Walking Group
We organise walks on the first Thursday and the third Saturday of each month. Anyone is very welcome to come along on any walk whether or not they are a member of the church. On the third Saturday in December the walk is followed by a festive lunch in a pub or restaurant.
Details and meeting arrangements are posted on the notice boards in the church porch and hall about two weeks before the day of the walk, or can be emailed to you. If you would like to come please let the walk leader know at least two days before the day of the walk. You can contact the walk leader via walking@stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk or office@stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk.
Some walks are suitable for well-behaved dogs. If you would like to bring your dog please consult the walk leader. Unless otherwise specified, bring a picnic lunch and plenty to drink, waterproof clothing and walking boots or heavy shoes.
This not a formal walking club and is not covered by insurance.
Saturday walks vary in length (usually between 7 and 14 miles) and terrain (from coastal trails to mountains) but no special skill is required and they are suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit. Where the walk is high-level we may offer a low-level alternative, either near the high level walk or elsewhere. We often finish at a tearoom or with a bar meal.
Thursday walks are shorter (4-6 miles) and are always on good paths. They are often fairly close to Edinburgh, take a leisurely pace and may include sights of historical or cultural interest. Sometimes we take a picnic lunch and sometimes eat in a pub or café.
We travel by public transport or by car, and there is always space for those who require a lift. A contribution to the cost of petrol is appreciated. We suggest £20 (divided between the number of people in the car) for a long drive (over an hour) and £12 for the car for a shorter drive.
These walks are an opportunity to get to know the surrounding countryside and, at the same time, to meet other people. We look forward to seeing you!
Programme 2012/13
Thursday 5 April: Circuit at Ratho including the canal and Dalmahoy.
Saturday 21 April: Circuit (10 miles) from Callander, taking in Coilhallan Wood, Dunmore fort, Bochastle Dill and the Falls of Leny. Roads, tracks and paths, muddy and rough in places.
Thursday 3 May: Walk at Glenholm beyond Broughton.
Saturday 19 May: Ascent of The Cobbler. Just short of a Munro, this hill in the ‘Arrochar Alps' is one of Scotland's most spectacular mountains due to the unusual skyline and fabulous views. It was the happy hunting ground of many of Scotland's early climbers and climbing clubs. There will also be a low level alternative.
Thursday 7 June: Circuit at Athelstaneford, passing the ruins of Barney Castle, and an iron age hill fort, and an opportunity to climb the Hopeton monument.
Saturday 16 June: Ascent of Ben Vorlich by Loch Earn. An attractive Munro with a good path all the way, and spectacular views from top. We are taking part in a sponsored ascent of all the Munros on behalf of the Rock Trust. There will also be a low level alternative.
Thursday 5 July: Innerleithen to Walkerburn. A circular walk of around 5 miles along the banks of the River Tweed.
Saturday 21 July: Ascent of Schiehallion. A Munro with magnificent views. There is a good path all the way although there are boulders on the summit . There will also be a low level alternative.
Thursday 2 August: West Linton to Garvald. Starting at West Linton Golf Course we walk up an easy track past Slipperfield Farm into the moors for a picnic lunch. Since it is a “there and back” walk the length will depend on how we feel as we go.
Saturday 18 August: Tayport, Tentsmuir Forest and Kinshaldy Beach. A pleasant ramble through the forest, to Fife's most beautiful beach. Level walk on tracks, across dunes and possibly barefoot on the extensive sands. 8 miles approx, or can be shortened to suit.
Thursday 6 September: Loanhead, Lasswade and Polton. A circuit on paths, across fields, through woodlands and alongside the River South Esk.
Saturday 15 September: Borders Abbeys Way: Selkirk to Melrose. A linear 10 mile walk on upland tracks, minor roads and a riverside path. Over Selkirk Hill, along a minor road, then a Drove Road to Cauldshiel Loch, on to the River Tweed by Abbotsford House and follow the banks of the Tweed to Melrose. Excellent views if it is fine.
Thursday 4 October: Peebles to Neidpath Castle. A circular walk along the Tweed.
Saturday 20 October: Tinto and Scaut Hill; Climb to the top of Tinto for views over the Lowther Hills and the Clyde valley, then back over Scaut Hill. Circular 6½ mile walk.
Thursday 1 November: Gosford Estate and Aberlady; a pleasant walk around the grounds and lakes in Gosford estate and around the village of Aberlady.
Saturday 17 November: Birkscairn Hill and Glensax valley near Peebles. Start from Peebles and enter the Gypsy Glen, rising steadily following an old drove road to Kailzie hill and Kirkhope Law (537m), giving increasing views of Peebles and the Tweed valley. Then gently ascend to Birkscairn Hill (661m), with, on a good day, glorious views down the Glensax valley, towards which we descend. Once off the hill it’s an easy three mile stroll towards Upper Newby and back into Peebles.
Thursday 6 December: Gifford to Bolton; From Gifford a pleasant circular walk by the river and through woods in the grounds of Eaglescairnie.
Saturday 15 December: Airth and Dunmore Park circular walk. We walk, on tracks and minor roads, through woodland, fields and along the banks of the Forth. We pass the Pineapple, Elphinstone Tower and the ruined Dunmore Park House. The walk will be followed by festive lunch.
Thursday 10 January 2013 (2nd Thursday): Circuit at Falkirk including the Canal, Rough Castle, and the Falkirk Wheel.
Saturday 19 January 2013: Edinburgh’s Granton Waterfront A walk along the new Waterfront Walkway to Cramond Brig.
Thursday 7 February 2013: Water of Leith walk. Saturday 16 February 2013: The Bore Stane from Nine Mile Burn. This walk will take us up onto the main Pentland Ridge and past the North Esk Reservoir. We return to Nine Mile Burn by the Monks Road .
Thursday 7 March 2013: East Lothian walk circular walk - either at Haddington or at Tyninghame. Saturday 16 March 2013: Lauder circular walk. 10 mile walk into the Lammermuir Hills, partly on the Southern Upland Way on clear hill tracks and woodland paths. Some moderate gradients in places.
