38. Roslin Glen

start: Penicuik
distance: 16 miles
OS map: 66

Inspiration for this route came from a leaflet available from Tourist Information offices - see the info page for details. It's not a circular route and the direction of the wind may have some bearing on which way to do it.

Despite going through a fairly populated part of Lothian, the route follows old rail routes for a good way and it's surprising just how peaceful it is. There are a couple of railway viaducts, a short tunnel and we pass through Roslin Glen on the way.

There are a couple of starting points in Penicuik. Leave the centre heading for Peebles on the A701, the road goes downhill to cross the North Esk river - turn L just before the bridge and there's access via a bridge next to a small parking area.

The path is following the river crossing and recrossing it past the site of an old paper mill. There's an iron bridge just past the old Auchendinny station and before a short tunnel. Emerging from this and passing another mill, the river is down below on the R. Through the short Firth tunnel and then the track crosses the Firth viaduct to leave the river on your L. The route is rising towards the site of Rosslyn Castle station and Roslin Glen Country Park is to the north.

Still rising past the station to reach open countryside and wider views to the Moorfoot Hills. When you reach the B7003 cross it and there's a continuation to the R of the road towards Bonnyrigg and passing under the A6094 after a short way. The track here is well surfaced and brings you into the old Bonnyrigg station. At the end of the platform you need to cross the road and take the road opposite into the newish housing scheme.

Pick up the route again after 100m or so which leads to a pedestrian bridge over the new A7 road. Go over the bridge and turn R then L after another 100m onto a surfaced path which rejoins the line of the old track. Jewel and Esk College is over to your R. The route passes under the A6094 to what was Eskbank station and a ramp takes you up to come out on the A768 Lasswade road. It may be possible to continue along the track but it looks a bit of a quagmire in anything but the driest weather.

Eskbank roundabout is a few yards to your R - possible refreshments at the Justinlees pub. To get to the Glenesk viaduct either go straight across the road and through a garage forecourt (cheeky?) or turn R to the roundabout then L signed for Edinburgh. Either way, you'll come to an S bend, look out for an entrance on the R before the bottom of the hill - this brings you onto the continuation of the rail route you left a few moments ago. (If the gate to this waste ground is locked, fear not - your bike will go through it - honest!). As you approach the viaduct, you'll see where the track cuts back on the R towards Dalkeith. Good views from the viaduct.

Take the surfaced path back towards Dalkeith to arrive at a 'filled in' bridge where you come up onto the road. To your L is an odd looking building - it used to be a water tower. Someone with local knowledge may be able to find an off road route through the town but, if that fails, head straight down the main street past the bus station and through 2 sets of lights. At the end of the street is the entrance to Dalkeith Country Park and the road turns to the R. Follow this road as it heads around and down to cross the river then up towards Forrest Furnishings on the L. Go past this and you'll see a sign for the cycle route to the L. A few yards down this road and a surfaced path heads off towards Whitecraig.

Passing under Smeaton Bridge the path reverts to a dirt surface. At Whitecraig turn L onto the road for 300m or so until the continuation along the river to Musselburgh is signed. This passes under the A1 and the main east coast rail line to follow the river into the town.

jb, galashiels

cycle route near Bonnyrigg

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