Breeze Summer Picnic from Russell Road or Brunstane (shorter route)

A Breeze summer picnic in Dalkeith Country Park, meeting up with other Edinburgh Breeze rides from a few start points. This ride traces a similar route to the other two picnic rides but in the reverse direction making the hills a little less onerous.

Leaving Russell Road we will head towards the canal at Fountainbridge, passing through the Meadows and joining the Innocent Railway path all the way to Brunstane where we can meet any riders who would like to join us at this point for a shorter, 15 mile ride (see below). Please message me if you want to meet us at Brunstane.

A network of quiet residential roads and paths leads us through Newcraighall and Monktonhall to the lovely path beside the River Esk which we follow to Whitecraig and enter Dalkeith Country Park at the Smeaton gate.
There is a low log to the left of a (most likely) padlocked gate near this entrance over which we will need to lift our bikes. We will assist anyone who needs help with this.

We will gather for lunch with the other rides at the Restoration Yard where there are picnic tables, food options and toilets. Bring your own picnic or purchase at one of the outlets but bear in mind it may be busy on a Saturday!

After a picnic lunch we will leave the park by the Melville Gate, skirting around Dobbies on the shared path and on to the Shawfair path towards Danderhall. We’ll take the downhill route through Little France Park with its splendid views over Edinburgh, then up towards Craigmillar Castle Park where we will stay on the tarmac path and cut through a quiet residential area to Kings Haugh, rejoining the Innocent railway path towards the Meadows, Leamington Terrace, a short stretch of canal towpath to Harrison Park and back to Russell Road.

Timings are approximate, we anticipate gathering with the other Breeze rides at Dalkeith Country Park at around 12 noon and leaving by 13:30 pm.

By prior arrangement it will be possible to join this ride at Brunstane Station, near the top of the Brunstane Burn path (meeting there at approximately 11:15 am) and those wishing to return to the Brunstane area can peel off towards the end of the ride to take the Innocent railway path eastwards rather than turning up towards the tunnel. Those taking that option will find the ride distance is approx. 15 miles.

Helmets are recommended. Carry at least one spare inner tube, repair kit, pump toolkit etc. Bank card/money in case you want to use the cafe. A plan for getting home in case of breakdown. Your own picnic food, drink and rug/mat. Layers and waterproofs in preparation for cold/wet weather, suncream in case of sunny weather

We never leave anyone behind!