It's easy to say no

I could have happily stayed indoors this morning. As I looked out the windows it was blowy and right grey overhead - little incentive to go out when it's like that. Reluctantly I got into my cycling clobber and last of all pulled my gloves on as I shut the door behind me, with the temperature guage at the door telling me it was only 5.6 degrees outside. I cycled out of Edinburgh on quiet lanes and finally a path before finding myself at Cramond Brig and then pleasant car-free roads on Dalmeny Estate. My first objective today was the summit of Mons Hill at 119 metres above sea-level and the highest point hereabouts. My skinny road tyres could not manage the forest ride to the summmit so I stashed my bike in the woods before taking to foot for the remainder of the way. I was surprised to find the view at the high point obscurred by trees - more often than not, high points on private estates have some sort of monument or memorial on them - and I soon reversed my route back to the bike. From here it was on to South Queensferry, Hopetoun House, Abercorn, then South to Winchburgh, Kirkliston, Boathouse, Craigiehall and then back to Cramond and almost home. A copy of the route for those who are interested can be found here Not so shiny now!

It was windy later on in the ride but 3 hours after starting I was back in the house to find myself sitting at the Mac. 25 miles with maybe less than 1 mile by foot to the summit of Mons Hill.

Have a great day everyone.