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Ok, since Cyclestreets isn't coming up with a route I like, I thought I'd ask here.
I live/work in Leith, and my mum lives in Eskbank. I don't want to cycle over the Sheriffhall roundabout (I'm not even comfortable walking across that one!), but I dont want to add several miles to my route to avoid it.
What route would you guys take?
Hmm. I ended up going via Eskbank when I did Leith-to-Dobbie's on Sunday, similarly having to avoid the roundabout as I'd promised not to go round it with the wean on the seat. Went out via The Wisp then Millerhill, walked over Sheriffhall then took the old railway path to Eskbank, out at the station then round the back to Gilmerton Road via (I think) Melville Road. The Wisp was quite unfriendly but I came back straight through Gilmerton which was a much less unfriendly road, cutting across through something called either Ferniehill or Ferniebank, a tiny hit of Dalkeith Road then up Craigmillar Castle Road as I wasn't certain about the Infirmaryside CX path with a passenger, but would have taken it if alone and if it was dry.
A772 Drum St/Gilmerton Road then B6392 then A6094, apparently.
I think The Wisp is worse than Sherrifhall Roundabout - esp now it has traffic lights.
Old Dalkeith Road south of the hospital isn't great due to the pedestrian islands narrowing the lane on the hill. Cycling on the pavement is an option.
Partly depends where you live in Leith.
'Simple' option is Leith Walk, Bridges, Gilmerton Road - which would involve Liberton Brae.
General concensus on forum is that GR is a good way out of town - but steep in places.
These (part) route options give you various ways to get to GR to think about - http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/976688/
Start point used to give options on both sides of Arthur's Seat.
Yes, the Gilmerton Road option is fine and you can ride on the pavement when you leave town as it is a shared path and quiet. That's the way I would go.
Brilliant, thanks everyone, Ill try GR next time.
I wouldnt even feel safe walking across Sheriffhall at rush hour - there's a pretty constant flow of rapidly accelerating cars leaving both A720 exits, and they really arent watching for people crossing the road.
If you take the direct route from Gilmerton Road to Eskbank (B6392), there is quite a large hill to get up to Eskbank roundabout. An alternative is to turn right on to the A7 just after 'Dobbies' and then turn left at the next roundabout (Melville Dykes), or depending on what part of Eskbank, you could continue to Eskbank Rd roundabout and turn left there.
That's what I would do as well 1lesscar. Though it is longer it is easier and the A7 is nice and wide. I use the direct route if I am in a hurry.
Alternatively, if you feel more mellow, cycle along the coast to Musselburgh then catch the cycle path along the River Esk then onto NCR 1 (Whitecraig to Dalkeith).It may be (only) 2 miles further approx but it is flatter and mainly quieter.
Yeah, the A7 works best for me, as Im going that way anyway. It was getting across the bypass that was stumping me, and the GR route is great. 8.3 miles from the foot of Leith Walk, so its shorter, and on better roads.
The NCR1 route is lovely, but was nearly 15 miles last time I did that, and there's usually people walking on the paths which slows me down a lot. It's one for a leisurely cycle.
"Yeah, the A7 works best for me, as Im going that way anyway."
Let us know how it goes...
So, I did this route last night, and it was way better than any other route I've done. Apart from the jam of buses at the top of Leith Street, it was fast going the whole way, and didnt feel unsafe anywhere.
Thanks for the advice, all. Much appreciated.
Excellent, glad it worked out for you. :-)
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