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Yesterday the weather forecast said
this morning would be fine and rain later. Because of this I decided
to set off earlier than usual to ride in the dry. It turned out to
be the wrong way round. It had been raining overnight and still
raining when I was packing up in the dark. I set off north on a
steady climb for a few miles. I was fortunate to have a tail wind to
help. |
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Eventually I started the long descent
in to Eddleston and the very busy A703. I had to wait several
minutes to get on to the road due to a constant stream of traffic.
Even with my lights on it was uncomfortable riding due to a traffic
constantly approaching and overtaking too close. I had a few miles
to go before reaching Waterheads and the turn off to a minor road. I
was thankful to reach there a stopped briefly to escape from the
rain in a bus shelter. |
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I was so thankful to ride on the minor
traffic free road to the NE. There was an easy climb at first then a
clear road ahead. It must be a wonderful ride in good weather but
rain and cloud spoiled the view. I’d planned to visit a smll area
called Temple but missed the minor road turn off. I turned round and
found it but at first it looked like I was heading into a farm yard.
A narrow and very steep descent took me down to a bridge and group
of interesting buildings. Through a gate and behind a surrounding
wall was the ruins of the 14th century Parish Church. |
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The
'Temple' Parish Church |
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It would have been nice to have better
weather to explore but the ground was so sodden that my feet were
soon wet through. Stout boots or wellingtons would be needed today.
I returned to the gate and rode my bike up the steep hill then down
the other side to the entrance gates to Arniston House. They were
locked but further on was the main entrance with a sign saying it
was closed. |
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I continued, crossed the main A7 and
in to Gorebridge. The last time I was here it was also raining. I
stopped at a shop to buy 2 * 2lt bottles of water for £1 and pack of
biscuits for £1. As I’d set off early I was now well ahead of
schedule. I asked a man at the bus stop if there was anything local
of interest. He told me about the nearby National Mining Museum of
Scotland. |
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Lady Victoria Colliery and the
National
Mining Museum of Scotland |
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It was only a short way off my planned
route so I cycled ahead to investigate. I was pleased to see that it
was open all the year round. A tour was £6.50 concession so I bought
a place. The next tour was at 11:30 so I parked my bike in the
entrance area and was glad to be out of the pouring rain. I had time
to go round two floors of exhibits before the tour which started at
11:35 lead by John Kane. |
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Rescue team |
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Winding Engine in the days when it was running |
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John was an ex-miner who knew
everything there was to know. There was me and a couple in the
group. It was very interesting and also used up the time sensibly.
As I left the rain stopped though it was still felt cold. |
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I hadn’t far to go and soon turned off
by the Butlerfield Industrial Estate, on to Janette Stewart Drive to
an open grassed area with a path running round it. I found a good
spot to put the tent up but the ground was incredibly wet and my
feet were soon sodden again.
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Whittle Wanderer
