Five Sisters Zoo

This Sunday’s ride will take us out to West Lothian to our lunch in the Leaping Lemurs Restaurant at Five Sisters Zoo.  I have reserved a table in the area upstairs above the soft play area, and NO, before you ask, you cannot have a go in it!   We do have a couple of tracks in this run, with which you may not be familiar, so do look at the photos attached ( on a mobile the PDF is at the very bottom of the page) to check that you are happy to cycle on them.

We will meet at 9.50 am on Slateford road opposite the Water of Leith Visitor Centre.  The visitor centre opens at 10 am, so if anyone wishes to use the facilities here, we can leave 5 minutes later as there is no indoor toilet stop before lunch although Selm Muir woods will provide camouflage for a comfort break al fresco.

Our route takes us up the Water of Leith Path to Balerno and onwards to join the A70 for 1.5 miles before heading down to the Selm Muir track through the woods. Then via Linhouse to Murieston, Harburn, West Calder then turn right for a brief spell to Polbeth and lunch (21 miles).  After lunch we will head north on tarmac roads and cyclepaths through Livingston till we reach the A89 and Dechmont.  Now a push uphill for a bit but what a reward when you get to the top!  Fantastic views over the Pentlands, Edinburgh, Binny Crag and the Bings.  Now a prolonged exhilarating downhill whizz, all the way round and eventually onto the canal via Newhouse road.  We will come off at Ratho and head back into Edinburgh by road. My official lead will end at Gogarstation road (42.5miles) where there are options for everyone to head off in their own direction home.  However, if anyone needs help to get back to the start (45 miles along the canal) or to familiar ground, I will be delighted to accompany them.

Here is the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/20887059

Anyone is very welcome to attend but for riders new to the group, our riding guidelines on the following link are essential reading prior to coming out on the ride to ensure safety for yourself and the other riders. https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding   You will be expected to join Cycling UK after 3 rides.

Do take note of my phone number in case you get separated from the group. 07974113737 and for new riders, I will collect your details prior to the ride.  If you intend to be a regular rider with us please email [email protected]  with your contact details and a contact number in case of emergency, so that we will have your details available.

Please make sure your bike is roadworthy and that you have 2 spare inner tubes and basic tools to change an inner tube.  You will need to have water, money for lunch and a bike lock.  Remember you are riding at your own risk and whilst the group will always try to help out as best as possible with punctures and mechanical problems, you are responsible for looking after yourself and getting yourself home.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Janet.