A Breeze from the Meadows to Musselburgh

Starting from The Meadows, we head on mostly quiet roads through The Grange and Prestonfield to reach Craigmillar Castle park. We then cross into Little France Park where we head uphill to The Wisp. We then take residential roads through Danderhall towards Newton village. After a short stretch along Millerhill Road we turn onto a quiet country lane to Hilltown. After going past Queen Margaret University, we go past Musselburgh golf course to meet the river Esk. We follow the Esk through Musselburgh to the coast, then follow the coastal path to Fisherrow harbour where we will stop to admire the view (toilets available). We then take Newhailes Road to get to Newhailes house and gardens, where we will stop for refreshments. After our stop, we cycle through the grounds of Newhailes and exit onto the path that follows Brunstane Burn up to Brunstane station. From here, we follow cycle paths through Magdalene Glen and Jewel Park, before picking up the Innocent path which will take us back to The Meadows.

This circular route combines views of Arthur’s Seat and Craigmillar Castle with scenic riverside and coastal paths.

The route is mostly on cycle paths and quiet roads, but there are some sections of busier roads. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to cut through the newbuild estate after we exit Little France Park due to building work, so a stretch of busier road here is unavoidable. There are also some hills, most notably in Little France Park, but none of the hills are severe. For these two reasons, I have rated the ride as challenging. However, we will take plenty of time on the hills and travel as a group on the main roads, so please don’t let this put you off. The path through Craigmillar Castle Park is compacted gravel, so the ride is not suitable for skinny road bike tyres. The paths through Newhailes and alongside the Brunstane burn can be muddy and/or slippery with leaves. There is no problem with the paths at the time of posting this ride. However, a re-assessment will be made a few days before the ride and if necessary the route will be adjusted to avoid these sections.

We will stop at various points to admire the view, e.g. in Craigmillar Castle Park and Fisherrow Harbour. We will stop for refreshments at Newhailes. You can buy refreshments at the Stables café, or bring your own if you prefer.

Bring a payment card or cash if you wish to buy any refreshments at our coffee stop. Helmets are strongly advised. Bring a spare inner tube (or two), and a lock if you have one, but don’t worry if you don’t as we can fasten our bikes to each other. Plan a means of getting home in the event of mechanical breakdown (call a friend, take a taxi etc).

First timers are welcome. We never leave anybody behind.