I'm not a huge fan of their journalistic quality, but STV Edinburgh is certainly proving to be a good source of information about developments in the city - I just spotted their article about proposals for MTB trails, amongst other things, at the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill. Given the proposed trail routes, I can understand why this is provoking some resistance from regular walkers there, although I would be intrigued to see how it would be developed if it went ahead...
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Cycling News
Proposed MTB trails at the Hermitage of Braid/Blackford Hill
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Posted 9 years ago #
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“Despite car parking provision we think many cyclists will access this open site via the nature reserve, again causing conflict with other users and wildlife there."
Genius! The "Friends of Blackford and Hill and Hermitage of Braid" are worried that people might actually cycle to a mountainbike track, instead of drive!Posted 9 years ago # -
They clearly been to Glentress.
Posted 9 years ago # -
are worried that people might actually cycle to a mountainbike track, instead of drive!
They're worried that too many will cycle to/from it via the Hermitage. Braid is a big part of me and I would support that view. The Hermitage path is for the most part not an environment for bikes; it's narrower than the Roseburn path and heavily used by walkers with children and animals.
The fields proposed for development are 'just' grass, that sit empty much of the year. But I think the proposed development erodes too much of the green space and it says that if this one goes ahead there's no reason not to have something else 'active' too. Perhaps an adventure playground? Perhaps a shooting range? Perhaps a new venue for GoApe using old telegraph poles? And all will require yet more landscaping and tarmac or blaes for yet more car parking.
The (n+1) theory works for facilities too. It would be only one more than we have already. But how many compared with what we had at the start? The big house with three garages that was built at the periphery of the Midmar field is like that. Why not just allow one more house there? And one more after that?
Posted 9 years ago # -
I meant to post about this before (I think I must have seen something on Twitter).
The 'idea' has been around for a couple of years. I had the impression that the MTB trail was to be instead of the golf course but the STV article says it's additional.
I'm not sure if I'm "against", but I do wonder if it would even be 'possible' (here) if it was a commercial entity rather than a charity running the site.
I also wonder if there is a 'demand' - perhaps there is for children (and perhaps that's the main purpose?)
"The Hermitage path is for the most part not an environment for bikes; it's narrower than the Roseburn path and heavily used by walkers with children and animals."
I don't actually agree with that - "responsible use" and all that - but the path would not be ideal for 'extra' bikes just intent on passing along to get to this facility.
In my ideal world, Braid Hills Road would not be a through road for motor vehicles and so would be much better way of getting to this (and enjoying that route for its own sake - and the view.)
Posted 9 years ago #
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