Midlothian Outdoor Festival 2024 History of Coal from Dalkeith - Easthouses

On our ‘black diamonds’ circular walk we first

stop at an old rail bridge and use this line to

alight at Cowden Cleuch, the site of a former

coal mine and quarry. Fordel Spring is our

next destination en route to Whitehill Village

and onwards towards the old Easthouses pit.

History then guides us to Newbattle Woods

and Abbey, where the Esk leads it’s way to

Waterfall Park and the Salters road to home.

Meet & Park:

Aldi car park, Thornybank Ind.

Estate, Dalkeith, EH22 2NE Grid ref. NT 346 677

Ascent and distacne: 260m, 9 miles

Grade 2 - See grade descriptions below

Leader: Jim Arnott

Back marker: Ian Brown

FOR WALKS PLEASE NOTE:

• Arrive 10 mins before departure

• Bring waterproofs, wear suitable

footwear and outdoor clothing.

• If walk spans lunchtime: bring a

packed lunch and drink.

• Walks may end 30 mins earlier

or later than advertised.

• Please consider the grading,

distance and timing of the walk

Please inform organiser if you

are unable to attend a booking:

Call 01875 821990.

NO DOGS ALLOWED ON WALKS

Route Grading Descriptions

Grade 1 = For anyone who does not have a mobility

difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit.

The walk is at slow pace on well-maintained tracks

and level ground.

Grade 2 = For reasonably fit people with at least a

little countryside walking experience. The walk includes

unsurfaced tracks, low hills and undulating ground. There

may be the occasional gate or stile to climb over.

Grade 3 = For people with countryside walking

experience and a good level of fitness. The walk includes

some steep paths and open country at a moderate pace.

Routes will cross some rough ground with small tracks,

gates and stiles and with more ascent.

Grade 4 = For experienced countryside walkers with an

above average fitness level. May include hills and rough

country and may be at a brisk pace, with steep ascents

and descents often over very rough terrain.

PLEASE NOTE

Walkers should remember that adverse weather

conditions could affect the grading of a particular

route and that different organisers may interpret

the grading differently. If you wish more information

regarding route terrain, please e-mail

[email protected]

Host or Publisher Midlothian Council