Gathering at the church 
Map of the Country Park
Who can read a map? 
Gather round for briefing
Heading off from Dalkeith House
Heading for Kings gate  At Kings Gate
(In the background)
Crossin gSmeaton Bridge
Friendly rider enjoying the countryside too
Llama looks over the hedge at us pass by
Tombola prizes.
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| | | Sponsored Walk - Saturday 21st June 2014 |
Story and Photos - Jim Paterson
The
walkers joining the Sponsored Walk on Saturday 21st June were welcomed
by warm sunshine as we gathered outside of St. Mungo's. Eight hardy
souls, including two of the men in shorts, decided that if the longest
day in summer isn't going to encourage a set of knobbly knees then
nothing will.
We set off to Dalkeith Country Park where we
met another six friends so our group of fourteen was just a good number
to head off into the park for a walk of some 6 miles..
Setting off from Dalkeith house
Gathering
in front of Dalkeith House, since 1914 the residence of the Duke of Buccleuch, which now provides a great venue for the University of Wisconsin study
abroad programme where 60 to 80 students each semester live in the
palace, we checked our map before heading off.
 The
grass in front of the house was being reinstated after being churned up
in the recent Tough Mudder Scotland event, where enthusiastic folks
just loved to get covered in mud as they raced against the clock. We
were in no hurry and were out to enjoy the warm but not too warm day,
ideal for walking without getting sunburnt!
Ian and Moira Dickson had chosen the route which followed the outer edge of the park,
taking us first to the Kings Gate, created by William Burn and
David Bryce in 1852, which was the main gateway to Dalkeith Estate
from Old Dalkeith Road (A68), We walked along the road for some
way, imagining the carriages carrying gentry and other distinguished
visitors up to the main house.
 Some
of our group kept to the main roadway whilst others kept to Ian's route
through the tracks that lead through the woods. The recent dry weather
had dried what could otherwise have made a rather slippy and wet muddy
path.
The new A68 link from the Edinburgh bypass towards
Jedburgh passes over the estate and we passed under a viaduct on our
route to the halfway point at Smeaton Bridge. Here we enjoyed our
packed lunches and refreshments.
We had no sooner finished
lunch when we came across a curious horse in an adjacent field. The
horse being inquisitive trotted over to see if we had any sugar lumps
and some of us tried our Dr Doolittle skills, speaking to the animals!
Speaking of horses we met another, with rider, also enjoying the
countryside on a fine summer afternoon.
 Crossing
another bridge, this time over the new Dalkeith Bypass that links up
with the new A68, we were on the home stretch back to Dalkeith House.
We
arrived at the stables and Orangery where those who felt a bit weary
could stop and take a cuppa in the stables restaurant. Ian however had
included a short 'loop' to make up the mileage which skirted round the
stables, the orangery, and the now dilapidated amphitheatre,
before meeting up with the others and returning to our cars for the
drive home.
 A
great day out with wonderful weather, meeting new friends. These walks
are a great way to enjoy the countryside around us, while having a good
chat to the new people you meet.
A total of £731 was raised for church funds.
A big Thank You to all who sponsored or donated to this event
Like ships passing | 
Visitors feeding the horses |
Updated 31 July 2014
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