Images free for personal non-commercial use only ©
Dave Henniker Local page 10
near Edinburgh but not including the Pentland Hills
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This page features photos taken one day in October 2007 on a walk from Penicuik to Loanhead. At Penicuik, walk a few yards towards Edinburgh from the foot of Mauricewood Road to find the footpath down through the woods. The path leads to the former railway line. Near Beeslack School and Aaron House Care Home (photos on Facebook Album) | |
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The path follows the River South Esk on its journey towards Dalkeith. The Esk Valley becomes more like a gorge further downstream. The old train line crosses the river here and cuts below the main road at Auchendinny village. | |
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Sunlight can be seen at the end of this short, curved tunnel. The Esk can be seen through the cobwebbed girders, as can the bridge carrying the main road. | |
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A close-up of the cobwebs glinting in the sunshine. | |
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This is where the paper mill used to be. More information from the BBC. From the footpath you could see all the goings-on with pallet-trucks loading lorries etc - but not any more. | |
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Now you can see the trees and where the river was diverted through a brick-lined channel. | |
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Once again the old railway line cuts through one of the peninsulas created by the river's meanders. The tunnels now have lights making it safer for walkers, horses and cyclists. | |
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The more picturesque route is to leave the old railway line after a while and take the path on the left down to the riverside. | |
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The weir has been repaired since I last photographed it. The reflection is like a mirror. | |
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Dappled sunshine filters through the Scots Pines. The one at the centre sits on top of tall cliffs which plunge to the river below. | |
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Through a gap in the trees it's possible to see an area of comparatively young trees on the opposite side of Roslin Glen. There was a landslide here a few years back. | |
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Same view but zoomed in for a closer look at the Autumn colours. Although it's October, the weather has continued to be quite mild this year. | |
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Further downstream, this is a view of the Polton area. Bonnyrigg is up on the right somewhere, and Lasswase is downriver, behind all those trees. | |
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Facing the opposite direction towards the peninsula known as the Maiden Castle. The river is hidden by the trees. |
To get to Loanhead from here follow the well worn path from the riverside up some wooden steps and through the trees. Turn left at a T junction then watch out for the bridge across Bilston Glen to Loanhead. Follow the cycle path over. A path slopes up a ramp on the right and leads to the town centre.
Be prepared for some ducking under fallen trees and walking on muddy, precipitous paths. You'll need proper walking boots - trainers are no good.
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