Walk 310 - Eddleston to Peebles - April 2026

Fourteen Strollers met at Eddleston to follow the cycle/footpath down to Peebles.

The original idea for the path was to use the route of the old railway line, but agreement couldn’t be reached with the farmers so some of the path was close to the road but then wound down to follow the route of the Eddleston Water. 

It turned out to be a relatively nice day, dull but good for walking. Coming out of Eddleston we passed some tiny lambs which were obviously just born.

Listening to the sounds of the buzzards above as we walked, looking at the horses in the fields and the swans and ducks on the ponds it was a nice, pleasant walk. We passed Moy Hall which has a memorial to George Meikle Kemp who was the architect for the Walter Scott monument in Edinburgh, but who sadly drowned in the Union Canal. When we came to the junction with Standalane Way we turned off the path and followed the road into Peebles, passing Rosetta House which has a copy of the Rosetta stone above the main door. We then rejoined the Eddleston Water passing Tesco and on down Cuddyside, up Bridgegate and finishing at Veitch’s corner. 

A very pleasant stroll, and hopefully the weather will be as kind for the next one. 

Thanks to Drew for leading the walk.

Walk 309 - Portobello - 24 March 2026

Fifteen Strollers met up for an historic walk at Portobello led by our guides Karen and Helen. Starting at Harry Lauders birthplace, we made our way down to the prom learning about the harbour that was used for the movement of pottery from the large works that existed there. The Portobello Heritage Trust is rebuilding the kilns.

There was also the large open air swimming pool with its artificial waves now long gone. Moving along past the brightly painted public toilets and past the amusement arcade we looked at the tower built in the late 18th century using stones salvaged from demolished buildings in Edinburgh, allegedly including the Mercat cross, as well as gargoyles from the cathedral in St Andrews. Passing Windsor Mansions, where Ned Barnie who swam the English Channel 3 times lived, we came back down to the prom passing the swimming baths and Turkish baths to learn about the pier that used to be here at the turn of the 19th/20th century but was demolished in 1917.

On then to the Coade stone pillars which used to stand in the gardens of Argyle House in Portobello High Street. They are the same design as the chimneys on Dalmeny House. From here it was back to the High Street to finish the walk.

This is just a quick summary of what we heard and saw on the walk. Too much to write here!

Our thanks to Karen and Helen for a very interesting walk on what turned out to be a nice day contrary to the forecast. 

Walk 308 - Historic Walk - Mound to the Caley Hotel - February 2026

Twenty-six strollers met up at the National Art Gallery to walk through the West Princes Street Gardens and finish at the Caley Hotel. With a subtitle of “Histories, Mysteries and the Gap between the Old and the New” Karen and Helen had lots of interesting information to pass on.

They reminded us that the ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Towns are Unesco World Heritage sites and why this side of Princes Street only has the art galleries on it. Into the gardens we went over the history of the Nor Loch, including the testing of witches, and when it was drained and made into gardens. We timed it to see the engineer from Ritchies, who installed the clock in 1903, and are still maintaining today. It is the oldest floral clock and takes 35,000 flowers to make it.

What was the gardener’s cottage has been used in various television programmes over the years. We also saw the The Royal Scots Monument and the nearby stone to commemorate the liberation of Belsen, the Genius of Architecture Statue, the Elephant Statue to remember the babies involved in the Mortonhall Scandal appropriately covered in ‘Forget Me Nots’. From here we passed the Ross bandstand and then the stone from Norway with its thank you message to Scotland for support during WWII. Onto the Ross fountain, not the same Ross, and then out via St Cuthbert’s churchyard we passed the statue of ‘Bum’ the dog which was a present from San Diego.

We went round via the Usher Hall to see the place where McCrae’s Battalion was raised in the First World War. It was made up of many sporting volunteers including sixteen from Hearts as well as Hibs, Dunfermline, Falkirk and Raith Rovers players and fans. There were also athletes and rugby players, golfers, and swimmers. Unfortunately, very few of them returned.

