http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: ‘zipline in ambitious plans to turn Hillend into leading attraction’ en Thu, 21 May 2026 11:11:47 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307233 Wed, 22 May 2019 11:36:31 +0000 CycleCommute.CC 307233@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I was bemused by the comments under the EEN article from Mike Vandeman in California</em></p> <p>Yeah, and what's that about attempted murder of bikers with a saw!? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307226 Wed, 22 May 2019 11:08:05 +0000 ejstubbs 307226@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@IWRATS: <em>The Pentlands are rough grazing for sheep and a few bits of grouse moor. This is a former golf course next door to an artificial ski slope.</em></p> <p>I basically agree, although I think we shouldn't overlook the presence of ravens, peregrines and such (in the teeth of illegal persecution from the landowners). Arguing over the loss of "wildlife habitat" when just a few years ago it was a golf course is a bit rich.</p> <p>I imagine that the concerns are mainly around the T wood. I asked one of the reps at the drop-in session at Swanston Golf Club about that and he said that they were still very much on the fence about that, and it would depend on the environmental impact assessment. If they end up keeping the trails away from the T wood because of that then the argument basically dies AFAICS.</p> <p>I was bemused by the comments under the EEN article from Mike Vandeman in California. He seems to have a massive bee in his bonnet about mountain biking: (<em>some</em> of what he says - a small part - has some validity, but it's surrounded by a lot of specious argument and evidence-free assertions. I found it quite refreshing to see Mr Fraser pushing back hard on his nonsense. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307210 Wed, 22 May 2019 09:36:13 +0000 steveo 307210@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I had not noticed that before I'll keep an eye for it next time I'm out that way. Don't worry though I'll use the sign in sheet so I don't have it when you're planning. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307209 Wed, 22 May 2019 09:29:06 +0000 jonty 307209@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There is a nice little mini-corrie on the 'inside' of Cape Law which affords a peaceful sleep and a good sunrise (provided you are not shrouded in fog.) You can use it if you promise to let me have it on my biennial bivvy trip, if I get round to it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307208 Wed, 22 May 2019 09:28:42 +0000 steveo 307208@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hang on iwrats let me take out these ear plugs... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307206 Wed, 22 May 2019 09:26:02 +0000 I were right about that saddle 307206@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@steveo</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Howard-Leight-Max-Lite-Plugs/dp/B000RMFGGY/">Earplugs mate.</a> I SAID EARPLUGS. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307203 Wed, 22 May 2019 09:08:42 +0000 steveo 307203@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Tranquility? On the side of the Pentlands overlooking the bypass?</em></p> <p>For reasons I once tried to bivvy on Capelaw, between the light of the city and the noise of the bypass I gave up and walked home at 0300. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307202 Wed, 22 May 2019 09:06:04 +0000 chdot 307202@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“Tranquility? On the side of the Pentlands <em>overlooking the bypass</em>?”</p> <p>Indeed. </p> <p>Most unattractive the way the insidious noise permeates. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307200 Wed, 22 May 2019 08:57:28 +0000 fimm 307200@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Tranquility? On the side of the Pentlands <em>overlooking the bypass</em>? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307195 Wed, 22 May 2019 08:16:15 +0000 I were right about that saddle 307195@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>People come to this unique part of the Pentlands for the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and tranquillity</em></p> <p>The Pentlands are rough grazing for sheep and a few bits of grouse moor. This is a former golf course next door to an artificial ski slope.</p> <p>Why doesn't the article mention who actually owns this land? What is the business model? Where will the people who stay in the 'pods' have come from? Where's the money coming from? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398&page=2#post-307180 Tue, 21 May 2019 20:57:31 +0000 HankChief 307180@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/historic-woodland-puts-brakes-on-pentlands-zipline-and-mountain-bike-trail-1-4931834?jdjdj" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/historic-woodland-puts-brakes-on-pentlands-zipline-and-mountain-bike-trail-1-4931834?jdjdj</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299650 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 12:14:55 +0000 Nelly 299650@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Perhaps a Luge?</p> <p>Was in NZ recently, didnt do the one on Queenstown, but we did the one on Rotorua <a href="https://www.skyline.co.nz/en/rotorua/things-to-do/skyline-luge-rotorua/">Luge Lnky</a></p> <p>Its great fun, uber popular and (since my last visit 15 years ago) they have added a lot of catering / viewpoint stuff.</p> <p>As well as the obligatory zipline and hundreds of car parking spaces.</p> <p>We did MTB near Rotorua one day, not booking ahead meant they only had full suss, press button seatpost jobbie which cost me $180 to hire for my son and I for 4 hours !!</p> <p>I would be a bit sad if they messed with the pentlands in the way suggested. It is, and should remain, fairly untouched.</p> <p>p.s. New Zealand is an unbelievably car centric society - its like a mini USA. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299619 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:51:29 +0000 I were right about that saddle 299619@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This development should only go ahead if the unused ground is reforested. The soil's pretty thin on the summit, but the rest of it would be fine.</p> <p>Fence the sheep out, handful of lupins, handful of pine, birch, oak and alder seeds off we go. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299615 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:18:19 +0000 jdanielp 299615@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@threefromleith @steveo I have only been on the relatively tame Bobsleigh at Oakwood in Wales (Avalanche in Blackpool doesn't count), but a 'proper' alpine coaster sounds like a lot of fun. I can't help but think that it would scar the landscape given the lack of tree cover, although the ski-slope is already doing that quite effectively. On the subject of roller coasters, I still believe that a traditional wooden roller coaster could be an excellent addition to Princes Street Gardens. