Pentland Runners

Balerno to Ratho Adventure Centre 20 June 2004

A contingent of ten folk did the run to the Ratho Adventure Centre - Scotlands first indoor Climbing Centre. Well done to Iain for finding a route through bits of countryside that most of the runners had never seen before! The run was followed by a very enjoyable (and inexpensive) lunch.

Route:

1. BHS turn left into Bridge Road.
2. Roundabout, Johnsburn Road, after Johnsburn watering hole turn right.
3. 1 mile Cockburnhill Road Goodtrees farm
4. 1.5 miles Cockburn Farm                                         
5. 2 miles Junction with Buteland Road turn right       
6. 2.5 miles Buteland Farm and Steadings                
7. 3 miles Temple House, some people might want to start from this point where there is parking                
...and rights of  way signposts ie: Gateway to the Pentlands. Watch out for Field Fares at this  point.
8. Buteland House, there is a large Pheasant farm along the path you are on so make sure you don`t have a wee accident if some of them jump out and scare you!!!.
9. 4 miles Buteland Hill Farm disused. Watch out for buzzards and Hen Harriers at this point. 
10. Climb over metal gate, continue forward to wooden sign post Thistle signifies right of way. Turn right at this point.
11. Follow these sign posts until you come to Leithead Farm where the source of the Water of the Water of Leith starts. Watch for Otters at the small bridge.
12. 5miles Once you get to the road/track turn right and this will bring you onto the Lang Whang (A70)
13. Turn left, then right into Leyden Road.
14. Belstane Farm and steadings
15. Leyden Farm
16. 6miles Latch Farm          
17. 6.5miles Ormiston Mains Farm and steadings      
18. Continue under railway bridge beside entrance to Ormiston House.
19. 7miles When you reach the road turn right up towards the level crossing at Kirknewton. 
20. 8miles Kirknweton main Street        
21. 9miles When you come to the new houses on  the left turn into the path that will take you to the footway bridge over the main Glasgow Edinburgh railway line.
22. Plunge downhill again now passing  cottage on the right, you then pass the road end for Humbie holdings. Carol`s husband Dave might be there with a wee refreshment if he's not busy elsewhere.
23. 10miles You will evntually emerge onto the A71 where you should turn right.
24. At Wilkieston PO turn left, passing the old Primary School on the right.
25. 11miles Continue up past Bonnington farm and steadings passing the road end to Ratho. 
26. 12miles Again plunge downhill until you come to the road that takes you into the Scottish Climbing Centre. Continue along this road until you reach the car park, watch out for Bob.       

This route has since been measured 9in kilometers) and included in our guide to local runs

For further information contact:

Bob or Anne Douglas 449-6105