From here we crossed over past the Sheraton and over the footbridge into Rutland Square and then finished at the Caley Hotel.

I’ve just given a potted version of what we saw and heard on the walk, it’s best to attend if you want to hear more. 

Next walk is a historic walk round Portobello.

Our thanks to Karen and Helen.

Walk 307 - Charlotte Square to Tollcross - January 2026

Seventeen Strollers met up on a dry and fairly mild day to walk from Charlotte Square to Tollcross.

Meeting in front of the West Register House which holds archive data and records for Scotland, we then headed off down Bells Brae passing the site of what had been the training centre for many years.

Fighting our way through the tourists in Dean Village we made our way on to the Water of Leith Path, watching as we walked along the path as the edge was a bit broken away in places we passed below the first of the Modern Art galleries and then on past the Britannia Hotel. Most of us remembered this as the Dragonara Hotel, scene of office nights out and location for external training courses.

Passing the Edinburgh Sports Club on the other bank we came to the Aids Memorial Park and the first of the Anthony Gormley statues situated in the river. There are 5 more on the way to Leith. We continued up the slope into Wester Coates and then onto the cycle path taking us to Russell Road.

We then went onto the new path taking us back up and over the new bridges over Dalry and then on to Dundee Street. From here we went up on to the canal path and finished the walk at canal basin.

A slow amble of a walk but still enough for people to have built up an appetite! 

Thanks to Drew for arranging both the walk and the reasonable weather. 

Walk 305 - Ratho Station to South Queensferry - November 2025

Eleven Strollers met up at Ratho Station to walk along the old railway line to South Queensferry. The line was used mostly for freight as a spur line from the Glasgow to Edinburgh line, taking goods to South Queensferry and the naval base at Port Edgar.

It was a lovely but chilly day for the walk, but the railway line was sheltered and lovely and quiet after the traffic noise from the A8 and the motorway as we started out. There were a few puddles in places after the heavy rain of Tuesday, but it was a nice fairly smooth path. We stopped for a break at Kirkliston on the bridge over the River Almond.

From here the path was a lot better and drier and then onto tarmac as we neared Dalmeny and the Station. A couple took the option to leave here and get a bus while the rest continued along the path with views of the bridges.

The Scotmid car park was the end of the walk, and the choice of going for something to eat or catching the bus either back to the start of the walk to pick up cars or back to Edinburgh.

It was a good day for a walk and thanks to Drew for arranging the weather.

The next walk is the Christmas Lunch. 

Walk 304 - Silverknowes to Ocean Terminal - October 2025

Twelve Strollers met at Silverknowes Golf Club to walk to Ocean Terminal. On a slightly misty day it meant that the views over the water to Fife were a bit hazy to say the least.

Setting off we made our way down Silverknowes Road, conveniently closed for roadworks, and on the prom. With not a breath of wind, the Forth was dead calm and we managed to catch sight of an oyster catcher or two as we walked along. From here we went up Forthquarter Park which is set on the reclaimed land from the gas works that covered this area. We stopped here for a break, close to Morrison’s and toilets.

From here we passed Caroline House, built in the late 17th century, and made our way down to Granton Square and the harbour. We passed Granton Lighthouse which was the home of the Northern Lighthouse Board. They used the building and the lighthouse for training keepers as well as a supply depot for the lighthouses.

Catching sight of a seal on a platform in the harbour as well as herons, we walked on along what was the site of the old railway line from Granton up Trinity to Scotland Street. Continuing on past Newhaven harbour onto the footpath beside the tram line, we finished our walk at Ocean terminal. 

Thanks to Drew for the walk and the fact it stayed dry if not sunny. 

Walk 303 - Peebles - September 2025

Eleven Strollers met in the Kingsmeadows car park in Peebles to do a circular walk of the town. It was another lovely day though a bit breezy at times.

We passed the cottages which SL used to let out to staff. There were several new cottages built on the green space which had been used for putting and a children’s play area.

