http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: What would encourage you to visit Whitmuir? en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:23:00 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-115487 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 07:45:05 +0000 Dave 115487@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>FWIW the A701 is very quiet (compared to either the A702 or the A703). While I'd avoid both the latter, many audax rides go up and down the A701. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-115439 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 14:16:44 +0000 Cyclingmollie 115439@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've bought a share. Definitely one of the better thought out local organic/educational/sustainable/fun projects out there. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-115431 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 11:06:45 +0000 chdot 115431@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<br /> Alison Johnstone (@AlisonJohnstone)<br /> 20/06/2013 16:21<br /> Visited brilliant @whitmuir_cbs farm last week, learnt loads &amp; inspired by bid to become community owned. Take a look </p> <p><a href="http://www.whitmuircommunityfarm.org/buyashare.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.whitmuircommunityfarm.org/buyashare.htm</a></p> <p>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-105406 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:36:18 +0000 Cyclingmollie 105406@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was there today and there seems to be plenty of room round the back of the cafe to leave bikes. You could put them under cover there if it was raining (assuming no-one would be sitting there). </p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8577286122/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8577286122_3414bc69fc_n.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8577286122/">Whitmuir café</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/44681630@N02/">Cycling Mollie</a>, on Flickr </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103965 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:47:18 +0000 Cyclops 103965@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote>I was coming from Talla, is it possible to avoid the A701 from there?</blockquote></p> <p>Not entirely, you could go Dawyck-Stobo-The Meldons-Eddleston-Shiplaw which is a lot quieter but also a lot longer. You definitely don't want to use the A702 as it's even busier </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103960 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:37:55 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 103960@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was coming from Talla, is it possible to avoid the A701 from there?</p> <p>"<em>I don't recall thinking it was too posh</em>2</p> <p>Me neither. In fact the chairs I thought were sensibly 'wipe clean'. And no problem just sitting and having coffee and cake rather than a whole meal. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103957 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:26:06 +0000 Charterhall 103957@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You can avoid the worst of the A701 by going via Auchencorth Moss then turning left just before the descent into West Linton.</p> <p>edit - beaten to it twice over ! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103956 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:25:04 +0000 fimm 103956@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The two times I've been to Whitmuir, we lugged the bikes round the back and sat outside. My boyfriend was very impressed with his bacon and egg roll. I seem to recall that we thought it was a little on the expensive side (but I also appreciate that places like that have to make money. I'm not saying that I thought it was overpriced, if you get the distinction.)</p> <p>I don't recall thinking it was too posh.</p> <p>Racks round the back by the outside tables would stop cyclists leaning their bikes against the tables and would suit those who want to keep an eye on their pride and joy while sitting inside.</p> <p>You can't totally avoid the A701, but there's a road up to the Moors Road that is nearly opposite Whitmuir so you don't have to go far on the main road.</p> <p>Craiges Farm advertise that they have bike locks available, however when I asked to borrow one they couldn't find one, and I ended up taking my bike round the back and sitting at the outside tables. So if an establishment advertises that it has locks, it should ensure that all staff know where to find them!</p> <p>Edit: cb beat me to it about the side road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103955 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:24:59 +0000 cb 103955@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Whitmuir entrance is almost directly opposite a pretty quiet (if undulating back road).</p> <p>From Penicuik the green route is only 1.75 miles and 11 mins longer then the direct route.</p> <p><a href="http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/17372889/">http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/17372889/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103954 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:18:50 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 103954@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Uberuce, in theory yes, but that wasn't my experience on Friday. LOTS of cars absolutely tanking past, a number of buttock-clenching moments, and at least three shouts (from me). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103952 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:13:21 +0000 Uberuce 103952@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@lionfish - The A701 is fast but not busy, and if I recall correctly it's one of those roads with wide enough lanes that you get a comfortable overtake from cars that aren't even crossing the central line. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103936 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:13:37 +0000 Cyclingmollie 103936@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>lionfish: "and don't forget instructions on how to get there by bike!"</p> <p>Yes, that was all on the old site but seems to have been left off the new one.</p> <p>From the old site:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8550497415/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8550497415_6fe0621df7.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8550497415/">gettherebybike</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/44681630@N02/">Cycling Mollie</a>, on Flickr </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103930 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:00:59 +0000 chdot 103930@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Plus a page for 'suggested routes' </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103928 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:59:35 +0000 lionfish 103928@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>and don't forget instructions on how to get there by bike! (especially if you know of a nice route that doesn't involve a fast busy road). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103927 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:59:31 +0000 chdot 103927@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Plus</p> <p><a href="http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/55.745743,-3.293206/Whitmuir" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/55.745743,-3.293206/Whitmuir</a></p> <p>on the web site</p> <p>(Would help if it was in OSM)</p> <p>Oh and</p> <p>10% discount for people arriving by bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103922 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:49:04 +0000 amir 103922@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The cafe at Whitmuir has nice big windows overlooking the back of the property. This might be a better place than near the front door from a security point of view. There would need to be easy access though with a sign to indicate location. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103921 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:46:33 +0000 Uberuce 103921@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sheffields or Edinburghs in sight of the seating area, indeed.