Commie to Cockenzie

Join Barbara and Emma on a ride out to Cockenzie from the Commonwealth Pool. This ride is great for anyone who cycles short to medium distances on a semi regular basis, but would like to challenge themselves a little bit with a slightly longer distance/riding on the road, or any regular cyclist looking for a more relaxed ride that isn't too short. As we are leaving from the commonwealth pool it is mostly downhill on the way out, and uphill on the way back, the gradients are either short, or shallow inclines suitable for beginners, but the distance pushes it into intermediate. We will be taking it at a fairly relaxed pace.

We'll stop for our break at Cockenzie House where there's a toilet and cafe. We can go into the cafe or feel free to bring your own snacks/drink or get a takeaway and sit in the lovely gardens.

Please read these key details👇

DISTANCE: 25miles
DIFFICULTY: early intermediate
TYPE OF BIKE: Gravel, hybrid, road with wider tyres, e-bikes
SURFACE: Tarmac - Mix of shared paths and quiet roads, with one short gravelly bit.
WHAT TO BRING:
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres) and tools to remove your wheels if they are not quick-release
• Lock, water, snacks and cash/card if you want to buy anything when we stop.
ROUTE Map: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/6631259500/
RSVPs
Please update your RSVP if you can't come and arrive at 10.20 for the briefing.

DESCRIPTION:
Starting at the Commie pool we will head towards Holyrood park, taking the Low road around Arthurs seat to Duddingston, which is closed to traffic. One short section we will need to get off and walk due to the road being completely closed. Coming into Duddingston there is a small cobbly section, and we are on quiet roads until we join the innocent path out to Brunstane. another short quiet road section takes us into Newcraighall, then a shared path takes us through the housing estate where we pick up the path up to Queen Margaret Uni. Coming around the Uni, we have a lovely path down to Monktonhall, where another short quiet road section takes us on to the River Esk path, which we follow all the way into Musselburgh, and down to the seafront.

We take the seafront path out past Levenhall Links to Preston Pans, where we take to the road on quiet residential streets, before picking up the shared path to Cockenzie, where we have our stop. Weather permitting we will sit out in the park with the option to bring your own, or buy something from the cafe at Cockenzie House, if it's pouring we will sit in the cafe.

On the return we take the same shared path back to Preston Pans, followed by more shared paths (this is where we hit the gravel up past a playing field, but it is a short section, and if you are not confident, you can walk it). We are back on the residential roads through Preston Pans to Levenhall Links, where we turn away from the coast and take the quiet road by Musselburgh race course, then cross the Esk, and head along quiet roads to Fisherrow. We are on the road for a short section (this is the busiest bit) Before we turn on to the Brunstane Burn path (a little bit up and down), which we follow all the way along to Brunstane Road, where we pick up the Innocent railway path (shallow incline) all the way back to Holyrood and our starting point at the Commie Pool.

Donations
Belles is a completely volunteer run group, but we do have running costs of approximately £400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account.
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509
Or through this link - ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Thank you!