Walk: Penicuik paper trail
Midlothian | Penicuik | Short walk | ★★★
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[Low Pond near Penicuik House] |
This easygoing circuit links the paper making town of Penicuik with the ruined shell of Penicuik House (with cafe) and its beautiful estate. The sedate River North Esk is a pleasant companion on the outward leg, while woodland footpaths keep a respectful distance from the main road for the return route. Don't miss the short detour to a characterful, circular flag tower on a small hill above the road out of the estate, with glimpses of the Pentland Hills chain from its base.
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[River North Esk] |
📌 Walk: Penicuik paper trail ★★★
Start / finish at Junction of Bridge Street (A701) & Cairnbank Road (street parking), Penicuik town centre, G.R.: NT 236597 ///valued.jazzy.glory
▶ 6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 90 m | ⌚ Short | ⬤ Easy
Features: River North Esk; Penicuik House; Knight's Law tower; Penicuik ★ & town sights
Terrain: Paths, tracks, quiet tarmac roads and pavements. Some mud and one shortish ascent from Low Pond to Penicuik House.
Route & map
Start - Low Pond via River North Esk - Penicuik House - Knight's Law tower - Spear Gate Lodge - Penicuik & town sights - start
Route credit: Scotland Off the Beaten Track
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On our visit
Wildlife: Plenty of birdlife including buzzards, greylag geese and dippers. Thousands (!) of froglets leaving Low Pond. Widespread moth / caterpillar nests coating many bushes along the river.
Weather: Decent sunny intervals, cloud tending to build. Temperature in mid teens.
Chronological photo guide
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[River North Esk] |
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[Track to Penicuik House] |
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[Old bridge] |
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[Low Pond] |
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[Froglets] |
[Greylag geese on Low Pond] |
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[View back towards Low Pond and the North Esk valley] |
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[Penicuik House] |
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[Knight's Law tower] |
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[Distant Pentland Hills] |
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[Woodland path] |
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[Mountain bike obstacles] |
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[Penicuik] |
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