Going on up the hill we passed the site of an old fort and then into Jubilee Wood to follow the streets round at the end of the wood and into Bonnington Road. From here we passed Peebles High School, currently being rebuilt, then along Craigerne Lane where we stopped for a break. Out on to Edderston Road and then up part of Manor Sware where we crossed the fields trying to avoid the sheep droppings, not altogether successfully.

Then down South Parks and on to the riverside path and back to the start of the walk admiring the wildlife as we went. Though I’m not sure a zebra is normally found there! Here a late comer to the walk finally caught up with us having taken a slightly different route and when trying to contact us used a new phone so no one recognised the number and ignored them. We’ve taken note now. 

Thanks to Drew for the walk and weather.

Outing to Thirlestane Castle and Peebles - 15 August 2025

The weather was perfect for our third and last outing this year. With a slightly later start (10am), a busload of 37 set off to the Borders. 

Our first stop was at the Stair Arms Hotel in Pathhead. Although it was a tight squeeze in the room, we enjoyed the prearranged tea, coffee and newly baked, delicious scones.

Then a short journey brought us to Thirlestane Castle. Amanda introduced me to our guides, Fiona, Linda, Liz and Anne, and we took her advice to split into two groups, one fast and one slow. Everyone enjoyed their friendly knowledge, the beauty of the rooms and the history of the castle and its people. Oh, the stunning plasterwork on the ceilings! Nothing is cordoned off although naturally we were ‘not to touch’.

Just after 2pm Dave, our driver, took us through Galashiels and west by the river Tweed to Peebles. It was a lovely drive. The town was in warm, not hot, sunshine. With no coats needed, we all had the choice of short walks, good shops and close watering holes.

High tea at The Green Tree Hotel was superb. A barman took drinks’ orders at our tables which prevented those annoying queues. The food portions were generous and many enjoyed chicken curry, a new addition to our choice of menu. Not much space left for the scones and cakes, but we managed!

With happy faces we left Peebles just before 6.30 to travel back through Penicuik to Edinburgh.

A special, memorable day.

Walk 301 - Penicuik House - July 2025

Thirteen Strollers, an unlucky number, met outside Greggs in Penicuik to go for a stroll round the Penicuik House Estate.

On a lovely hot day we set off to follow the path along the side of the North Esk River to make our way past the fairy garden, to the ’Roman’ bridge and on past the curling pond up to the house. As thirteen was an unlucky number, one of the group decided they had to drop out and go home, with two of the group volunteering to make sure they got home safely. Luckily they stayed close by. Thankfully there were no lasting ill effects after the walk.

The house, which is just a shell due to a fire at the end of the 19th century, is still an imposing building. The family had relocated to the stable block which is now a hotel and wedding location. They are fairly impressive stables with a church like spire as well as an observatory. From here we made our way back past the large doocot, space for 1500 pigeons, and back through the woods towards Penicuik. This followed a route recently taken by Clare Balding for one of her radio 4 shows.

Our route was slightly blocked at the entrance to St James the Lesser church by a large crane which had broken down. This involved some deep intakes of breath and trying to avoid getting grease from the struts on hands and clothing, not always successfully. 

Thanks to Drew for arranging good weather and an exciting finish.

Walk 300 - Colinton, Bonaly and Torphin - June 2025

A dozen Strollers met in Colinton Village to walk up towards Bonaly and past Torduff reservoir to Clubbidean reservoir returning over the old Torphin golf course.

We walked up past Bonaly School and, turning up the road to Torduff, we took time to admire the ever increasing pack of llamas grazing in the field. It was a bright sunny day for the walk but nobody thought it warm enough to go for a dook in the reservoir.

Following the ‘s’ bend over the stream that connects the two reservoirs up the short steep gradient, we stopped for lunch at Clubbidean.

Retracing our steps for a short distance we entered the area which was once Torphin golf course. Closed for over 10 years now it has areas fenced off for sheep but with lots of paths for walking over. We even saw a couple of large hares running around.

When we looked down to Torduff from Torphin someone was indeed having a dook. We then had a game of name that building as the views from the course over the town were very good. Unfortunately the monstrosity that is being built at Haymarket rather blighted the landscape. We also had great views east down the coast, out to the west and north over the bridges to Fife and beyond.

