River Almond Almondell and Calderwood Country Park

The weather has turned a bit damp for the Spokes Ride. The forecast for the afternoon is not looking good. We are meant to be going to Livingston for a picnic, but I am hoping to salvage something.

The forecast has put a few people off, but there are four of us. We set off west through Fountainbridge, and on to the canal path near Harrison Park. It starts raining lightly, so I put my waterproof gloves on. We follow the path out to Wester Hailes, we we turn off the path, and head up to Baberton Mains, then along a cycle track, over the railway to Heriot Watt Uni.

We cycle through the campus and on to Long Dalmahoy Road. It is supposed to be currently shot to motor vehicles, but open to pedestrians and cyclists. The road takes us to Kirknewton. I check the weather forecast. The rain is set to arrive earlier.

Therefore I take the riders down to the Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. My blip is a shot taken from the Nasmyth Bridge. It shows the River Almond as it heads NE through the park.

We have lunch in the Visitor Centre conservatory, which sells tea and coffee, so we have something warm to have with our picnic. Extra shows a blue tit have its lunch in the garden area behind the centre.

After lunch, we head north to the canal path, which we follow back in to Edinburgh. It turns out to be the right choice. The rain is heading east, but we are in a narrow wedge of good weather. The Pentlands to the south, and Corstorphine to the north are covered in dark clouds and rain.

The ride ends at Craiglockhart, and everyone heads home. A shortened ride, but its good to get out on the bike


The whole ride can be seen at Relive here.

Just as I get home, the wind and rain starts in earnest. The rain doesn't last long though. As I am home quite early, my partner and I go down to Morningside to visit the charity shops that are open, as well as for afternoon coffee and cake.