Glencorse, Beeslack, Eskbridge and Auchendinny
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This very varied walk on the outskirts of Penicuik is almost all on core paths or paths which are recognised by Midlothian Council as part of the wider path network. There is immediate access by bus from much of Southern Scotland to either of two possible starting points, while the two car parks on the route not only give car drivers the choice of two starting points, but also allow the route to be split into two shorter loops. The route can also be shortened as indicated in the descriptions by the relevant waymarks. The route is appropriate for those joining by either car or bus.
The walk starts at Milton Bridge and soon passes Glencorse Kirk, outside which there is a stone bearing 5,000-year-old cup-and-ring marks. This stone was found near old Glencorse Kirk further up the road, which is now on private land, has been renovated and is used for weddings. The route continues through woodland and then across open, rather neglected, grassland to reach a track that runs down the side of a small burn to the main road, past the embankments for a bridge that carried the old Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin railway to the ill-fated Mauricewood Colliery. However, instead of going straight down to the road, the route goes across the burn by a footbridge and along tarred paths through an area of grass, shrubs and trees beside Greenlaw Mains housing estate. It then crosses the main road using an underpass and passes round the perimeter of the sports field by Beeslack High School and into the Beeslack Wood. Having reached the top of the high bank above the North Esk, the route runs along behind Aaron House (a nursing home), down into Lady Wood and along the Cuiken Burn. Crossing the burn, the route climbs up the opposite bank to pass between the wood and the Ladywood housing estate until it reaches Eskbridge, where there was once both a railway station and a paper-mill.
The route then follows the Penicuik - Dalkeith Walkway. This runs along the valley of the North Esk and passes the platform of the erstwhile Auchendinny Station before crossing a skewed bowstring bridge and going through a well-lit tunnel under the B7026. After passing (or in late 2015 being diverted through) a new housing estate on the old site of Dalmore Paper Mill, the walk goes through another lit tunnel. Just before the impressive ten-arch Firth Railway Viaduct, the route leaves the walkway and climbs up to reach the edge of Auchendinny Village. It then returns to the start using a right of way across Milton Bridge Golf Course.
Scotland - Central Scotland - Midlothian - Countryside
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Public Transport, Restaurant, Tea Shop, Woodland