38. Roslin Glen

start: Penicuik
distance: 16 miles
OS map: 66

Inspiration for this route came from a leaflet available from Tourist Information offices - see the info page for details. It's not a circular route and the direction of the wind may have some bearing on which way to do it.

Despite going through a fairly populated part of Lothian, the route follows old rail routes for a good way and it's surprising just how peaceful it is. There are a couple of railway viaducts, a short tunnel and we pass through Roslin Glen on the way.

There are a couple of starting points in Penicuik. Leave the centre heading for Peebles on the A701, the road goes downhill to cross the North Esk river - turn L just before the bridge and there's access via a bridge next to a small parking area.

The path is following the river crossing and recrossing it past the site of an old paper mill. There's an iron bridge just past the old Auchendinny station and before a short tunnel. Emerging from this and passing another mill, the river is down below on the R. Through the short Firth tunnel and then the track crosses the Firth viaduct to leave the river on your L. The route is rising towards the site of Rosslyn Castle station and Roslin Glen Country Park is to the north.

Still rising past the station to reach open countryside and wider views to the Moorfoot Hills. When you reach the B7003 cross it and there's a continuation to the R of the road towards Bonnyrigg and passing under the A6094 after a short way. The track here is well surfaced and brings you into the old Bonnyrigg station. At the end of the platform you need to cross the road and take the road opposite into the newish housing scheme.

Pick up the route again after 100m or so which leads to a pedestrian bridge over the new A7 road. Go over the bridge and turn R then L after another 100m onto a surfaced path which rejoins the line of the old track. Jewel and Esk College is over to your R. The route passes under the A6094 to what was Eskbank station where a ramp leads up to the A768 Lasswade road and Eskbank roundabout.

The cycle route, however, continues under a bridge and on towards the Glenesk Viaduct. As you approach the viaduct, you'll see where the track cuts back on the R towards Dalkeith. Good views from the viaduct so go and take a look while you're here.

Take the surfaced path back towards Dalkeith to arrive at a 'filled in' bridge where you come up onto the road. To your L is an odd looking building - it used to be a water tower. Someone with local knowledge may be able to find an off road route through the town but, if that fails, head straight down the main street past the bus station and through 2 sets of lights. At the end of the street is the entrance to Dalkeith Country Park and the road turns to the R. Follow this road as it heads around and down to cross the river then up towards Forrest Furnishings on the L. Go past this and you'll see a sign for the cycle route to the L. A few yards down this road and a surfaced path heads off towards Whitecraig.

Passing under Smeaton Bridge the path reverts to a dirt surface. At Whitecraig turn L onto the road for 300m or so until the continuation along the river to Musselburgh is signed. This passes under the A1 and the main east coast rail line to follow the river into the town.

jb, galashiels

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