Roslin 2004

Pentland Runners

The Roslin Trot 2004 – 7 Feb

It was time for our annual social Sunday Morning run to a hostelry for lunch and Iain Morrice planned a challenging run to the Old Original Inn at Roslin as the target. The route instructions were sent out, the table was booked and in the week leading up everyone was psyching themselves for the whole or part of the 10 / 11 mile yomp over the hills (with a minor twinge of trepidation at Iain's mileage estimates, which have a reputation for being optimistic..) Cometh the weekend and cometh the snow, (It was the weekend the Clyde - Dunfermline game was abandoned.) and on Sunday morning the thirteen runners who turned up were in several minds as to what to do. The braver chaps ("nutters") decided to go for it. The girls brought their walking boots and decided to walk from the Red Moss to Flotterstone, and some decided to do a low level run and then drive round. Bob drove around the place trying to keep track of this lot – talk about herding cats. But the conditions over the top were not as bad as feared, and with the sun out parts of the route on the Roslin side cleared of snow fairly quickly. Everyone got to the destination, one way or another, and enjoyed the warm glow of satisfaction that the hot food brought. And those with a driver organised enjoyed even more refreshment.

The route description, with some historical notes, is given below.

Starting at Balerrno High School, former site of the coal yards of Balerno and the termination point for the Balerno goods trains. Bavelaw Road (know as the Balerno bypass), old access road for Bavelaw House. Mansfield Road,
opposite the junction to Harlaw and Balleny farms is the old farm house for Deanpark Farm which the new housing estate takes its name from. Keep going up Mansfield passing the old horses refuge, now owned by the SSPCA At the
fork with the rigg junction take the left branch past Red Moss Nature reserve which is one of few deep peat bogs left in which certain species of moss grows. Rumour has it that remains of Covenantors who fought at the famous battle of Rullion Green ( Penicuik ) were found in this moss. Bavelaw/Red Moss car park, made famous by modern thieves who steal anything from the cars parked so if you are leaving your car keep things out of site.

Over Redford Bridge which has ruins to left as you run, these farm house ruins were used as stables for the horses during hunting trips within the Bavelaw estate which were frequented by Robert the Bruce, and on past Threipmuir reservoir. The origin of this name comes from a situation between Bruce and one W St Clair of Roslin who staked his heid against his hounds and threeped the dogs in pursuit of a white deer, the notes of encouragement were successful and he was able to keep his heid. He also received a grant of the forest of Pentland from the King.

Run up the pleasant (and seemingly vertical) avenue of beech trees known as the gate to the Pentlands and take in the views if you dare look up!!. At the top don't stop!! But take a left fork up past Bavelaw Castle the 17th century residence of the owner of the famous Edinburgh store Jenners. This castle has had many famous visitors, Mary Queen of Scots used to Hawk here on trips from Lennox Castle at Lymphoy. Cross the stile and head left down into Green Cleugh which is owned by a local worthy of Balerno who some of you may know.

The track passes darkly between Hare Hill and Black Hill and widens out to reveal the Logan burn. Few spots in the Pentlands can be more romantic and exciting as you pass the waterfall on your left, the 16th century Howletts House should soon come into view which is situated at the head of Loganlee water.

Continue on this tarmac road passing Glencorse resorvior till you reach Flotterstone bridge (60 mins ) where you should turn left along the left hand side pavement towards Edinburgh. After about 1 mile at Howgate take the road to the right sign-posted for Roslin and Bush estate, run along the left hand side pavement until you get near the Bush where you should cross to the pavement on the right hand side. Continue straight along this pavement until you reach the old Penicuik road where you should cross left down past the Coutryside Inn heading over towards the new large roundabout and follow signs for Roslin/Rosewell. Continue along this road passing the turn off for Roslin Glen/Rosewell on the left until you reach the Main Street of Roslin where your run finishes at the Old Original Hotel (1hour 30 mins) for drinks and lunch

For further information contact:

Bob or Anne Douglas 449-6105

Updated 1/11/2004