Distance: Approximately 12 Miles

Suitability: This route rewards the rider with splendid views across the capital and a variety of terrain from single-track access roads through to single-track paths. This circular route requires a reasonable level of fitness, as there are two hills to negotiate (one off-road, one on-road). The proximity of this route to the city is such that it is possible to drive to the start, do the route and be back in town within 2 hours Á a great way to unwind on a summer evening after work.

Start and finish: Car park behind the Flotterstone Inn, 4.5 miles South of City Bypass on the A702.

Refreshments: The Flotterstone Inn (open all day). Take a change of clothes as muddy bikers may not be too welcome.

Map: OS Landranger 65 & 66

Start: After leaving the car park turn right and head along the single track road Northwards into the hills. After a few hundred yards the road rises up to meet the first of the four reservoirs, Glencorse. Continue along the shore-side road until the road turns sharply left. This first stretch serves as an excellent warm-up. Just beyond this turning there is a gate on the right hand side of the road with signposts to Balerno and Bonaly. Follow the sign for Balerno.

The next mile is uphill and off-road. Although quite badly rutted in parts, it is entirely possible to cycle the whole ascent after periods of dry weather but you may find yourself doing a bit of pushing in more inclement times. At the top of the hill you will find a style that is a pretty good place to take in the view back down the path you have just travelled. Its also a good place to have a breather.

On the other side of the style the route descend down an excellent path for a few hundred yards until you reach another style. The next short stretch is over rough ground (rough, wet and very muddy in the winter) following a vague path heading in the same direction as the previous path. Hug the side of a fence (on your left) until you reach a gate. On the other side of the gate you will find a Land Rover road that will lead you down to a junction. Turn right and follow track and road round to Harlaw Reservoir where you have the option to follow the North Shore road or to take the woodland track around the Southern edge of the Reservoir. Abutting Harlaw is Threipmuir and the only option here is to follow the Southern track. Care should be taken when crossing the overflow duct between the reservoirs as the algae covered cobbles are extremely slippery.

Follow the track passing by the reservoir and the sign for Easter Bavelaw Farm until you reach a single-track road. Turn left, crossing a bridge over the Western end of Threipmuir reservoir and follow the road up the hill (you can be forgiven if you need to get off and push on this one) and past the entrance to Bavelaw Castle out on to open moorland. Head off left following the signs to Flotterstone, which is about 6 miles away and mostly downhill! The final 4 miles involve travelling down the valley road back passing Loganlea and Glencorse Reservoirs back to the car park. Before getting to the start of the valley road you have 2 miles of glorious wet and muddy off-road track to enjoy.

At all times, and especially on the final stretch, it's important to be on the look-out for walkers and stray sheep.

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