The Penicuik to Dalkeith Railway

It was a public holiday today and, when the rain finally eased off mid-afternoon, I put the bike on the back of the car and took it to the site of the former Valleyfield Mill in Penicuik. Living in Penicuik as a child, I visited Valleyfield Paper Mill as part of a school project. Penicuik - the papermaking town - then had three papermills, but they all closed a long time ago, as did Dalmore Mill at Auchendinny, whose site I rode through today - now housing.

The railway line that once linked Penicuik to Dalkeith is now a cycle way, very well surfaced for all of its length - tarred for most of it. The route crosses a number of bridges over the Esk, and goes under a number of bridges too, as well as through two lengthy tunnels.

This is a selction of images from the route, including the substantial Firth viaduct.