http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: "Dalkeith Country Park to gets £3.5m revamp" en Sat, 02 May 2026 16:09:01 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-381000 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:40:39 +0000 amir 381000@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Code is written on inside of Smeaton Gate if you need to get through out of hours </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-380893 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:51:58 +0000 fimm 380893@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh, I see. I failed to spot my typo "get" instead of "gate". </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-380878 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:26:47 +0000 amir 380878@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Pedestrian gates are potentially open 7am to 7pm (apart from King's Gate). But that does depend on someone opening them and they seem to open a bit later in practice. You can get access out of these hours by joining the Acorn membership scheme. This costs £12 pa. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-380869 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:14:02 +0000 Arellcat 380869@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I had to ask the internet but I believe gembo was referring, slightly cynically, to Richard Scott, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Scott,_10th_Duke_of_Buccleuch">10th Duke of Buccleuch</a>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-380868 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:28:02 +0000 fimm 380868@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm sorry, gembo, I don't know what you mean. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-380867 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:27:00 +0000 gembo 380867@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@fimm, the old get? Dickie scott? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-380866 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:20:02 +0000 fimm 380866@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can confirm what Urchaidh says - the old get with the mesh over it has been replaced by a tow-part gate that is wide enough for cyclists and pedestrians at one side, with a locked car gate at the other side. </p> <p>The sign says that it will be locked overnight but I can't remember the exact times... </p> <p>There are a number of "Cyclist Slow Down" signs along the track, but at least that means they are expecting cyclists.</p> <p>More annoyingly, there's a line about maximum speed 10mph, but given that as far as I could see there are no speed limit signs for motorised vehicles... I'm looking forward to cycling in the middle of the track at 10mph with a farm vehicle behind me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-378300 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 20:49:26 +0000 urchaidh 378300@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Unbelievable as it seems, I've been told that Dalkeith Estate have agreed to put an access gate in after a fair bit of pressure from ELC council and access officers.</p> <p>It won't be fully compliant as will still be locked overnight, but it's progress. The estate seems to be (slowly) accepting that they are not, in fact, exempt from access legislation as they have previously claimed so hopefully this is just the first of a few improvements.</p> <p>EL cllr who led on this is hoping to get the news out soon. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-375957 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:51:32 +0000 gembo 375957@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Shame we lifted bikes that way before but then dickie is a see you next tuesday </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-375954 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:19:49 +0000 fimm 375954@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm told that mesh has been added to the gate into Dalkeith Country Park at the Old Craighall end, so that it is no longer possible to climb the gate (which Mr fimm and I have done in order to walk or run through the park). </p> <p>(I think I've only taken a bike that way once, knowing that I would have to lift it over that gate.) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-370617 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:54:46 +0000 edinburgh87 370617@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Went through last night (Dalkeith &gt; Musselburgh) at about 7:30 pm and the palisade was closed, although was able to lift bike over the left side and climb the fence. The field fence IS electrified btw, could hear it buzzing. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-370269 Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:12:45 +0000 amir 370269@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It could be just at night I suppose. Which them catches the early morning commuters </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-370260 Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:52:51 +0000 Arellcat 370260@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Smeaton gate was open when I passed on Wednesday evening. I actually wondered if it'd been closed temporarily because of repairs to the wall - but the footway would've had to have been closed as well I suppose if there were a hazard. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-370198 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 18:13:48 +0000 amir 370198@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@arellcat I just used the Ncn 1 route past the Dalkeith campus </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-370182 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:14:10 +0000 edinburgh87 370182@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote> I wonder if the denizens of City Cycling Amsterdam spend their days discussing whether the easiest route to work involves jumping an electric fence.</blockquote></p> <p>You just made my lunch hour :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=3#post-370180 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:12:50 +0000 Arellcat 370180@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've vaulted the Monkton Gate once before, but only because I was riding my lightest bike.</p> <p>To be honest, Old Craighall Road isn't awful for commuting purposes, and after the A6106 roundabout going west is easy via the old railway path to Gilmerton, Roslin, etc., or north via Danderhall, Little France and so on. Going south-west I'd probably just stick to Salters Road and Eskbank Road, picking up the old railway path to Rosewell and Penicuik if needed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370179 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:54:19 +0000 urchaidh 370179@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Fair point on the vandalism, wasn't suggesting it was made up (I witnessed the aftermath of the silage bales being slashed a few years back) but not do I think it will be solved by, or warrants, these access restrictions. </p> <p>The road over to Old Craighall is metalled, though there are some quite serious potholes and gravel on the road, especially after the bridge on the north side of the river.</p> <p>The Monkton Gate, leading to Old Craighall Road has always been locked, but is a solid farm five-bar and easy to cross with a bike if you are able.