Walk 276 - Swanston Circle 13 June 2023

Twelve Strollers met at Morrisons at Hunters Tryst for a walk up past Swanston golf course, to Green Craig water pump and then on to the Polo Fields and back through Dreghorn Woods to the start.

Similar to last time we did part of this walk, it was a scorching day. At least this time everyone got past Swanston golf club without deserting to stop and get drinks.

We followed the path between the golf course and the ‘old’ farmhouse where Robert Louis Stevenson once stayed. The area provided the inspiration for several of his books.

Passing horses and goats on the way we passed into the Pentlands Country Park, which is still used by the army for training exercises, and made our way to the Green Craig pumping station where we stopped for lunch. The area here and down to the path under the bypass has been planted with trees to commemorate the lives lost in the First World War and a grove has been dedicated to soldiers from Leith who lost their lives in the Quintinshill Rail Disaster.

Passing the houses on what was the site of the Polo Fields we entered the ‘old’ Dreghorn/Redford woods where there was once a castle and house before the army and air force blew it up in the 1950s. We then hugged the fence of the barracks, startling the guard at the gate, and made our way back to the start of the walk. For some a stop off for a shandy, for others a cake and coffee.

Our thanks to Drew for the walk, though some suggested his puff factor ratings left a bit to be desired.

The July walk will be to Peebles and not as hilly!

Outing to Abbotsford and Melrose 5 June 2023

The haar was over Edinburgh so we were glad to escape and head for the sunny Borders.

By the time we got out of the city all 28 of us were ready for our coffee stop at Dobbies. Isla, our lady driver, then took us straight to Abbotsford for 12 o’clock.

The ticket desk lady introduced us to Andy who led us outside and gave a short, informative talk about why Sir Walter Scott chose to build his house there. He continued to give us more information when we were in the courtyard and closer to the building. His knowledge and presentation is amazing.

We had opted to look round the house unguided so Sue and her colleague handed out returnable brochures. They are very knowledgeable too. There are so many exhibits but it’s easy to work your way around those rooms. I’m sure I missed a lot so going back is on the cards for me.

The sun was hot so it was a treat to rest in the garden. The roses have still to come to their best so I sat in front of the pavilion enjoying the purple iris and alliums. And the view, of course.
Isla dropped us in Melrose where the ice cream shop did good business and we had time to wander down the town.

Another short drive brought us to the Kingsknowe Hotel in Galashiels. We were shown into the conservatory for our high tea. All good comments there about the meal and the service.
So, another good outing. 

Here’s hoping the weather is favourable for our outside jolifications next month.

Thanks to Liz Staples for organising the visit and for her report.

Walk 275 - Cramond to Barnton - 18 May 2023

Fourteen Strollers met for a walk from Silverknowes Golf Club finishing at Barnton. Thankfully the weather was just perfect for a stroll.

Making our way down the esplanade we passed all the volunteers out doing litter picking, well done to them. There was also a group on the water trying small surfboarding. No one from the group seemed too keen to join in. The water temperature seemed a bit on the low side.

We passed the statue of the Cramond Fish and made our way to the River Almond and passed the site where the Roman statue of a lion was found. We then proceeded up the Almond looking at the old docking bays that had been built for the boats that took the stone from Craigie Quarry to Leith and then into Edinburgh. You could still see the holes in the cliff where they had built a railway from the quarry to the dock area to transport the rock.

We passed the sites of the various mills that at one time provided the work in the area making corn, paper, spades and nails.

Once we had navigated the 80 steps up and down, we stopped for lunch at the ‘old’ Cramond Brig. From here we then followed the path up to the Grotto Bridge which provided a nice view of the water rushing below. Crossing this, we made our way to Cammo estate and had a walk round the grounds there. There is only part of what was once a large stately home remaining now but the grounds are worth a walk.

From here we made our way back down to Barnton to navigate the busy road back to the bus stops and home. 

Thanks to Drew for organising the walk and nice weather.

He promises to try and make the next walk a bit shorter and flatter (no steps).