Walk: Penicuik paper trail

Midlothian | Penicuik | Short walk | ★★★

[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.

[River North Esk]

Location & info

📌 Walk: Penicuik paper trail ★★★
Start / finish at Bridge Street (A701) / Cairnbank Road junction, Penicuik town centre, G.R.: NT 236597 ///valued.jazzy.glory
🚌 Bus to Penicuik | 🚗 Street parking

▶ 6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 90 m | ⌚ Short
Features: River North Esk; Penicuik House; Knight's Law tower; Penicuik ★ & town sights
⬤ Easy | Paths, tracks, quiet tarmac roads & pavements. Some mud & one shortish ascent from Low Pond to Penicuik House.

Route: Start - Low Pond via River North Esk - Penicuik House - Knight's Law tower - Spear Gate Lodge - Penicuik & town sights - start


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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

[River North Esk]

[Track to Penicuik House]

[Old bridge]

[Low Pond]

[Froglets]

[Greylag geese on Low Pond]

[View back towards Low Pond and the North Esk valley]

[Penicuik House]

[Knight's Law tower]

[Distant Pentland Hills]

[Woodland path]

[Mountain bike obstacles]

[Penicuik]

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