We then made our way back down towards Bonaly and Colinton to head home.

Thanks to Drew for organising the walk.

Walk 299 - Forth Road Bridge - May 2025

Twelve Strollers met on a gloriously sunny day at the car park at South Queensferry to walk over the bridge and then follow the Fife coastal path to the start of Inverkeithing and the park and ride at Ferry Toll.

The east footpath was closed so, braving the steps and subway, we set off across the bridge on the west side facing the new road bridge.

Looking down we could see the children learning to sail at Port Edgar with a few capsizing. Dry land is better! Looking up we could see the bright orange jackets of the workmen above us doing the repairs to the bridge.

Once across we descended the steps and onto the road into North Queensferry where the ferry used to run from, across the water to South Queensferry. Passing the remains of the old wells with the dog and lion heads, we ascended the slope following the Fife Coastal path and the Pilgrims Way.

We stopped at the site of the old quarry for a lunch break and to take in the views over to Dalgety Bay and back to the Roseberry Estate, taking care not to get too close to the cliff edge. We then continued on down the path past the Port Laing beach and coming out onto the site of the harbour and now salvage yard. We followed the road until we came to the Inverkeithing Road where we finished. Some went for a coffee in Inverkeithing while others went for the bus back home.

An enjoyable walk and thanks to Drew for organising and the weather. 

Outing to Culzean Castle - 12 May 2025

Forty nine pensioners and guests met on a very misty morning to set out on our first outing of the year. 

The weather didn't brighten until just before we reached our coffee stop at MacKinnon Mills, Coatbridge. As well as our break, there was an opportunity for some retail therapy.

 We then headed to Ayrshire and the weather stayed warm and sunny for us.

We were able to visit the castle and its grounds. As this was your chairman's fourteenth visit, it must have something going for it!

Our high teas was at the Fenwick Hotel. The food was plentiful and very tasty. (The wine was reasonably priced too.)

The driver brought us back to Edinburgh using some of the less travelled routes to help avoid some large lorries which might well have slowed us down.

Not a bad start to our outings.

Walk 298 - Musselburgh to Dalkeith - April 2025

Thirteen Strollers met up at the car park next to the Roman Bridge in Musselburgh to walk to Dalkeith.

We met under the canopy of the Hayweights clock which marks the old site of the weighbridge. The workings of the clock are actually in the clock at Eskmills. Setting off past Eskmills we followed the River Esk past the mills which are now offices and an events venue. We passed a very good painting of a Kingfisher on an old gate though we didn’t see any live ones on the river, just geese and ducks as well as numerous other birds.

Making our way to Whitecraig passing all the new houses, rather than walk along the main road and into the Dalkeith Country Park, we crossed the road and had a break at the football ground. Fully restored we made our way up onto the old railway line, passing a beautifully painted camper van, we then followed the railway walk for a bit then came off to walk back down Salters Road to cross the main road again and into the park.

From here we followed the road all the way into Restoration Yard, stopping for a photo opportunity with the Great Ape carving and to watch the kids clambering through the trees on the walkways above our heads.

Hopefully the weather will be better for our next walk though it was only raining slightly when we met but stopped quite soon and the sun was out for a brief spell as we finished the walk.

Thanks to Drew for arranging the walk.

Walk 297 - Historic Walk Corstorphine - March 2025

On a gorgeous sunny March day twenty four Strollers met at the Old Kirk in Corstorphine with our guides Helen and Karen.

They gave us some information on the history of Corstorphine from the viewpoint of its location between two lochs, Corstorphine and Gogar. They also told us about the important families like the Forresters whose names live on in school names and streets, as well as the trials of witches.

We were then told about Chrystal Macmillan who came from Corstorphine. She has a building at the University of Edinburgh named after her to commemorate all her work as a lawyer, peace advocate, feminist and suffragette, to name a few, as well as being the first female science graduate.

We then spent an interesting thirty minutes in the church with local guides hearing the history of the church and the link with the university searching for older buildings on the site and for crypts under the flagstones.

