We are the Balerno Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Portmore Reservoir Circular, including Northshield Rings and passing Portmore Gardens.
Leader: Roger Jonathan (0759 220 9642)
6 miles. Ascent a gentle 300ft with one short steep climb, and one steep descent.
Limited parking, ideally not more than 6 cars, so car sharing would help.
Meet at Currie Library at 9am or at 9.45am for a 10am start from the entrance to the track leading to Portmore Loch at Westloch EH45 8QY. 55.750892, 3.187327 What3Words ///skillet.galleries.clays
Walk Description
We walk around the west side of the loch and then start the climb up to the prehistoric fort of Northshield Rings crossing the loch burn. Walking through heather and woodland we then enter farmland and descend towards Boreland Farm and return to Portmore Loch, passing Portmore House and Gardens, and join the reservoir on the east side. There are some fine views of the Moorfoot Hills and across to the Pentlands, and the walk goes through a variety of different types of woodland.
The walk has very varied paths, some could be muddy. Gaiters, poles and waterproof shoes are recommended.
Directions – 18.5 miles from Currie Library.
From the City bypass take the Lothianburn/Biggar Road/A702 junction heading south.
After half a mile take the slight left onto Seafield Moor Road (A7030 towards Penicuik.)
At the T junction traffic light turn right (A701)
At the Gowkley Moss roundabout take the second exit (A701), then shortly bear left onto The Brae(B7026) (this was closed at the time of the reccy, so carry on and take the left turning to Auchendinny and then turn right)
At Howgate take the second exit, straight on, at the roundabout.
Continue to the junction at Leadburn and turn left towards Peebles.
Continue 2.8 miles then take a left turn just before a blue bus stop shelter.
Continue 1 mile along the road and parking is alongside the road at the entrance to the track leading to the loch, opposite a biomass company. If you get to the farm, you have gone too far although there is gravel parking off the road there, but NOT in the farm.
To book on this walk, please WhatsApp the leader with your name and mobile number. Please also advise if you carry an ICE card. Also, please advise if you are happy to drive passengers from Currie.
PD: £5.00 ITD: £1.00
