CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting

Commuting from Lasswade / Bonnyrigg to the Gyle

(8 posts)
  • Started 8 years ago by mcsparshatt
  • Latest reply from Lezzles

  1. mcsparshatt
    Member

    Hello All!

    I'm due to move to Lasswade from Leith next year, so have started investigating my new route to work in the Gyle - is there anyone that does something similar and have any route tips?

    I saw that there were a few threads over improving some of the cycle paths in the area such as this: http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11672

    From what I can see, this hasn't made the journey from Lasswade / Bonnyrigg into the city any easier? I also believe the old rail viaduct is going to be converted into a cycle path - is that likely to happen anytime soon?

    Thanks!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  2. chdot
    Admin

    Welcome.

    Always good to check what CS suggests and try one or more of the option.

    http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/46696343

    Nothing obvious that's particularly 'cycle friendly'.

    The Loanhead - Lasswade Road route is great, but obviously heads in the 'wrong' direction.

    "I also believe the old rail viaduct is going to be converted into a cycle path"

    You mean in Lasswade or somewhere else?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  3. Klaxon
    Member

    The only respectable direct-ish alternative I see to the B701 'CC' route would be going up Lasswade Rd as far as Kirkgate then hanging left around Braid and Merchiston hills to Slateford. Lots of climbing in both directions, but I figure if you're even considering commuting that distance you must have some legs already!

    May I suggest a nice wee house in Currie or Ratho instead? ;)

    Posted 8 years ago #

  4. amir
    Member

    Whereabouts in Lasswade - in the Esk valley or south or north of it?

    I don't think the viaduct in Lasswade really goes anywhere though I guess it could link to the steep road on the north side by the horse place and nursery. The south side goes into a closed tunnel which pops out the other side of Bonnyrigg.

    If you are on the south side of the valley, the dip at Polton might be attractive as it takes you straight to the railway path in Loanhead and then you can zip along that to Lasswade road in Gimerton. But that road is steep, narrow and probably slippery in winter. So perhaps best for summer.

    In the winter I stick the main roads. If you are on the upper side of Lasswade then the A7 to Dobbies then along the path to Gilmerton might be an option as it avoids the dip into the Esk valley.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  5. amir
    Member

    "May I suggest a nice wee house in Currie or Ratho instead? ;) "

    Or change your job!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  6. mcsparshatt
    Member

    Thanks for the replies guys!

    Amir - it's the new Miller development where the caravans used to be, next to the river so I am guessing that's the valley haha!?

    We had actually looked at some places in Currie and Ratho. Currie was very enticing, but couldn't find anything that ticked as many boxes as this (on the assumption Miller do a good job!).

    I have resigned myself to it being a tougher commute than my current relatively flat 8 mile jaunt between the Shore and the Gyle - good training I suppose! I had no idea about the viaduct to be fair - looks pretty though. I think I may need better lights come next autumn....

    Posted 8 years ago #

  7. kaputnik
    Moderator

    There's always the option of taking the train some days and cycling from e.g. Haymarket. Given the limited capacity of the new (old) trains on the route, a folder might be useful to make this a reliable and viable option.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  8. Lezzles
    Member

    I used to do Roslin to Heriot Watt Uni which is a similar-ish route. If you can take the Loanhead railway line to Roslin there is a decent route along the A703 to Fairmilehead, I'd then go past Hunters Tryst and then along past the barracks to Colintonup the B701 and then up over to pop out near Westerhailes. A lot of ups and downs but generally decent route for the legs both outwards and back.

    Posted 8 years ago #

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