Back outside we stopped at what at one time was described as Irish Corner due to the Irish labourers who stayed there while working on the canals and railways and looking up at the impish figure on the roof. From here we went to look at the doo’cot which supplied food for the castle which once stood here.

From here we went into St Margaret's Park which was gifted to Corstorphine in 1915 by an American, Christopher Brown, in honour of his wife who came from there.

We finished at the Dower House which is now home to the Corstorphine Trust and has a nice cafe.

Our thanks to our guides, Helen and Karen, as well as the guides at the church and extra local knowledge supplied by Ian Kirkpatrick.

Fingers crossed for good weather for the rest of the year.

Walk 296 - Historic Walk - February 2025

Thirty Three Strollers met up in the Museum at Chambers Street to start a walk based round Edinburgh becoming a Royal Burgh.

It started with the marriage of King Malcolm and Margaret and then their son David becoming king. He had spent many years in England and brought back the idea of burghs from their and how a burgh should be laid out. He also created several mints round Scotland to mint Scottish coins. The first mint was created at Carlisle which was then part of Scotland. Burghs were formed by having a castle at one end raised up in the motte and bailey design with a street running from it, houses and strips of land along either side of the street and a market place. Gladstone’s Land in the High Street is a good example of the width of the plots and land extending behind it.

We also heard about the founding of the early guilds for the bakers, blacksmiths etc. After that we went to Bristo Square to look at a Lord Provost’s lamppost which signified his status then down into Greyfriars Kirk.

From here we moved down to the High Street where we looked at the site of the Butter Tron where butter and cheese was weighed before being sold in the Lawnmarket, at the junction of the High Street and Johnston Terrace. We also heard ghost stories about one of the houses which used to stand here. We then went into Riddles Court to look at how later planning tried to create open spaces for people rather than just buildings pressing against each other.

We finished up at the Mercat Cross with the story of the first fire brigade and the great fire which destroyed a lot of the buildings in 1824 and which lasted for 5 days.

There was a lot more but too much to mention.

Our thanks to our guides Karen and Helen for the walk and for arranging a mild and dry day for it, though it did get a tad wet after we finished

Walk 295 - Haymarket to the Water of Leith Centre at Slateford - January 2025

On a surprisingly mild January day eighteen Strollers met at Haymarket Station for a walk along the Water of Leith path to the centre at Slateford. It was a crisp day, but nowhere near as cold as it had been and it was dry, and some of us felt decidedly overdressed.

We followed the tram tracks along to join the cycle path where we went down the hill to walk along Russell Road to Roseburn Park. The park is looked after by a local support group who have been involved in a lot of improvements in it. We passed the ever name changing rugby stadium of Murrayfield and then past the ice-rink and curling centre before heading along the river. After a slight forgetful moment by the leader of the walk we made a quick U-turn to cross the bridge. This took us to the other side to follow the path past Balgreen bowling and croquet club and the primary school.

From here we crossed the road into Saughton Park and, after a look at the bandstand and gardens, we stopped for a break at the cafe. Surprisingly it was fine to sit out at the picnic tables. After that we walked along Fords Road and crossed the Calder Road to follow the river again to re-cross it and go up past the allotments and cemetery along to our finishing point of the Water of Leith Centre. For some reason no-one wanted to continue the walk and circle back along the canal to Tollcross. 

Our thanks to Drew for arranging the walk and the weather.

Hopefully the weather for the historic walks in February and March will be as good.   

Walk 294 - Christmas Lunch

Fifty two Strollers, new and old, met for the long walk from the bus stops around Dundas Street to the Royal Scots Club in Abercromby Place to enjoy Christmas lunch.

Meeting in the Hepburn Lounge reception area for pre meal drinks, it was time to catch up with some Strollers we hadn’t seen for a while. Soon the appointed hour (1.00) came and we were shepherded through to the lounge for lunch, though this didn’t stop some Strollers sneaking back to the bar for more drinks (soft as well as hard).

After a short welcoming speech it was time to enjoy the food and the chat at the tables.

