Midlothian country circular
- Beaches and castles
- Dunbar to Abbey St Bathans
- Edinburgh to Falkirk Wheel
- Edinburgh to Longniddry
- Midlothian country circular
- Pentland Hill reservoirs
- Round Edinburgh off-road - Section 1
- Round Edinburgh off-road - section 2
- Round Edinburgh off-road - Section 3
- Round Edinburgh off-road - section 4
Savour the peace and quiet of the Midlothian countryside on this circular route which links attractive villages and offers superb views of the Pentland Hills.
Key route details
Main Region: Edinburgh and the Lothians
Distance: 39 miles
Difficulty: Varied route
Type of Ride: Road Cycling
Surface: Tarmac
Environment: Urban and Rural
Start Point: Rosewell
End Point: Rosewell
Route Summary
Set between the Moorfoot and Pentland Hills, the countryside south of Edinburgh is attractive. This route is surprisingly rural, there are only a few short sections on main roads.
It is suggested you start near the village of Rosewell, but instructions are also given for cycling from central Edinburgh, using quiet streets where possible to reach Rosewell.
After this the route passes Penicuik on quiet roads or cycle paths to West Linton where there are two pubs and a tea room. After lunch we turn east, passing Gladhouse Reservoir, before turning north to return to your starting point via Temple.
Route Description
In Rosewell start off by following the signposted cycle path route to Penicuik. This follows an old railway line and is attractive. It's easy to follow, but if there has been recent heavy rain it could be muddy in places.
The cycle path takes you through a tunnel at Auchendinny, then runs on to Penicuik ending at a housing estate. Remain on the flat cycle path until you have passed an ornamental pond then turn left on to the A701 south of Penicuik after passing through a small housing development.
You can get food in Penicuik at the Olympic Cafe by turning right (delicatessen round the corner). Otherwise turn left to go south on the A703, signed Peebles. Turn right off the A703 at the top of the hill, signed West Linton. This quiet road crosses Auchencorth Moss giving views of the Pentland Hills. Go straight on at the next junction to West Linton. This attractive village has a tea room, and two hotels which do bar lunches.
Leave West Linton the way you entered, on Deanfoot Road. At the first crossroads, by Deepsyke Forest, turn right signed Lamanca. The former railway which you cross is not bikeable. At the A701 turn left, then after two miles turn right, signed Eddleston via Shiplaw. Turn left on to the A703 for 1.5 miles then turn right off it, signed Temple and Gorebridge. Ignore a right turn for Moorfoot (farm) but turn right after this signed Gladhouse. Pass the reservoir, at a T junction with a stop sign turn left, signed Temple and Gorebridge. After Temple turn left over a bridge, then right, signed Carrington. In Carrington turn left by a church, then after a mile turn left again at cross roads. Follow the public road round and cross the A6094.
A mile after this you will cycle over the Penicuik cycle path on a stone bridge. There is no access to the cycle path at the bridge. Continue on descending to Roslin Glen then turn right on to the B6372 to return to Rosewell.
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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
