A thread for looking at the new 'path network' - particular where the 'walking sections' are (or not) suitable for cycling - though not always for trikes and trailers(?)
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Leisure
John Muir Way (West)
(16 posts)-
Posted 9 years ago #
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We cycled a bit of of this on the tandem last Thursday.
Only silly barrier we encountered was at Croy as we joined canal. Had to lift tandem there. Other barriers were ok.
• Train to Croy
• Cycle Forth and Clyde till you see signs for Strathkelvin Railway Path
• Cross some silly stuff in Kirkintilloch (ok at 10.30 weekday)
• Push bike up embankment past barrier and delpoy on smooth tarmac for 7 miles up to Strathblane (recommended)
• After lunch at Kirkston we headed up to Croftamie to connect with John Muir. Walking path for part of this is separate and we had to be in Helensburgh by 4,30
• NCN 7 into Balloch -via country park
• Look around a bit to find JMW hiding in carpark beside Leven and headed up to Arden along Loch Lomond path via gateway shopping zone
• NCN 41 separated from road over hill into Helensburgh. Quite good really.
• Train direct to EdinburghAll in all a good few hours out in west. Irene particualrly likes Strathkelvin path and the wee roads from Croftamie to Balloch (both used by JMW walkers too).
Kirkston Inn's business in Strathblane was all cycle related.After Balloch the JMW is signed to diverge. No idea what it would be like but probably not tandem friendly. Looks possible on a mountain bike or hybrid / Moulton.
John Muir Way / NCN 755 / Strathkelvin Railway Path by LaidBackBikes, on FlickrPicture file here.
John Muir Way on tandemPosted 9 years ago # -
We did a small part of the John Muir way west as part of sustrans round the forth ride on the weekend. As you approach Hopetoun house you turn left and bypass the house grounds, which I'm fairly sure you used to be able to cycle through (maybe I was just lucky when I did). You come across this gate:
which is very un-cycle friendly - there being a small area into which to put your bike (I had to stand mine up) and the gate itself is on a very strong spring. Getting the trailer through required dismantling and disgruntling.
You are then led around this field:
which is pretty and eventually takes you through a nice arboretum with many rhododendra, and eventually past Abercorn through a wood (not sure of the name) to Blackness. The wood itself is very enjoyable and the surface is pretty good.
There were quite a few walkers on this section who weren't expecting bikes, so quite a bit of slowing down was required.
Posted 9 years ago # -
@ algo
That gate has certainly been there for a few years, but I don't know precisely how long. I certainly agree it is not cycle-friendly in the least. If the u-shaped section was wide enough to at least turn a conventional bike in, that would be fairly reasonable, but I can understand the frustration for trailer, tag-along and tandem users etc.
Posted 9 years ago # -
thanks Focus - I think I must have illegitimately gone through the estate before, and been lucky with what is now a locked gate at the gatehouse.
Posted 9 years ago # -
There's another gate at the other end of the house which I thought would also have had similar issues for your trailer. I mentioned it in another thread a few weeks back and would be interested to know how you managed getting through it?
Posted 9 years ago # -
Hello,
yes indeed you're right - I think it's near the turning for Abercorn church - is that right? Trailer dismantled again for that one - our trailer (chariot cougar) folds flat(ish) and the wheels come off easily so that's the solution for such gates… It contrasts with the ease through which we passed several gates when going from Callander to Killin…
Posted 9 years ago # -
Anyone know if the JMW is actually signposted anywhere in West Edinburgh? I know the route it follows but we need a photograph for a school project.
Posted 4 years ago # -
On Corstorphine Hill - I ran past them yesterday.
Somewhere on the canal too IIRC.Posted 4 years ago # -
Thanks - will explore
Posted 4 years ago # -
I walked the route from Queensferry to Meadows last year with my son. It is pretty well signposted/waymarked throughout, so much so that you don't really need a map - though printing out one of the PDF OS based route maps from the John Muir Way web site will make sure you keep to the route.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I am minded to cycle the whole thing if I am ever released from thirldom.
Posted 4 years ago # -
There's a separate "cyclist's braid" route with on-road sections. Some bits of JMW walking route are really not suitable for bikes, even those pedalled by intrepid XC types...
I've walked most of it, was hoping to complete the sections west of Falkirk lat last year but personal matters intervened. Rescheduled to start again in March but then the world changed.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I'm not sure if I posted at the time, but I rode the Helensburgh to Edinburgh section in early March, following the cyclists' braids. Some bits were still pretty unrideable on my 'gravel' bike: just too steep and rocky. Some bits were in a dreadful state of repair after flood damage. Some bits were still under Loch Lomond.
Actually, I did post at the time. I remember writing about the bramble prickles in my legs.
So IWRATS, yes a noble plan. The only problem I see is that if you get the first train out of Waverley to Helensburgh, you have to get a bit of a move on to be sure of getting the last train back from Dunbar.
Posted 4 years ago # -
@Greenroofer
Indeed, and a fine post it was. Getting a move on has never been my style and I would plan to spend a night or two on the trail in order to make friends with it. I tried to follow your trail on the map and there was a lot of side-snuffling to be done.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Also noticed a wee JMW sign on the chicane barriers as you go up to the Balgreen Tram Stop next to Jenners Repository.
Posted 4 years ago #
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