Haddington

Sunday's ride is a 43 mile circular ride, starting at the Commonwealth Pool and going to Diggory's cafe in Haddington for lunch. It then returns by Samuelston and the Pencaitland railway path then route 1 back into Edinburgh.

We meet at the Royal Commonwealth Pool ( gather on Holyrood Park Road) at 9.50am for a 10am start. We will go through Holyrood Park to Jock's Lodge, then down the main road to the end of the promenade at Portobello. We will then cycle along the prom and back to the main road, then along that to Musselburgh. We then turn off along New Street and cycle to the river, cross that and take the coastal path, to join the B1348. From there we cycle to Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton where we have a toilet stop. From there we take the coast road to Longniddry,, turn up Dean Road, then cycle through to the A 198. From the railway station we take the old railway line (partly unsurfaced) to Haddington and thence to Diggory's (21.16 miles).

After lunch we take route 196 (B6368) to Samuelston then to East and West Saltoun. We then do a short loop towards Lempock wells and join the Pencaitland Railway Path. The plan is then to follow this back to Crossgate Hall. This path is also unsurfaced so there may be a need to divert to roads if it is too slippery. From Crossgate Hall we join Route 1 and follow this to Musselburgh and Brunstane stations, before picking up the Innocent Railway cycle path and returning to the Commonwealth pool along that.

This ride is a combination of roads, with significant stretches on unsurfaced cycle paths. 

https://www.strava.com/routes/23285181

70.1 km Road Cycling Route on Strava

19th January - Haddington is a 70.1 km Road Cycling Route created by Sue Robertson on January 7, 2020. It has a maximum elevation gain of 478 meters. Sign up for Strava to save this route and share it with your friends.

www.strava.com

The forecast for Sunday looks reasonable, although there is some uncertainty over how cold it will be. If necessary we may change the route slightly to avoid ice. 

Everyone 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. 0795 443 0535 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.  Please dress for the weather. You will need to have water, lunch money, a bike lock and charged lights.  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.

Sue Robertson