Hailes Castle

The first Sunday of the month, so it's the Spokes Ride. It is pretty chilly, a very cold NW wind makes it feel even colder. There are five of us, heading east out of Edinburgh to Musselburgh, then along the coastal road. I can't believe how cold it is. I have wind proof gloves on, but the cold seeps through.

There is a short break at Prestonpans, then we carry on past Longniddry, where we head inland and up hill. carrying on east up Bangly Hill. We stop at the road joining Haddington to Aberlady for a wee refreshment, and admiring the views of the Lammermuirs (Extra 1) to the south and the highpoint of the Garlton Hills to the east.

Time to head for lunch.So we cycle around the Hopetoun monument to Athelstaneford (brithplace of the Scottish Saltire), then downhill to a garden centre at East Fortune for lunch.

After lunch, it is quite early, and the wind has eased quite a bit. So we east then south to East Linton. This takes us over the eastern edge of the Garlton Hills ( a wee lump). From here, we follow National Cycle route 76 westwards. Just outside of East Linton, we pass Hailes Castle (main blip). The route is fairly flat and vaguely follows the River Tyne up stream to Haddington. Extra 2 shows St.Mary's Kirk, with Lady Kitty's Garden in the foreground.

Here we join cycle route 196, heading west to Samuelston, then head north to Longniddry. Then it's back on to the coast road to Musselburgh. AS there is still a bit of a breeze, we take a slightly longer, but less hilly route along the River Esk path to National Cycle Route 1. We then follow NCN 1 through Monktonhall to Newcraighall, then up the Innocent Railway back in to Edinburgh.

Along ride, but quite beautiful. An epic ride.

The whole route can be seen at Relive here. (and some more photos)

Quiet evening. Mayday bank holiday tomorrow. Four day working week.