Cycling in one of Scotland's wealthiest neighbourhoods

Morningside and The Grange are two of the wealthiest areas in Edinburgh and in Scotland. For those who have heard of Morningside but never been there they have a vague notion of poshness and big houses.

Nothing can prepare you for the extent of the grandness and elegance of the residential streets. There is street upon street upon street of large Victorian villas and neat rows of tenement houses with bay windows and perfect gardens. Every inch of the place would be enough to fill decades worth of Home and Garden magazines.

It is also a great area to go for a bike ride. The streets are quiet and remarkably traffic-free for a capital city. I am not that keen on city cycling because of the volumes of traffic, but this part of Edinburgh is some of the best urban cycling I have experienced. I could quite happily potter around on these streets for hours having a good look at the impressive buildings.

Starting point: Morningside Station

Although this is called Morningside Station and you will see it on bus timetables you cannot get a train here. There is no sign of an actual train station, but you will see train tracks. The station closed in 1962, but the line is still used by freight trains.

If you are travelling to Edinburgh by train one of the best ways to get to Morningside that avoids heavy traffic is from Haymarket Station. I have described this route in my guide: I've cycled and gone to cake heaven.

Adjacent to the station there is a rectangular grassy area that blooms every spring with blue and white crocuses. It is a stunning display and I love seeing it for the few short weeks that it appears.

From here you can access Nile Grove and this takes you away from the bustle of Morningside Road onto the network of quiet residential streets.

It is really up to you where you go from here. I just cycled around randomly, turning down streets that looked interesting. You will find mostly flat and wide streets that make for very easy cycling.

You will pass some magnificent properties as you explore the area. The buildings are all different with interesting architectural features. It is a refreshing change to modern housing estates where everything looks the same.

You will also have some views of Blackford Hill (164 metres) which is a great place to go walking. The views of the city from the top are something to remember. 

Some streets have the characteristic rows of handsome tenements with immaculately groomed hedges and neat gardens.

At some point you are bound to come across Astley Ainslie Hospital. The peaceful wooded grounds are great for a spin with four mansion houses to look out for. The hospital specialises in rehabilitation for patients with conditions such as stroke and brain injury and these quiet surroundings seem the ideal place for recovery.

If you are looking for coffee or lunch after your cycle then you are spoiled for choice as Morningside Road is crammed with cafes. My personal favourite is Falko Konditormeister, located in Bruntsfield, a German bakery with the best cakes in Edinburgh. Try the Sachertorte- it is chocolate bliss.

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View Morningside and The Grange cycle in a larger map

The map shows the start point of the route and a rough indication of the direction to head, but it is up to you which streets you explore.

I probably only cycled about 3 or 4 miles, so it is a very short ride, but there is lots to look at. If you want some more exercise you could always head to Blackford Hill for some walking.

It is mostly flat and the traffic volumes are low, apart from Morningside Road which is always busy. A good time to visit would be mid-morning on a weekday once the commuters have all left.