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299612 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 17:49:42 +0000 Cyclingmollie 299612@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hillend thumb is the term used by nurses in Edinburgh for the injury caused by putting a hand down and catching your thumb in one of the square holes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299603 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 15:09:35 +0000 steveo 299603@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@IWRATS sounds like a plan, I can demo just how slow I am :D</p> <p>Once did a skills course up there and the instructor took us down a scree field, was going great guns till I hit the bottom carrying too much speed and after three strides ended up barrel rolling through the heather. </p> <p>@TFL a toboggan run would be fantastic, we did one in Austria years ago. Second run was behind the terrified rider, third run was going well till I hit a corner too fast and lost the cart, as well as burning my arm and ruining my trainers! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299599 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 14:16:55 +0000 threefromleith 299599@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If the 'alpine rollercoaster' is the same as the 'summer toboggan' I ride in Slovenia every summer like the big kid I am, then roll on its opening! </p> <p>Those things are seriously good fun (until you catch up on the terrified rider who set off a minute before you, who's creeping down at a snail's pace with the brake almost full-on, and your white-knuckle "I'm not braking the whole way down" run is ruined...) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299572 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 10:44:32 +0000 I were right about that saddle 299572@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@steveo</p> <p>CCE Pentlands jog some time? I quite like the drop to the T-wood, always seems gentler than the other descents. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299571 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 10:43:37 +0000 Arellcat 299571@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@blueth, yes, Hans Kuwall was one of the founders of the ski centre. He was my first instructor.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_DeqAh3KWY" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_DeqAh3KWY</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299565 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 10:30:50 +0000 steveo 299565@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That would save that leg busting decent down caerketton after a long day in the hills and put you in range of a selection of decent pubs and buses. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299564 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 10:29:27 +0000 I were right about that saddle 299564@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The zip line will run from Allermuir to the castle, right? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299556 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 09:40:46 +0000 Blueth 299556@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I remember we used to go there during "double games" on a Wednesday afternoon. Wooden skis and leather boots with instruction from Hans, the original (Austrian I think) instructor.</p> <p>Skis etc were in the hut down near the bus stop as I recall and had to be carried on foot to the slope, but a motorcycle solved that problem, this being before schoolkids had cars. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299540 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:27:05 +0000 Snowy 299540@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Back in the day I used to cycle to work with a ski boot in each pannier, then to Hillend for a session, then home. Good fun. Not sure the knees would agree these days. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299491 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:41:53 +0000 wingpig 299491@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Political parties could have their group photos taken with the zipline in the background, if it is impressively large enough. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299488 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:15:56 +0000 crowriver 299488@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Leisure chiefs at Midlothian Council are currently seeking feedback on proposals that also include an alpine rollercoaster ride, shops, hotel, food hall and glamping facilities."</p> <p>All seems very excessive, frankly. </p> <p>“We think enhancing the current facilities with the highest zipwire in the UK, the longest Alpine coaster and the indoor climbing and soft play will attract families from all over the country and beyond,” said Cllr Milligan.</p> <p>And how will they all get there? Let me guess, not on the No.15 or No.4 buses. Presume "enhanced" parking also on the cards? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299486 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 20:25:59 +0000 Arellcat 299486@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>When was it put in?</em></p> <p>The very first skiable run was only a 50m long test slope, and was laid in 1964. It was actually installed on the eastern slope of Buiselaw, to the north of Hillend Hill and near the road to Swanston. It was only open for training, mainly for school children.</p> <p>They moved it to Hillend Park six months later and lengthened it to 200m. The ski slope opened to the public in December 1965, but at that time you had to walk up the hill. In 1966 Doppelmayr built the prototype chairlift (full length), even though the ski slope was still only 300m long (to the middle station). In 1967 the full slope was laid, and the gas lighting (!) was upgraded to electric.</p> <p>This was 1977:</p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/pw1DZf"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15435828332_7521740c7c.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="https://flic.kr/p/pw1DZf">The beginning of the Hillend</a></p> <p>I think the chairlift has been mended rather more than it's been upgraded, to be honest. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299480 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 19:04:12 +0000 I were right about that saddle 299480@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>climbs mountains carrying her skis &amp; ski boots then slides back down</em></p> <p>This is how Alpine skiing originated. Previously done with a single long pole between your legs broomstick-style and, remarkably, the eyes tightly closed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299477 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:29:27 +0000 unhurt 299477@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot that chairlift was on the go when I was about 15, so it's been there a wee while. </p> <p>My super-fit cousin enjoys a sort of anti-heliski approach - climbs mountains carrying her skis &amp; ski boots then slides back down. Seems like a lot of hard work... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299475 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:10:48 +0000 chdot 299475@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Or put another way -</p> <p>When will it need upgrading/replacing? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19398#post-299474 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:09:57 +0000 chdot 299474@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>When was it put in?</p> <p><a href="https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200281/snowsports_centre/181/about_the_snowsports_centre/3" rel="nofollow">https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200281/snowsports_centre/181/about_the_snowsports_centre/3</a> </p>