Path to Penicuik - anyone else ridden much? « CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum

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Path to Penicuik - anyone else ridden much?

(27 posts)

Started 12 years ago by LaidBack
Latest reply from chdot

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Penicuik Path NCN73

LaidBack
Member

Arellcat of this forum sent me a route out to Penicuik. Just did a ride out and back today to assess obstacles and surface. This recce is for the long trike's first outing with owners. Thye're staying out that way and naturally want try it out on some traffic free paths as well as the road.

Some pics of how it looked. Tarred to Rosewell and then a mix. One very narrow muddy bit. Tunnels paved.

Penicuik Path NCN73 by LaidBackBikes, on Flickr

Penicuik Path NCN73 by LaidBackBikes, on Flickr

Penicuik Path NCN73 by LaidBackBikes, on Flickr

Penicuik Path NCN73 by LaidBackBikes, on Flickr

Penicuik Path NCN73 by LaidBackBikes, on Flickr

Penicuik Path NCN73 by LaidBackBikes, on Flickr

Posted 12 years ago #
Nelly
Member

LB, some nice photies.

I went out part of that route autumn time on my road bike (stoopid), thought I had really knackered it by the time I got home there was so much junk in the chain - you live and learn !

I really hope they make improvements though as some parts are cracking, quiet and pretty so close to so many communities - and its a safer option to getting out there (and onwards along the lovely wee road to West Linton etc)for those who dont want to brave the rather depressing road routes.

Posted 12 years ago #
LivM
Member

I did it a couple of times about 18 months ago. We did a circular route with 20milers (actually it was one of the 30-mile summer rides), getting onto the path at Auchendinny by the old papermill (that access was closed last time I went past, though) and then out East to Dalkeith. We also tried an alternative recce through Roslin Glen and up a track along the river (ends with a lot of steps though, or a very narrow muddy track then a hill to carry bike up, not ideal).

Posted 12 years ago #
Min
Member

I think I rode on part of this with a friend a few months ago. It was filled with horses and I mean filled which was such a major problem I didn't notice the surface so much!

Posted 12 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

They "resurfaced" the bit just before Rosslyn Castle station (heading from Penicuik direction) about 18 months back by dumping about 6 inches of whindust on surface. It was like pedalling in treacle. Shame, it's one of my favourite off-road routes for scenery / interesting heritage along the way. If it could just be connected usefully to Gilmerton or Newcraighall it would be ever better...

Posted 12 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

P.S. the "Rosslyn Castle" spelled out with cobblestones was part of the original design of the station.

In days of yore the trains ran along this section of line in a "tube" to arrest clinker from the locomotive chimneys. Seems nobody wanted Nobel's dynamite works blowing up from a wayward spark.

Posted 12 years ago #
amir
Member

I used to use it a lot before I discover road bikes. Then the path was surfaced only up to just before the foot bridge. But fun with fat types. But a lovely route with lots of wildlife. Usually lots of glass at Bonnyrigg station.

Posted 12 years ago #
Nelly
Member

Just realised I did the path a wee disservice - The REAL problem for me was coming home, decided to detour down the closed road through the glen(Rosewell to Roslin), up the other side (a wee stinger of a hill to Roslin) and it was the section Sustrans call the link path over Bilston viaduct to Loanhead that really screwed the bike.

Come to think of it, I needed a new freehub after that trip..........

p.s. Amir - Fat Types ??? er, midlothian non cyclists ? :-) brilliant typo !!!

Posted 12 years ago #
amir
Member

Ah - too late!

Posted 12 years ago #
Cyclingmollie
Member

I've ridden it a few times - it's the first part of the SUSTRANS Megacycle held in May each year. I seem to remember there are one or two chicanes that might be a problem for the long trike. I think there are a couple at the Penicuik end and a couple of sets in Bonnyrigg.

Posted 12 years ago #
LaidBack
Member

Thanks for all these informed comments. Bike is in photo in some instances to measure bollard and path width for the trike.

I entered path by Cemetery Lane - think it might be better going up towards Sherrifhall and going from there.

Posted 12 years ago #
Claggy Cog
Member

This has improved a lot in three/four years, the bit out of Rosewell was just a tiny path which was widened and hardcore put down. The bit at Rosslyn has been like it is in the photos for so long, and not improved one iota, having said that it does get better if we have a dry spell, well obviously....Did you go to the end and see the Napoleonic Wars memorial at Valleyfield, it is in the middle of the housing estate at the end of the path, interesting stuff. I would think that some bits might be quite tricky for the long trike. On the bit out of Bonnyrigg there are gates on that section path that are sometimes shut and can be a bit awkward, and also the surface coming off the path and down onto the back of an industrial estate leaves a great deal to be desired...I am sure that you can access it from Harden Green area...

Posted 12 years ago #
Roibeard
Member

I took the kids out this way with the Pino and hired Helios (courtesy of LB!) in October.

Parts of the whindust were a bit gullied, and loose under tyre. There were a couple of tight bits at the Penicuik end.

As for getting to it, we went up Gilmerton Road, then Melville Gate Road, before turning left towards Sherrifhall to pick up the path.

Most of this was on the shared pavement, which might just be wide enough, once over the bypass, for the trike.

However, if doing this bit, the section from the railway path to the back of Tesco was muddy.

On Gilmerton Road/Drum Street, there are two notable pinch points, the first at the Robin's Nest (opposite Liberton High School entrance), and the other after the junction with the B701 after Lidl. Both require a degree of confidence and primary, but I suspect the trike will be commanding enough to manage that!

Hope Saturday goes well for all concerned!