</p> <p>We used to know the gate code, which we got by offering to lock up after a car that had gone through and reading the code before spinning it, but it has changed now and we don't have the new one. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370178 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:38:45 +0000 Morningsider 370178@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I wonder if the denizens of City Cycling Amsterdam spend their days discussing whether the easiest route to work involves jumping an electric fence. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370177 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:36:35 +0000 amir 370177@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@urchaidh I agree in the main, but would say that there are reports of youths setting off fires </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370176 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:35:17 +0000 amir 370176@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ps apparently it is closed also. I had no great desire to test it given 25mm slicks http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370174 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:31:48 +0000 PS 370174@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@amir How about cutting across the bridge over the Esk to the estate entrance/exit on Old Craighall road? Or is that option closed as well? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370173 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:20:04 +0000 urchaidh 370173@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That gate is a constant issue.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/urchaidh/status/1653823671889285121" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/urchaidh/status/1653823671889285121</a><br /> <a href="https://twitter.com/urchaidh/status/1382397031780605953" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/urchaidh/status/1382397031780605953</a></p> <p>Got nothing to do with vandalism, vandals don't drive into the estate and even with this gate open there's a locked gate with a horse/pedestrian 100m further on. It's fairly easy to climb (sans bike) so any vandal without mobility issues would not find it an issue.</p> <p>It's got everything to do with the local farm/stables owner not wanting people wandering around. Had an interesting chat with her once, her and the estate's views on access are pretty draconian.</p> <p>Midlothian access officer doesn't seem to give a shit, have emailed several times, no repsonse. Dicky Scott wields too much influence I guess. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370172 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:23:27 +0000 edinburgh87 370172@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Edit - just looked at your Strava, disregard </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370170 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:21:33 +0000 edinburgh87 370170@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That’s annoying, I was planning to start going that way again. Do you mean the one that looks like a palisade, or the one directly onto the A6094? If the former, the field may be an option to get past the gate but can’t remember if fence electrified. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-370168 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:09:02 +0000 amir 370168@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For those that cycle through the country park, the Smeaton Gate was closed today (the big wooden white one). </p> <p>That meant quite a diversion of my commute as I only found out a few metres away on the inner side! I spoke to another commuter on my trudge back up the park road - he said this has been quite common of late, and is apparently due to vandalism. Perhaps it only happens during the night then as I imagine it is inconvenient for residents. The other guy said he would vault the gate - beyond me I think :), and I wanted the excuse for extra miles in the morning sun anyway. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-349043 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 12:37:46 +0000 amir 349043@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Jarnac Court reference is nice </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-349036 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:30:22 +0000 gembo 349036@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Took me 2 seconds. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-349033 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 09:23:57 +0000 amir 349033@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Some news from <a href="http://www.midlothianview.com/news/trump-in-secret-talks-with-the-duke-of-buccleuch/?fbclid=IwAR0WbDynFyWkMJ2GqSxFm46RIbLMgUKA6LL2zPiWoKffQChjEUf66vIyWF0">Dalkeith</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-320123 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 17:25:47 +0000 chdot 320123@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“I find the question of interest because, despite the "free" access 7am-7pm, there still seemed to be parts of the property (as noted in my previous post) that they seem to want to keep people away from for no obviously justifiable reason.”</p> <p>Indeed. </p> <p>They may or may not have ‘good reasons’, but I suspect they will be obeying the letter of one law or other. </p> <p>It’s (perhaps) like people putting up “No Right of Way” signs - it’s to discourage people who in fact have a legal (Right to Roam) right.</p> <p>I assume the 7-7 rule shows they have complete rights to restrict access(?) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13163&page=2#post-320120 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 15:38:30 +0000 ejstubbs 320120@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@<strong>chdot</strong>: <em>A fee used to be charged for entry to the whole park but visitors can now visit for free.</em></p> <p>I know. But that's not <em>quite</em> what it says on the <a href="https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/plan-a-visit/opening-times-and-entrance-fees/visitor-access/">Country Park's own web site</a>. And I'm wondering why the change, given that previously (per Morningsider's post on page 1 of this thread*) they charged a fee for access in order to bypass the access rights granted under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. I'm wondering whether the 2016 act changed or clarified the charging criteria in some way so that they could do away with charging at point of entry for 12 hours each day. But the web site still refers to the 2003 act, so probably not.</p> <p>I find the question of interest because, despite the "free" access 7am-7pm, there still seemed to be parts of the property (as noted in my previous post) that they seem to want to keep people away from for no obviously justifiable reason. So it would appear that they want to retain the right not only to close the gates at night, but to bar access to any part of the estate that they feel like, for whatever reason they like.</p> <p>* <em>Land reform access rights do not apply to land where a charge was levied for entry (for a period of at least 90 days per year) prior to 31 January 2001 and have continued to be levied for at least 90 days per year since that date.</p> <p>See Section 6(1)(f) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.</em> </p>