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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek Harwood's Walking Records

If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com

    Lands End to John o'Groats 'Fill-in Path'

         North Middleton  to   Sheriffhall P&R

Tuesday 23rd May 2017 ......................................Walk No. 1151

Lands End to John o'Groats Fill-in No. 30  Total 223.50 miles


Time Taken:  0:00 hrs               Distance:                Enjoyment:            Weather: Windy  
 10:15 am - 00:00 pm                9.50 miles                      90%                        with no rain

Temp:      Cloud:        Rain:       Visibility:        Ground Conditions:                   Nature:
 17oC         75%           0%            Good              Pavement underfoot                      Birds

Total AA:             Total MH:       Total LD:         Total AW:         Other:        Total Distance:
 1122.0 mls        976.0 mls     3503.0 mls       174.5mls        1986.0mls      7761.5 miles

Companions:  (Derek)

Points of Interest and LINKS:
Land's End to John o' Groats             	Edinburgh
Description:
I parked in Edinburgh Free Danderhall Park & Ride car park and headed for the bus stops. I wanted the X95 bus but I couldn't find any reference to the X95 anywhere. I asked a bus driver and he explained that the X95 bus didn't call into the Park & Ride (P&R) but drives straight past and up the road. With quick thinking I hurried out of the P&R and up the road to the nearest bus stop, or was it, who knows? As a stranger it was very difficult to establish bus routes, even with the aid of the internet. Councils please take note. I almost ran to the bus stop with one eye in front and one eye behind, looking to see if the bus was coming. I knew the bus was due but had I missed it? When I reached the bus stop, to my amazement the X95 bus was not on the list. At the bus stop, only buses 49 & 33. No sign of Bus X95 so I studied the bus stop information with the aid of my map. With the X95 bus scheduled every hour, would I have to wait almost an hour? I was reaching the conclusion that Bus 33 may be useful when the bus approached me. I had to make a quick decision and I chose to board the bus and travel to Gorebridge. I didn't know where the bus was taking me, I only hoped the terminus was near the A7 road. I travelled through Dalkeith's housing estates then onto Mayfield estates before Gorebridge estates and finally Birkenstock. Good news, the terminus of Bus 33 was within metres of the A7 road. Bad news, two miles short of the bus stop where I had finished walking the previous day (Monday). Because I was unaware of the X95 bus schedule, I decided to put my best foot forward and head to North Middleton on foot. I passed a sign 'Colin's Snack Bar - next lay-by' then the old sea container in the lay-by just before North Middleton Village. Thoughts of my old mate Colin Middleton. It was a steady climb from the Bus 33 terminus to the North Middleton bus shelter which took me about half an hour. I took a few photos then a quick turn around towards Edinburgh. Five minutes down the road and the X95 bus passed me. This meant that my decision to take Bus 33 saved me five minutes if I had waited an hour at the X95 bus stop for the next bus. I had made the correct decision, but only just. I passed the terminus again then found a bench at a local road junction with the A7 road. I couldn't resist a break for refreshments with a splendid view of the Pentland Hills on the horizon. I soon moved on along the A7 road. I found an old monument before Shank Bridge, with no plaque, so I had no idea of the reason for the monument which was obviously important in its day. Had the plaque been stolen? Who knows? It was a steady ascent up the main road and under the newly constructed railway bridge to the B704 road junction at Newtonloan. It's worth noting the old Newtonloan Tollhouse on the corner. I continued on the A7 road for a short distance to the Scottish Mining Museum which is not to be missed. I spent a while in the museum and enjoyed the experience. Although I didn't have the time, it would be worth a visit to the pit head to experience part of real live equipment. With a spring in my step I soon reached Newtongrange Main Street, which has a mine head wheel installed vertically at the junction with the A7 road. There was a change of scenery on Main Street, the B703 road, which was a typical town centre shopping area. I passed several streets of old style bungalows, which obviously had a long history. I would be interested to hear a few stories. How important it is to save and preserve stories and items from the past. After the church I passed the local library and the Miners' Memorial to reach Welfare Park, a pleasant looking park, which needs some attention, as all parks do around the country. I saw a weed growing in the park wall, anchored behind the broken wall rendering. After the park came the dual roundabout of the B6482 road. I continued on the B703 road to Newbattle, crossing the River South Esk at Newbattle Bridge. Soon after the bridge I passed the impressive entrance to Newbattle Abbey. I continued up the valley side to the large roundabout of Six Ways, the culmination of the B703, A768, A6094 & B6392. I crossed over the new railway line on the B6392 towards the Edinburgh bypass, and the River North Esk at Elginhaugh Bridge on Gilmerton Road. There was a steep slope up Gilmerton Road to the roundabout of Melville Gate Road. I turned right on the leafy X95 bus route at the junction of A6106, Old Dalkeith Road at the reinstated railway bridge. I then turned left along the A6106 to the huge Sheriff Hall roundabout of the Edinburgh bypass. I crossed the main roads with extreme care, using the pedestrian lights. Continuing along the Old Dalkeith Road towards Edinburgh I soon reached the Danderhall Park & Ride, the location of my parked car. I drove to a public house for a meal, then drove home via Kendal where I had a welcome cup of coffee and tea. This had been an enjoyable day's walking, in a different way. It is advisable to walk the A7 road route when the traffic is light.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: at to be confirmed





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