Robert

Posted 12 years ago #
slowcoach
Member

I've ridden the path a couple of times at weekends between Penicuik and Dalkeith via Rosewell and Bonnyrigg. There was a big tree down last week between Auchendinny and Beeslack. I presume it has been cleared away now. Also a smaller tree causing extra muddy verge nearer Rosewell. It can be quite busy with walkers, dogs, and cyclists, and there were signs of horses. In the last few months the surface between Auchendinny and Penicuik has been mainly tarred. The bit through Roslin Glen is gravel/dirt to keep that country park feel and could do with better maintenance. The closed road between Rosewell and Roslin has been rebuilt so should be re-opening soon which might mean extra traffic through Roslin. I haven't tried the Roslin - Loanhead section yet - I thought it looked ok on maps/pics?

Posted 12 years ago #
Arellcat
Moderator

In August I rode the section from Manse Rd in Roslin, over the Bilston viaduct and through to Straiton Pond. The surface is excellent.

Then you have the option of doubling back, or hiking/XCing along the old railway to Lasswade Rd and nowhere in particular, or riding up to Straiton along the old trackbed which isn't tarmacked.

Posted 12 years ago #
Dave
Member

I wouldn't take the trike out that way... better to do the Roseburn to South Queensferry (or even just to Cramond). You can avoid the narrows by the A90 simply by turning right into the estate at the top of the slip road (going out).

I didn't even like the path to Penicuik on my MTB... I'm sure it would be possible on the trike, but not sure it would be fun!

Posted 12 years ago #
LaidBack
Member

One reason I didn't get into path at Sherrifhall was the risk associated with crossing the A7 road near there with 10 foot vehicle (maybe safer though as no-one could miss). Think though that there may be a cycling pavemnt that connects. Need to google. Dalkeith is very confusing as I initially went that way and missed it!

Penicuik destination option is not my choice either - customer though staying there with friends so wants to ride it there! I've sent pis to them so they may change their mind.

Posted 12 years ago #
Min
Member

"I've sent pis to them so they may change their mind."

:-O

Posted 12 years ago #
Roibeard
Member

@Laidback - The shared pavement along Gilmerton road runs from junction of Gilmerton Station Road until about half way between the A7 and Melville Gate Road roundabouts.

Crossing the A7 via the share pavement might not be an option, as there isn't likely to be space on the traffic islands for the trike - might be best to join the main carriageway at Dobbies...

Melville Gate Road doesn't have a (cycle) path, however the Old Dalkeith Road has a shared pavement on the southbound side, so you may cross straight over the Old Dalkeith Road towards the grand entrance (stay in the right turning lane) - plenty of room to turn left on to the shared pavement and good sightlines heading this way - if crossing the other direction (i.e. westbound), sight lines are much more restricted.

Turning on to the cycle path from the shared pavement is tight though, essentially a 180 degree turn, so might require shunting - does the trike have a reverse?

Robert

Posted 12 years ago #
Dave
Member

David - unless totally allergic to traffic, I'd just come off the path at Rosewell, ride south on the road (it's pretty quiet, used on the Dave Harris audax amongst others) then take a right to go directly into Penicuik.

When are they riding out? I'm free all weekend so could possibly provide another pillion?

Posted 12 years ago #
Arellcat
Moderator

... cross straight over the Old Dalkeith Road towards the grand entrance (stay in the right turning lane) - plenty of room to turn left on to the shared pavement and good sightlines...

This was part of my route suggestion to LB, to avoid crossing the mighty Sheriffhall roundabout, which I've done on occasion and managed fine but at four lanes wide it's not for the fainthearted!

The route, pending various improvements such as access to Gilmerton Road, was this:
http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=342001

Turning on to the cycle path from the shared pavement is tight though, essentially a 180 degree turn

The traditional manoeuvre for Vehicles of Long Wheelbase, I was taught, is to stand astride it, pick it up off the ground, and turn through 180 degrees. :)

Posted 12 years ago #
Roibeard
Member

@Arellcat

Blackford Avenue is a bit of a hill, usually parked up, so my preference here is to either pick up the A701 in town (bus-sized cycle lane all the way to Gilmerton Road), or for a change to come across West Saville Terrace/West Saville Road then A701 thus avoiding both the climb to KB and the beginnings of Kirk Brae.

I'd also on some occasions do a Lauder Road/Mayfield Road/West Saville Road wiggle for further variety.

Can you tell that I've often done the Meadows/Inch run?

Of course, the plan may be to include the extra ascent/descent for testing purposes!

Robert

Posted 12 years ago #
LaidBack
Member

"I've sent pis to them so they may change their mind."

:-O

All part of the service! How else am I to discourage people...? The pics didn't give the whole story you see.

Moderator... help... !

[Admin edit: No. :-)]

Posted 12 years ago #
Arellcat
Moderator

I was out and about today, so eight years on I thought I'd update the record a little bit for NCN73:

The Path from Penicuik - 1 of 4

The Path from Penicuik - 2 of 4

The Path from Penicuik - 3 of 4

The Path from Penicuik - 4 of 4

and one from a couple of weeks ago:

Nowhere near Roslin Castle

Posted 3 years ago #
Morningsider
Member

A "normal" bike - what is the world coming to!

Posted 3 years ago #
Arellcat
Moderator

I've been doing lots of offroad exploring recently, and Annie the Blue Bike has certainly earned her keep.

In days of yore the trains ran along this section of line in a "tube" to arrest clinker from the locomotive chimneys.

That's right, it was known as the "tin tunnel" – made of wood and corrugated iron – and it ran for about 300 yards west from the road down to Kirkettle Mill.

Posted 3 years ago #
chdot
Admin

“Seems nobody wanted Nobel's dynamite works blowing up from a wayward spark.“

https://canmore.org.uk/site/212967/roslin-roslin-glen-gunpowder-mills

https://scotlandstartshere.com/point-of-interest/roslin-gunpowder-mill/

Posted 3 years ago #