St. Mary's, Haddington

A friend invited me out for a leisurely bike ride. The plan was, well my understanding was, to cycle to Garvald, cycle up to Redstone Rig, then back home via Gifford. Another was that the forecast was for cloud all day. It was cloudy on the first part of the ride from Edinburgh to Musselburgh and on to the Pencaitland Rd.

On the B road to Humbie, the clouds were blown away southwards, and as we head south, we have to cycle in to the sun and sun glare reflecting off a damp road, quite difficult when your eyes are screwed up peering in to the light. While a nice road, it was a relief to turn left to head to West Saltoun.

A nice quiet country road that goes down, up and then a long descent, with a lovely bridge over Brins Water, in to the small village. Anyway, by now, if you know East Lothian, you may have worked out that we are not going to Garvald first, but to Gifford. There's a slight climb to East Saltoun, and then on to the B6355 to Gifford.

In Gifford we stop for a coffee at the Lantern Rouge for coffee and to discuss cameras, and have a quick chat with the owner. Its quite a long coffee break. :-) The we cycle up to Danskine, then take the back road to Garvald for a nice lunch. No tablet with the coffee, but the shortbread is just as nice and my Sticky Toffee Pudding is to die for.

After lunch, Redstone Rig is out, and getting home is in. Down to Haddington first via a minor road through Moreham, and then the B road to Haddington. Realising I haven't got my photo today, I decide to photograph St. Mary's (sorry!). This is the last of the day light really. Then its up to Bangly Hill, and down to Longniddry, the sun is setting fast now. My friend has to get home, and decides to get the train home from here.

I cycle home along the coast road back to Musselburgh, Joppa, Milton Road and the cycle path in to Edinburgh. Its quite dark when I get home, but its still before 5pm.

A lovely day out on the bike.