This is a bit of a backdated trip – but worth a post all the same I think 🙂
The lovely Portobello (and a little bit beyond) – very easily reached from Edinburgh, with plenty of bus routes and a short and flat cycle / walk away…..lovely cafĂ©’s await too of course.
See below the Lothian Bus journey planner as well as a link to the Cycle and Walk journey planner.
Cycling and Walking maps :
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20087/cycling_and_walking
We headed off from the top of Leith and pretty much followed London Road all the way along – past Meadowbank and straight on until the Portobello traffic lights where you take a slight left (not towards Seafield) in stead of going straight into Portobello itself. Of course you can go straight ahead if you want – this was just our choice and we wanted to take the smooth cycle along the esplanade – no potholes! 🙂
The esplanade was filled with plenty of people and dogs to dodge .. so we dismounted and took in the views and calm post-Fringe atmosphere.
Plenty of lovely cafĂ©’s and opportunities for ice cream presented themselves as we walked along … a personal favourite is Miro’s. The cakes and sandwich options are yum! Opted for The Beach House (equally as lovely) this time for a takeaway coffee – which was really yummy too!
Bike to the beach and sustainable coffee with Vegware cups! 🙂
Plonked down on the wall next to the beach and inhaled in the sea air … and watched the dogs of course.
A very brief shower of rain , we then cycled onward – to the majestic Luca’s of Musselburgh. A haven for ice cream lovers!
By following the coastal path (take a left down towards the harbour, which is also a lovely spot to stop – when coming in to Musselburgh – we came across a HUGE gathering of swans on the mouth of the river – follow the riverbank up towards the right and then over the bridge which will take you into the heart of Musselburgh – avoiding the busy high street if on bike.
Not amazing picture quality below – but plenty of swans to be seen below. This was just at the mouth of the river before it reached the open Firth of Forth!
A trip to Luca’s in the bag we cycled back along the main road our of Musselburgh back towards Edinburgh – which we then took a left turn on to a cycle route down what I think was the Brunstane Burn path – a nice way to avoid the main roads and cycle through some greenery! 🙂
On the left as you go along the path (I must say there are a few wee steep moments – but nothing you cant get up! 🙂 ) there are some fields which you can access the edge of through small paths through the hedge. A nice bit of peace and a guaranteed out of the city feeling – see below.
You will then end up coming out at Brunstane train station – which you can walk over the bridge – and take the bike as it is ramped (with small steps) I dismounted here and pushed!
Once you get over just follow the Cycle Route 1 – headed for City Centre 🙂 You will go past the large shop The Range on your right hand side – you then want to edge left – and you’re off!
Keep on going – you will then reach the Innocent Railway part of the path after around 10ish minutes (across the main road pedestrian / cycle crossing). If you carry on along the Innocent Railway section , this is where you will start to see Arthurs Seat appear on the right as you cycle past Duddingston Loch. Onwards you go where you will meet the long Innocent Railway tunnel! This will then bring you out next to Holyrood Park road.
Alternatively – you can take a right at this point and head along the main road (Duddingston Road W) then a left on Old Church Lane – which will eventually take you past the wonderful Sheep Heid Inn (tucked away down The Causeway). If you haven’t been here before – it’s definitely worth a stop for a wee drink (soft drink of course if you’re on your wheels ..) and great food. Plus a great atmosphere – it’s history dating back to 1930! Then why not take a walk down by Duddington Loch or Duddingston Kirk?
https://www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk/
After this lovely day out, home again I went – definitely ready for some dinner.
My positive song for the week is, Don’t worry be Happy – Bobby McFerrin. What a tune! Keep those positive thoughts going.
Once again it was great to venture outdoors and each time I do I feel the benefit physically and mentally –Â with a guaranteed great sleep too! It is so important to take some time for yourself and breathe in the outdoors – even for a wee while. I feel if I don’t get outside , I can feel stuck in my head and my body starts to feel meh too, which impacts stuff day to day. If you get this too then I urge you to take the steps to get outside and little by little making space for this time you will begin to feel the benefits mentally and physically.
So find some time to get outdoors and let me know what you get up to by commenting on this blog post or any of the others 🙂
Til next time
Ana
Great blog Ana! I’ve often cycled along the coast to Prestonpans or Aberlady. There are always dozens of swans at that bit of Musselburgh, no matter when you’re there! I didn’t know about the Brunstane Burn Path – must check that out (although not so sure about the steep bits :-0).
About the Sheep Heid Inn – it actually dates back to 1360, and is apparently Scotland’s oldest pub! The Queen’s been known to pop in there for lunch when she’s here on her hols. And do they still have the old fashioned skittles alley?