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Dave Henniker Local page 12
near Edinburgh but not including the Pentland Hills
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This page features photos taken on a walk from Loanhead (Bilston Glen) through Roslin Glen to Roslin village. If traveling to Loanhead by the 37 LRT bus get off at the first stop in The Loan (round the corner from Clerk St where the shops are) walk back a few steps, turn right along Muirfield Gdns then left at Church St. You'll cross a bridge over the footpath which you'll follow for 500m to the Bilston Glen Viaduct. Be prepared for a long, possibly arduous walk! |
Here's the history cast in heavy metal. This is one of the plaques at the Loanhead end of the former railway viaduct, now a footpath and cyclepath. | |
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Some of the stops on the old railway lines. | |
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Bilston
Glen 18 1280 x 850 334K |
Gilmerton used to have a coal mine. My father would open his shop in Gilmerton village (on the southern edge of Edinburgh) early in the morning to catch the miners working the early shift. |
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Having crossed the viaduct over Bilston Glen, turn left (east) along this track towards Polton district. | |
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If you look back over your shoulder you might get a glimpse of the viaduct if the trees are bare. | |
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Photographed round the curve in the distance in the previous picture [Viaduct east to Polton], looking back for another glimpse of the viaduct. Turn right through a gate and follow a narrower path south. Farmland on your right, trees on your left. | |
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The path is level and doesn't yet descend. This view is left of the path and shows Polton, nestled in the Esk Valley between Loanhead and Bonnyrigg. | |
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The descent to the river begins at these steps. A direction post further down indicates the way down to the right, avoiding the badly eroded glacial deposit that is called the Maiden Castle. | |
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At one time the main path took this route straight along the sandy ridge. Erosion has been accelerated by adolescent males jumping off the ridge onto the steep sandy slopes below. The new path has wooden steps and is easier to find if coming the other way, downstream from Roslin. |
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Down at the bottom near the river is this magnificently coppiced tree. A fraction of the bark of the original trunk remains at the centre. | |
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These are the steps you would come down - or climb up if coming the other way. In 2010 they've been edged with yellow grips which makes them more visible. | |
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This first part of the path follows the riverbank for about 500m before starting to climb up the west side of the gorge. | |
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The farmland on the right side of the path will soon disappear from view to be replace by woodland. This tree looks like it was struck by lightning. | |
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I first photographed this birch tree in January 2000. The path starts to climb more steeply soon after passing this point. | |
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Nature wastes nothing and recycles all organic material. Moss grows on this log. The pine needles give an indication of scale. | |
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Another look at the river before the climb up the gorge. There will be some dangerous cliffs on the left. | |
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About 800m from the start of the riverside walk is this view across the gorge to Hawthornden Castle. For more information see Google. | |
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There are one or two forks in the path when you're high up. At this particular point bear right otherwise you will find yourself at the top of some dangerous cliffs. | |
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The path continues to follow the top of the gorge. Look out for a left fork which will take you safely back down a long slope to the bottom. | |
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Just beyond these twisted branches is a long drop down to the bottom of some high cliffs. The safe path down is further on. | |
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It's not a bottomless chasm over the cliff edge - but it could certainly be fatal if you fell over. | |
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Because it's still March there aren't yet any leaves on the feathery looking birch trees on the other side of the gorge. These were all planted a few years ago after a major landslide. | |
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We were delighted to find this work of art on the riverbank. I think I might copy this idea! It's not quite Fibonacci but I prefer it to pretentious concepts that emanate from some alleged artists. | |
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A wide angle view showing the River South Esk and the cliffs on the other side. This is about half way to Roslin and is a good spot for a picnic or a paddle if it's warm enough. | |
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Looking downstream. Beyond the trees on the left are the high cliffs. | |
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Eroded by water - recently, geologically speaking. | |
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Many trees have fallen across the path causing obstructions that walkers have to negotiate. This log has been cut to clear the way and a new tree sapling has taken root in the damp moss. | |
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This is the lower of two alternate paths. The high path is often muddy and precipitous; this one can be tricky too, especially if the water is high. | |
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The path gets closer to the water. | |
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A handrail was set into the cliff face many years ago - but it doesn't continue all the way along. | |
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On this day the water wasn't too high. | |
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A vertical shot of the same scene showing more of the path. | |
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Looking back showing one of the tricky bits. The rocks may be slippery and any vegetation won't take your weight if you hang onto it. All the same, it's usually not too difficult if you take care! | |
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Some of the rocks are crumbling due to winter frost. | |
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Further along and the end of this waterside part is in view. | |
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The path climbs upward again. | |
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Looking back downriver before the last part of the walk to Roslin. | |
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This is a popular place to sit and maybe carve your name into the rock. It's quite high over the river and isn't that far from Roslin Castle. At the castle, go under the big arch and turn right up the hill to Rosslyn Chapel and the bus stop in Roslin village. |
Be prepared for some
ducking under fallen trees and walking on muddy, precipitous paths. There
may be some clambering over branches. You'll need proper walking boots
- trainers are no good. Trekking poles are favoured by some.
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