Visit Midlothian

Right on the doorstep of Edinburgh, the magic of Midlothian is just waiting to cast its spell on its visitors.

Cycling is a perfect way to exercise and a great way to access the many attractions and natural heritage of Midlothian. There is a wide range of routes away from the main road network ranging from paths on disused railways to the network of minor country lanes linking the smaller settlements and leading out into the countryside.

So discover the magic of Midlothian. And be enchanted!

Located on the doorstep of Edinburgh, Midlothian holds an unrivalled mix of peaceful, scenic countryside and outstanding ancient and modern heritage. At times, as you stroll through a tranquil wooded valley, explore an isolated medieval castle, or meander down a deserted country lane, it is hard to believe that you are only around ten miles from Edinburgh city centre.

The Pentland and Moorfoot Hills, the river valleys of the North and South Esk, and acclaimed country parks offer visitors scope for a wide variety of sports and recreation from hillwalking and cycling to angling and skiing.

In Midlothian, the peace and beauty of the countryside is contrasted with outstanding, award winning visitor centres and lively towns offering every amenity which the visitor could want. From tropical butterflies to black diamonds.

This page highlights attractions and facilities located on or close to the three main artery roads running north to south through Midlothian from Edinburgh city centre. These roads link Midlothian and Edinburgh with the Scottish Borders and the North of England. Attractions and facilities are well signed on these roads where a short diversion off the main route will often lead to the discovery of hidden treasures which will draw you back to Midlothian again and again.

A Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is located in the Scottish Mining Museum. This is open from Easter to October and provides detailed information on all the attractions of Midlothian. For more information telephone 0131 663 4262.

Along and Around the A701 Roslin & Penicuik

The A701 links Midlothian to the main M74 west coast motorway at Moffat. From the west end of Edinburgh city centre begin your journey by following the A702 signed for Biggar and Carlisle. This road enters Midlothian at the Edinburgh City Bypass. Immediately to your right among the Pentland Hills are Midlothian Snowsports Centre (Tel: 0131 445 4433) Europe's largest artificial ski slope, and Hillend Country Park. Here you can try skiing and snowboarding, or simply take the chairlift to enjoy the views.

Shortly after the ski centre, take the A703 fork signed to Penicuik. After a few miles this brings you to the A701. Take a left turn to the shopping delights of Straiton which is home to IKEA or turn right and follow signs to Roslin and experience the mysterious aura of Rosslyn Chapel (Tel: 0131 440 2159). After viewing the Chapel's magnificient stone work, return to the A701 and head for Penicuik.

While in Penicuik, perhaps visit Penicuik House, 18th Century St Mungo's Parich Church or the French Prisoners Monument. From here, continue on to Leadburn and head south to Moffat, or return to Edinburgh along the A6094 through Rosewell and Bonnyrigg.

Open 7 days a week, 50 weeks a year, the centre offers the exhilaration you would expect from Europe's longest and most challenging artificial slope. The two main slopes, two nursery slopes and fund slope are all floodlit and have something to offer every standard of skier, boarder or blader.

If you've never tried snowsports before, it's easy to start. Equipment is provided and the qualified team of instructors will introduce you to the thrills and spills of the sports.

Midlothian Ski Centre is not just about skiing: a range of extreme sports is catered for. Skiing, snowboarding and snowblading are the target sports at the Centre, however, with the location being the Pentland Hills many more people come to hillwalk, take a ride on the chairlift, or just enjoy the spectacular views. Open: Mon - Sat 09.30 - 21.00, Sun 09.30 - 19.00. Tel: 0131 445 4433 for more information.

Along and Around the A7

From the east end of Edinburgh City Centre follow the A772 Gilmerton Road to enter Midlothian. At Dobbies Garden World is Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World (Tel: 0131 663 4932) where live exotic butterflies fly freely in a tropical rainforest setting all year round. Join in regular minibeast handling sessions or explore the adjacent garden centre. Also nearby are the course, floodlit bays and state of the art practice facilities of Melville Golf Centre (Tel: 0131 663 8038/654 0224) and the 18 hole parkland Kings Acre Golf Course and Academy (Tel: 0131 663 3456).

Continuing south, perhaps divert off the main road to visit Dalhousie Castle, now a hotel, before exploring the Scottish Mining Museum (Tel: 0131 663 7519) at Newtongrance. Here local industrial heritage comes alive at a 5 star visitor attraction an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage. Thereafter the A7 passes William Adam's magnificent 18th century Arniston House (Tel: 01875 830238), residence of the Dundas family for many centuries. A short diversion may now be in order to visit Borthwick Castle or Temple Old Kirk.

From here, the A7 heads south through the Borders towns of Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick..

Along and Around the A68

From the east end of Edinburgh City Centre follow the A772 Gilmerton Road and turn left at the Eskbank roundabout. First stop is Midlothian's county town of Dalkeith which was mentioned in a Royal Charter as far back as 1142. The Corn Exchange, St Mary's Episcopal Church (Tel: 0131 663 7000) and St Nicholas Buccleuch Church are just some examples of the town's historic architecture.

Also within the town centre, Dalkeith Country Park (Tel: 0131 654 1666) forms part of the estate of the Duke of Buccleuch and includes nature trails, forest walks and one of the finest woodland playgrounds in Scotland.

Continuing south on the A68, detour to Vogrie Country Park (Tel: 01875 821992) or turn right at picturesque village of Pathhead for the magnificant ruins of Crichton Castle (Tel: 01875 320017). Retrace your route back and head south to Fala where Fala Moor offers excellent views north and south and Fala Loch attracts ducks, geese and waders.

Finally, stop off at Soutra Aisle (Tel: 01875 833248) where a spectacular view point outlines the history and archaeology of this major medieval hospital. The local history and heritage society can arrange detailed tours and lectures by arrangement. After this the A68 crosses into the Scottish Borders passing through St Boswells and Jedburgh on its way to the English border at Carter Bar.

South of Dalkeith off the A68

Situated on the B6372 with good signposting off both the A68 and A7, Vogrie Country Park boasts 105 hectares of attractive woods and Victorian parkland with an adventure play area, barbecue sites, woodland walks, nature trails, ponds and streams. A scenic 9 hole golf course complements all the other facilities.

In the middle of the park, the magnificent Victorian Vogrie House includes a popular tea room and a countryside centre and nature study centre which outline the history of the estate and the surrounding villages through displays and audio visual presentations.

Vogrie Country Park is open daily during daylight hours, all year round. Admission is free but there is a vehicle parking charge of £1.00. The facilities within Vogrie House are open daily from 1000 - 1600. Tel: 01875 821990 for further information.

The A7 acts as the Borders Historic Tourist Route running from Carlisle to Edinburgh. One of twelve National Tourist Routes in Scotland, it provides a well signed comfortable alternative to the main motorway roads between England and Scotland.

The Route links the beautiful countryside, historic houses and traditional towns of the Scottish Borders with the attractions of Midlothian and the buzz of Scotland's capital city. Follow the Tourist Route signs which have white lettering on a brown background along with a blue Thistle symbol.