Trying to link as much gravel together as possible from Kirkliston to Braco. There's a wealth of tracks between the Path of Condie and the Dunning Road and Strava heat map suggests they're continuous, but satellite view and a friend's vague recollections suggest it's broken in the middle for a short distance.
I don't want to lead any friends (once lockdown sufficiently lifted) into death by hike-a-bike through possible soggy firebreak choked with windfall, does anyone know current conditions on the ground?
Ta
Do you mean Path of Condie to Dunning Glen? (There is a good road from Path of Condie to Dunning).
There is (relatively) new woodland in between and they seem to love deer fences so it could be interesting, but I've never done it so would be good to know what it is like.
Yes, good point, Path of Condie from Middle Rigg through to Dunning Glen.
Can see almost continuous logging tracks then a frustrating green break!
Are you talking about this green break?
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By coincidence I was wondering the same... As I cycled up Dunning Glen on Saturday a couple were loading mtb's onto a land rover. They'd come out from that side. I've only walked there previously and haven't explored.
If you want to send me a GPX of the route you are considering I'll go and have a look / take photos. (I'm less than 5 miles away 😀). It won't be today, but can do it one evening this week 👍
EDIT: That makes me sound really lazy. I haven't explored as it is road for me upto the glen, and I usually mountain bike with my dogs, so have more convenient routes on my doorstep. Happy to go explore though as it could then link up through Glen Sherrup and open up more trails for me.
Follow this https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33093946
Couple of short HABs on that. One just before Coalcraigy, flat or descending, grassy should be easy enough, can be a bit boggy. The second is bridging the gap between two forest roads just above the Linn Waterfall. Bit steep, usually boggy, short.
Its a better place to go running tbh, there’s a single track trod that runs along the ridge line from Innerdouny to the Stronachie end car park.
You know Gruffalo live in those woods right?
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Although the route I’ve suggested misses most of the single track it should take you past enough to give you an idea. Although there is some decent stuff, the going is quite often slippery underfoot and does suit running better than biking. Definitely a couple of decent trails in there mind you;
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Flowerpower, whereabouts are you, I’ve been eyeing up routes across to Glensherup from Stronachie side for a few week. Pretty much just waiting for travel guidance to ease up.
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Nice, thanks Piemonster!
Was looking at it again, realised how short it was, plus there's just enough of a consistent trace on Strava heatmap to suggest there must be something on the ground by way of path or something.
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Too good a link not to try, had sworn off hike-a-bike after my bikepacking days but am too intrigued. Roll on mid-July!
Flowerpower - there's your answer and your GPX up there! Good luck and godspeed 😀
I think half of those Strava traces are probably me 😂
That link between two tracks, just to be clear, it’s crap on a bike, well, next to a bike you’ll be pushing/carrying, but it’s definitely short.
Sorry, just clocked the gravel bit. Don’t bother with the Toungey Faulds path that leads across from the Heatherie Knowe car park. Instead ride the track starting at Little Rig.
Actually, don’t bother with the Toungey Faulds path unless it’s bone dry no matter what you’re riding unless you just want to see where it goes and what it’s like.
That link between two tracks, just to be clear, it’s crap on a bike, well, next to a bike you’ll be pushing/carrying, but it’s definitely short.
I'd assumed as much, I've had long and bitter experience trying to shove bikes through fire breaks in forests...
Plus I always feel I have to caveat these threads with the fact I'm more concerned for the friends who are following me who perhaps aren't as accustomed to the art of portage (especially 50 year old company director with fancy 3T bike, there's probably rules and career advancement and NOT dragging your boss through marshy boggy bits)