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.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
What would encourage you to visit Whitmuir?
(53 posts)- Started 13 years ago by Cyclingmollie
- Latest reply from Dave
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Posted 11 years ago #
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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.
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.
Posted 11 years ago # -
"This was Tour de Moors 51 weeks ago"
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.
Posted 11 years ago # -
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.
Posted 11 years ago # -
"She has read it and would like to meet cyclists to discuss what kind of bike parking would be preferred"
That's what we like to hear.
Sheffield/Edinburgh racks are probably optimal - or a rustic version.
Theft is probably not too much of an issue - though visiting bikes are likely to be above average price.
Main considerations for cyclists are -
Something that stops bike falling over
Not far from way in - like next to disabled parking or pride of place where no-one is allowed to park.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Not far from way in - like next to disabled parking or pride of place where no-one is allowed to park.
Where they can be seen from a window, so they can be admired obviously.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Sheffields or Edinburghs in sight of the seating area, indeed.
Pop a sign beside them saying:
"No lock? We've got a burly chain and padlock inside - Please Ask!
"No mudguards? We've got seat covers inside. Please, PLEASE ask!"
Posted 11 years ago # -
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.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Plus
http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/55.745743,-3.293206/Whitmuir
on the web site
(Would help if it was in OSM)
Oh and
10% discount for people arriving by bike.
Posted 11 years ago # -
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).
Posted 11 years ago # -
Plus a page for 'suggested routes'
Posted 11 years ago # -
lionfish: "and don't forget instructions on how to get there by bike!"
Yes, that was all on the old site but seems to have been left off the new one.
From the old site:
gettherebybike by Cycling Mollie, on FlickrPosted 11 years ago # -
@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.
Posted 11 years ago # -
@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).
Posted 11 years ago # -
The Whitmuir entrance is almost directly opposite a pretty quiet (if undulating back road).
From Penicuik the green route is only 1.75 miles and 11 mins longer then the direct route.
Posted 11 years ago # -
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.)
I don't recall thinking it was too posh.
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.
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.
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!
Edit: cb beat me to it about the side road.
Posted 11 years ago # -
You can avoid the worst of the A701 by going via Auchencorth Moss then turning left just before the descent into West Linton.
edit - beaten to it twice over !
Posted 11 years ago # -
I was coming from Talla, is it possible to avoid the A701 from there?
"I don't recall thinking it was too posh2
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.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I was coming from Talla, is it possible to avoid the A701 from there?
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
Posted 11 years ago # -
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).
Whitmuir café by Cycling Mollie, on FlickrPosted 11 years ago # -
"
Alison Johnstone (@AlisonJohnstone)
20/06/2013 16:21
Visited brilliant @whitmuir_cbs farm last week, learnt loads & inspired by bid to become community owned. Take a lookhttp://www.whitmuircommunityfarm.org/buyashare.htm
"
Posted 11 years ago # -
I've bought a share. Definitely one of the better thought out local organic/educational/sustainable/fun projects out there.
Posted 11 years ago # -
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.
Posted 11 years ago #
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