Saddle up and get off road

IN EDINBURGH we have some great off-road paths for cycling that include interesting heritage sites, wonderful views, and wildlife habitats that are rich with birds, butterflies, plants, and mammals. My favourite cycle trip, that I did regularly throughout lockdown, includes all of these. It’s a circular route that takes in Craigmillar Castle and the Braids. As it changes dramatically with the seasons it’s worth doing several times over the year. You can do the ride in an hour or two or make it a longer trip by taking a picnic. If you have binoculars, do take them along.

Start via the Innocent Railway Path by the Commonwealth Pool. Swoop down through the Innocent Railway Tunnel (over 500 metres in length), and, as you get out into the open, look up to your left for great views of Arthur’s Seat. There may even be cows in the field by the path, an unusual sight so close to the city centre. At the bottom of the path, you’ll turn right into Peffermill Industrial Estate, and from there it’s a few minutes up to the park.

Craigmillar Castle Park is one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets. The castle, a large baronial structure now run by Historic Environment Scotland, was built in the fifteenth century by John Preston. Mary Queen of Scots famously used the castle as a haven in 1556. The park itself has extensive woodlands, a children’s playpark, and a network of paths to explore. The last time I cycled through the park I saw a buzzard perched on a branch that then took off, hunting through the trees. While they can be hard to spot if they aren’t moving, their mewling cries are distinctive. And look out for other animals like voles and foxes.

Leave the park from the west side and head through the Inch. The oldest date on Inch House is said to be 1617. From here, it’s a gentle climb to access the Hermitage of Braid. Follow the gravel path all the way along the Braid Burn (it can be muddy in places after a lot of rain). Stop to see the 18th century rubble-built subterranean Braid Ice House. A few minutes further along, take a break for a while with coffee and cake at the Lodge Coffee House.

From here you can cycle back on the council’s newly developed quiet route through residential streets in Morningside, the Grange and Marchmont to the Meadows. For route details, check out the recently published Spokes