Lothians Circular Route
Starting in the Meadows, head east following the National Route 1 signs to the Innocent Railway Path. Continue along National Route 1 which will take you past Arthurs Seat, through Brunstane and Newcraighall, by Queen Margaret University and along the River Esk. You then continue through Whitecraig and onto the disused railway line south towards Dalkeith. Just under a mile south of Whitecraig turn left, and follow the sign towards the Pencaitland Railway Path. The beginning of this path is located just past the south east corner of an old mining bing and can be found by following the blue signs to Ormiston Keep on the path until you get to the end and turn right onto the minor road, heading back in a south westerly direction. At the end of this road, turn left onto the B6371 and then take the first right towards Windy Mains.
Follow this road for about 2 miles, taking care when crossing the Ford, until you reach a T-junction. Head left and then immediately right, and continue on to the A68. The A68 is a very busy Trunk Road, but there is a footpath along the eastern side. Turn right along the footpath for about 250m, carefully cross the road and head west along the B6458. After just over 2 miles, turn right onto the B6367. Continue on this road until you reach Crichton, where you turn left onto a minor road and then veer right as you go up the hill to take you out of the town. (You can also take the left fork where you’ll find the Crichton Castle.) Take care on the steep downhill and uphill heading out the town. Take the second right onto another minor road and follow this all the way to Newtongrange. Don't forget to look out for the Scottish Mining Museum on the left! Here, you’ll approach the A7, which can be very busy, but is within the speed restrictions for the town.
Head north on the A7 and after about 400m veer right onto the B703. Continue through the town and towards Newbattle Abbey College. Once you’ve past the College, turn right and follow this road across the A68 and onwards to Musselburgh Road. (If the weather has been dry, before reaching the River South Esk Bridge you can take the path behind the garage, which follows the river through Lord Ancrum’s Wood. Please note that this path can be fairly muddy and rough. Continue past Maiden Bridge and through Waterfall Park. Cross the A68 and take James Lean Avenue to link up with National Route 1.)
Once you approach Musselburgh Road turn right onto it where you’ll find youself back on National Route 1 heading back towards Edinburgh. Follow the route past Thornybank Industrial Estate, under the Dalkeith Bypass, and retrace your steps back to central Edinburgh.
Natural attractions:
- Lord Ancrums Wood
Visitor attractions:
- Crichton Castle
- Newbattle Abbey
- Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange
- Glenkinchie Distillery
Route submitted by: Sustrans
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Key route details
- Region/Area:
Central Scotland
- Distance:
45 miles
- Time needed:
6 - 7 hours
- Classification:
Medium
- Traffic:
On road
- Surface:
Tarmac
- NCN Route:
National Route 1
- Start:
The Meadows, Edinburgh
- Finish:
The Meadows, Edinburgh
- Cycle hire:
Biketrax, 11-13 Lochrin Place, Tollcross, Edinburgh - 0131 228 6633
- Access:
Train stations at Edinburgh and Musselburgh
- Maps and guides
-
Coast and Castles South NN1C £6.99
- Links with:
Pencaitland Railway Path
- Weather:
-
Tue
max: 12°C min: 7°C
-
Wed
max: 13°C min: 8°C
-
Thu
max: 13°C min: 7°C
-
Fri
max: 14°C min: 10°C
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