to see and do in this region. Read about East Lothian

Picture
Musselburgh
2 Comments
Eli link
31/12/2015 02:02:41 am

This is my daily commute. I really am very lucky.

Loved your photo and explanations.

Reply
Colin
31/12/2015 11:17:54 am

Thank you Eli. Glad you enjoyed it. It is a great route.

Reply



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    My name is Colin Baird and I want to see all of Scotland by bicycle. Follow my blog on Facebook:

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  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Route Map
    • Journeys published on Simonseeks website
  • Where to go in Scotland
    • Aberdeenshire
    • Angus
    • Argyll and Bute
    • Central Scotland
    • Dumfries and Galloway
    • East Lothian
    • Edinburgh and Midlothian
    • Fife and Clackmannanshire
    • Islands
    • Perthshire
    • Scottish Borders
    • Sutherland and Caithness
  • Advice About Cycling in Scotland
    • What kind of bicycle?
    • What gear to buy
    • Taking your bike on the train
    • Coping with traffic
    • Best cycling guide books
    • Best novels about cycling in Scotland
    • Jobs in Scotland
  • Travel Writing Projects/Working with Me
  • Beyond Edinburgh Bike Tour
  • Best Cycling Books