Wed Walk: ROSLIN CHAPEL - GUNPOWDER MILLS - MAVISBANK HOUSE - CIRCULAR
Details
Peter (07803085087 message if any questions) invites you to join him on this jaunt which begins from Rosslin Chapel visitor centre car park. The jaunt is a figure of eight (two loops, each starting from Roslin). 1st loop - Walk round to see the outside of the Chapel and also the Castle, follow the river Esk to the old Gunpowder mills. 2nd loop - After returning to Roslin for a lunch break you'll then walk to Mavisbank House and loop back along Bilston glen to Roslin for a refreshment at the Roslin Inn.
ROSLIN: formerly spelt Rosslyn or Roslyn) is a village 7 miiles south of Edinburgh.
ROSSLYN CHAPEL: known as the scene of the climatic chapters of Dan Brown's best seller, the Da Vinci Code. The extraordinary architecture and fine carvings have made the chapel world renowned, even before Dan Brown put pen to paper.
ROSSLYN CASTLE: The present building dates from 1544 - although it appears ruined it was partly restored in the 1980s and is now used as holiday accommodation.
GUNPOWDER MILL: the atmospheric remains are set in a rocky section of the glen. The mill was set up in 1804 and was powered by a water wheel. It supplied mining and quarrying industries with powder. It also manufactured war munitions used in the Napoleonic, Crimean, Boer, and First and Second World Wars. The mill closed in 1954 and several of it’s buildings were torn down as they posed a safety hazard.
MAVISBANK HOUSE: The 300 year old house almost burned to the ground 50 years ago. This year (2024) it has been saved for the nation after a National Heritage Memorial Fund grant of £5.3 million has been awarded to the Landmark Trust for it’s restoration.
GETTING TO ROSLIN
🚌BUS: Lothian bus 37 bus (stop PJ) on Princes Street at 10.19am arrives Rosslyn Inn at 11:08
🚙CAR: Free parking at The Chapel
EXTRAS
Distance: 5-6 miles
Attire: Dress to suit the weather and wear comfy walking boots/shoes
Lunch break: There'll be a break in between the 2 loops. Bring a packed lunch, or have a light lunch at the Rosslyn Inn.
Toilets: At the visitor centre
Dogs: Welcome but may be required to be on lead at times