River North Esk Circular
A leisurely walk (woodland) in Midlothian, Scotland, about 5.20km (3.23 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 1:30h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
69m (226ft)
Descent
68m (223ft)
Max. Elevation
240m (787ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
137m (449ft)
Start & End
Penicuik High Street
Distance
5.20km
(3.23mi)
(3.23mi)
Duration
~1:30h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Chirpy Chaffinch on 11 May 2010
A lovely walk along the River North Esk. The outward route takes you along the river on a flat (can be muddy !) path, the backward route takes you up a small incline with great views towards the Pentland Hills.
Lots of wildlife can be seen from the path, including dipper, deer and even an otter if you are lucky.
There is also lots of historical interest since this is part of Penicuik Estate.
Approx. 3.5 Miles
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NT235598
Start of the walk
OS Grid NT234596
Follow Peebles Road south for about 100 yards. Turn right into Cairnbank Road. Follow this road and go through red gates.
The road becomes a track and you soon reach the river
About 0.20 km (~0.12 miles) from 
OS Grid NT216588
Follow the riverside path until you reach the pond which is on your right hand side. Good place for a rest.
Shortly after take the path to the left over a bridge and follow the stream uphill. The path takes a left hand turn and continues uphill until you reach a field.
About 2.06 km (~1.28 miles) from 
OS Grid NT217585
Just before you reach the field turn sharp left and then immediately right again heading for the conifer plantation. The path is a little bit indistinct but you can aim for the "dark" opening to the woods. Follow this path until you reach the ruins of Ravensneuk Castle.
About 0.36 km (~0.22 miles) from 
OS Grid NT223589
Excellent place for another rest. Enjoy the marvellous views across to the Pentland Hills. Continue along the main path.
About 0.71 km (~0.44 miles) from 
OS Grid NT235594
The path now descends slightly and you soon reach the Alderbank Valley landslide site.
Continue around this area and follow the main path gradually downhill until you reach a playing field. Go through the car park and you will see the Church on the right hand side.
About 1.30 km (~0.81 miles) from 
Penicuik High StreetOS Grid NT235598
When you reach the main road (Peebles Road) turn left, go over the bridge and you will be back at the main square.
We hope you enjoyed this walk.
About 0.36 km (~0.22 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Eddie Duggan
A lovely walk until Ravensneuk Castle then it got a bit rough with tractor tracks full of water, nonetheless a very satisfactory walk.