</p> <p>Pop a sign beside them saying:</p> <p>"No lock? We've got a burly chain and padlock inside - Please Ask!</p> <p>"No mudguards? We've got seat covers inside. Please, PLEASE ask!" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103914 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:24:08 +0000 steveo 103914@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Not far from way in - like next to disabled parking or pride of place where no-one is allowed to park. </em></p> <p>Where they can be seen from a window, so they can be admired obviously. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103910 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:17:11 +0000 chdot 103910@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"She has read it and would like to meet cyclists to discuss what kind of bike parking would be preferred"</p> <p>That's what we like to hear. </p> <p>Sheffield/Edinburgh racks are probably optimal - or a rustic version. </p> <p>Theft is <em>probably</em> not too much of an issue - though visiting bikes are likely to be above average price. </p> <p>Main considerations for cyclists are -</p> <p>Something that stops bike falling over</p> <p>Not far from way in - like next to disabled parking or pride of place where no-one is allowed to park. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103908 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:11:06 +0000 Cyclingmollie 103908@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I let one of the Whitmuir owners know about this thread. She has read it and would like to meet cyclists to discuss what kind of bike parking would be preferred and where to position the mirror at the entrance. I'm happy to go but perhaps if I could get some ideas in advance that would be helpful. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103852 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 22:43:22 +0000 Nelly 103852@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"This was Tour de Moors 51 weeks ago"</p> <p>Wow, was that a year ago already? Was my first big ride out post op and amir and numptie had to nurse me back from penicuick, I seem to recall. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103836 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:25:36 +0000 Blueth 103836@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been there two or three times in groups of up to a dozen or so and we've always been made welcome even, perhaps particularly, when it has been wet. Anywhere in Scotland that has "marked trails" for the public to use can't afford to be too precious about wet visitors. There's been plenty wall space and we just lock the bikes to each other.</p> <p>It has happened that the coffee, ordered well enough in advance of leaving, has had to be gulped down as folk were moving away and, on one occasion, had to be foregone altogether. That aside it's fine. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474&page=2#post-103825 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:34:50 +0000 Cyclops 103825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been to Whitmuir a couple of times on my bike at weekends. I must admit to not noticing the lack of cycle parking as I'm a "lean it against a wall" sort of chap. Food is very good although we did once fall foul of their "no food before 12 noon" rule. The clientele is a bit posher than the places we normally inhabit but they're always very welcoming - someone probably tipped them off about the huge amount of food half a dozen audaxers will order. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474#post-103812 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:15:03 +0000 DaveC 103812@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Funny Charterhall but on a similar note, we cycled to Beescraigs near Linlithgow and found it either too posh (a sit down resturant) in the niddle of a woodland!! or round the back, and what I can only describe as a chippy with an aluminium table and chairs. Walls are white plain tiles and it feels cold and uninviting. Kind of polar opposites. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474#post-103806 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:45:26 +0000 Charterhall 103806@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been there a couple of times, both times at weekends and in the car. Nice food but the posh upholstery, the need to book a table and the proper dinner-at-lunchtime menu creates a feeling of formality which would make me feel a bit awkward turning up in possibly grubby cycling kit and asking for a bowl of soup and a toastie. Perhaps its different Mon-Fri when presumably its quieter. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474#post-103797 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:42:48 +0000 amir 103797@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It could obviously do with some benches outside to facilitate spectating of speed-puncture-repair events (even more fun than hill climbs) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474#post-103795 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:35:05 +0000 chdot 103795@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Don't remember much bike parking -</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/6990125231/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6990125231_b18a87242e.jpg"></a></p> <p>This was <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5491">Tour de Moors</a> 51 weeks ago. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474#post-103791 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:13:12 +0000 PS 103791@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The best I could find last year was: off to the left of the main entrance there was some sort of fencing next to the bins. I tied my bike up to that, as had a couple of ERC types. So yeah, no real bike parking. </p> <p>I was also a bit trepidatious about going into the cafe as they had nice leather seats and my a*se was a bit wet after cycling over the hill from the A703 but, credit to the staff, I was made very welcome. Good carrot cake IIRC. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474#post-103777 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:37:17 +0000 Cyclingmollie 103777@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Indeed WC. I think this is all there is:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8547795453/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8547795453_0416a32509.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8547795453/">Cyclists at Whitmuir</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/44681630@N02/">Cycling Mollie</a>, on Flickr</p> <p>From next week it will be possible to buy a share of the farm. <a href="http://whitmuircommunityfarm.org/">Whitmuir Community Farm Community Benefit Society</a> has been established to purchase the farmland, undertake the farming and develop this educational work. The new Society is issuing shares to raise the funds to do this work. </p> <p>It's an attempt to raise the money necessary to keep the whole enterprise going. Shares start from £50.</p> <p>And the main website is no longer the one I designed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3474#post-103774 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:31:49 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 103774@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hmmmm.</p> <p>On Friday I found myself ditching a ride at Whitmuir (the A701 into a headwind for 15-20 miles after having done 50 odd miles before that over some large-ish hills is NOT fun) and... Is there <em>any</em> bike parking?</p> <p>Perhaps it was cos I was grumpy, but I couldn't see any into the car park, and there were none at the entrance to the shop or cafe. I wound up just propping the bike against the door of the cafe entrance.</p> <p>As mentioned above, though, the biggest drawback is, I think, the A701. It's just busy. Really busy. And I believe the 60mph limit does not apply on that road (at least, that's what it feels like).</p> <p>But yeah. Bike parking. Would go <em>some</em> way to making cyclists feel welcome (shame, cos the staff were lovely and the coffee wasn't bad, and the chocolate cake was fab - it was <em>recovery</em>...). </p>