Cycling the Pentlands to South Queensferry

Last weekend I took my new bike out for a spin around the Pentlands, and then over to South Queensferry, roughly following the southern and western edges of the Edinburgh City Boundary. As it’s lockdown we’re not allowed to travel much beyond the city limits, so inpired by Markus Stitz of Bikepacking Scotland and Mark Beaumont, I decided to explore the route.

I started by zipping quickly down the A701 before turning into the Pentlands at Flotterstone (although, in retrospect, perhaps I should have cut in earlier to avoid the busy road).

The road up past Glencourse and Loganlea Reservoirs is a great ride. At the top of Loganlea the road turns into a singletrack trail.

Across the Pentlands towards Bravelaw I veered left, on a trail south. There were great views over the hills. I exited the Pentlands at Kirknewton airfield.

After the Pentlands I headed North, past Ratho and through Newbridge. If I’d had more time, I’d have gone slightly more west, via Broxburn. It’s something to explore next time!

After that it was all bike track until the bridges at South Queensferry. I paused to get essential takeaway coffee and cake, and then headed home on the N75 bike route.

You can check out my Komoot tour with a map of the route.