Walk 316 - Longniddry to Haddington - October 2026

Thirteen Strollers met at Longniddry station to walk the railway path to Haddington. The railway was created in 1846 and was designed to link Haddington to Edinburgh. Passenger traffic ceased in 1949 before finally closing in 1968.

Contrary to the initial forecast the day, though breezy, was dry throughout the walk.

It was a lovely flat walk on a good path. Unfortunately, it didn’t give many views due to the growth of the vegetation on either side, but we still managed to view Redhouse Castle, a 15th century keep, as well as the Hopetoun Monument. The latter stands on Byres Hill and is dedicated to John Hope the 4th Earl of Hopetoun.

For the sharper eyed there were also some deer running across the field. We passed under the A1,following the tarmac path all the way to the new Roodlands Hospital in Haddington and then down the paths to the main road and into Haddington for a coffee and snack after the walk. 

Thanks to Drew for arranging the weather and a flatter walk.

Walk 315 - Penicuik to Roslin - September 2026

Ten Strollers met up outside Greggs in Penicuik for a walk to Roslin. The rain started just as we moved off but by the time our 11th member caught up with us, it had gone off and it remained a lovely dry day for the rest of the walk.

The walk took us past the site of the first paper mill on the River Esk at Valleyfield before we joined the railway path. Following the path over streams and through short tunnels, we passed close to Glencorse Barracks and then over the Firth Viaduct and passing the Three Hares Community Woodland.

We then turned off down onto the path to Roslin Glen passing the site of the gunpowder factory which stood here for over 150 years until 1954. The steps down proved a bit steeper than thought for some and a reminder not to go that way again!

From here we went into the start of the glen and crossed the footbridge to go up the steps passing Rosslyn Castle and Chapel. Again, the steps seemed a bit steeper than remembered!

We finished at Dolly’s cafe for a well-earned coffee and cake.

Thanks to Drew for arranging and the reasonable weather but not the flights of steps