As the ‘Strolling Players’ have now retired the after meal ‘entertainment’ was a short quiz based on characters in comedy programs. It was great fun trying to recall names and programmes and putting the two together. 

All too soon it was time to pack up and brave the weather outside and look forward to another year of strolls.

This was the 20th year of holding the lunches at the Royal Scots Club and as usual the food and service was good.

All the best for the coming year.

Walk 293 - Musselburgh Lagoons - November 2024

Twelve Strollers met at Fisherrow harbour in Musselburgh for a walk along to the lagoons at Levenhall. In a complete contrast to when the walk was scheduled for last year, it was a beautiful sunny and calm day.

After strolling along the promenade to the river, we were then met by five more Strollers at the Electric Bridge, so called because it was built in the 1960s to take the construction traffic to Cockenzie Power station.

From here we went over to the side of the race track and past the first tee of the Musselburgh old golf course which has been here since 1672 but may have been played on before that. The race track is newer and dates from 1816.

We then followed the paths round the newer lagoons which have been created out of the old ash pits which were the spoils from the power station. These were only opened in 2023, and by chance we met the ranger for the site who told us of some of the birds and animals to be seen in the area. After a brief stop at one of the hides, which also gave great views back to Edinburgh, we headed down to the sea front and stopped for a seat and a bit of lunch.

We then made our way up past the entrance to the older hides and lagoons and circled round the pond and over the grass paths back to the side of the golf course and then followed the path back to the golf club and into town to finish the walk.

Thanks to Drew for arranging such a nice day for the walk.

Walk 292 - Dirleton to North Berwick - October 2024

A baker’s dozen of Strollers met in Dirleton for a stroll to North Berwick along part of the John Muir Way.

The forecast at one time was looking as if there would be a lot of rain, as well as being a tad breezy. As it turned out, the rain never materialised but the wind certainly blew and it was a day for keeping moving and not stopping for too long.

Starting in Dirleton, and admiring the scarecrows which are part of the annual scarecrow trail, we made our way down to Yellowcraig beach. It was nice in the shelter of the trees as we walked down and we had intended to stop there for a break but it was cold in the wind.

After a quick jaunt down to the beach to look out to Fidra, we then went past Yellowcraig Wood and across the field to walk along Abbotsford Road. Casting admiring looks at the large houses dating from the late 19th century, but then thinking of the heating and maintenance bills, maybe a small house is better.

The road runs along the side of the North Berwick West golf course and surprisingly there were quite a lot of golfers out there. We carried on down the path to walk along the edge of the golf course where Douglas’s hat got blown off and into one of the gardens. Luckily we managed to attract the attention of someone in the house who realised after a bit that we weren't just waving to be polite.

On into town and landing up at the bus stop for buses back home or for others time for a spot of lunch in a local cafe.

Thanks to Drew for the walk, if not the weather.

Walk 291 - Dalkeith Country Park - September 2024

Seventeen Strollers met at Restoration Yard in the Dalkeith Country Park to have a stroll round the ‘old woods’ with its ancient oak trees. Some astute Strollers managed to park their cars for free as the card machines weren't working and they claimed to have no cash!

It was a lovely sunny day and a nice temperature for walking under the trees. Following the path until the South Esk met the North Esk, we turned and headed along towards the Montague Bridge built in 1792 and named for the wife of the 3rd Duke of Buccleuch.

The path was a bit hillier in places than possibly suggested, but only for short distances and a bit muddier in one or two places after all the recent rain. Apologies to Moira C who was on her first walk for a while.

An enjoyable break for lunch was taken in front of Dalkeith Palace.

After lunch, we then followed the path over the Montague Bridge and up to the path between Belwood and the Hermitage. We turned left to follow the path down into the Belwood and along the line of the Dean Burn. From there we headed back down the road to the car park and the end of the walk where the call of Greggs in Dalkeith was a strong attraction for some Strollers.

Thanks to Drew for organising the walk on a lovely day with not too many puddles.

Hopefully it will as good on the next walk.