Date: Thursday 24th April 2014
Start Time: 11:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
Start at: Balerno Parish Church, in Balerno Village
Finish at: Balerno High School
The weather on the day turned out to be much better than forecast. Thirty of us set out on an enjoyable walk, after some had sampled the tea/coffee and cakes at the Mill at St Joseph's Cafe in Balerno. Our walk took us from Balerno Parish Church, up the driveway past Malleny House and Gardens (National Trust for Scotland) then eastwards along the ridge passing Lymphoy House (private). There were some fine views through to the Forth Bridges and beyond. This track brought us out at Currie Kirk-yard which we passed through to come out onto the back road that leads to Blinkbonny. After comparing the houses there to the old photgraph in the book, we dropped down onto the Water of Leith Walkway near the site of Kinleith Paper Mill (demolished). We then followed the walkway along the river to the west until it ended back in Balerno beside the High School with access to the 44 bus or our parked cars. A number of us returned to The Mill at St Joseph's to have some lunch and a blether. Many of the group were quite surprised at how quicky this walk led us into quiet countryside and most had never visited Blinkbonny before.
A good day out for everyone.
