Go outdoors: Places to explore on Shawfair's doorstep
Shawfair offers residents the best of both worlds – an urban centre within easy reach to a major city while still surrounded by countryside and fantastic natural landscapes. Here are some suggestions for your next adventure:
Cycle paths and mountain bike trails
Shawfair’s own cycle path is a traffic-free route stretching to Roslin, or you can join the National Cycle Route 1 (Coast and Castles South) from nearby Dalkeith. Route 1 is also used to cycle from Musselburgh to Edinburgh, great for commuting or for fun.
For off-roaders, it will be well worth the trip down to 7stanes Glentress near Peebles. These purpose- built mountain bike trails are consistently voted the best in Britain. There are options for all skill levels.
Glens and valleys
Gore Glen and Roslin Glen in Midlothian offer peaceful woodland walks with interesting features such as the site of Scotland’s first Gunpowder Mill or, of course, the stunning Rosslyn Chapel.
The John Buchan Way is a 13-mile route starting from Peebles and taking you through the Tweed Valley, a fantastic introduction to the Borders’ towns and countryside.
For a more challenging adventure, you might wish to join one of the long-distance walkways near the area such as the 212-mile Southern Upland Way from the Borders or the 134-mile John Muir Way from East Lothian.
Hillwalking
Along with Edinburgh’s own ‘mini-mountain - Arthur’s Seat - the Lothians and Borders offer plenty of opportunities to don your hiking boots. The Pentland Hills Regional Park in Midlothian has roughly 100km of waymarked paths suitable for all abilities. In the Borders, the three peaks of the Eildon Hills are a popular challenge for novice hillwalkers.
Beaches
East Lothian boasts over 40 miles of coastline with some award winning beaches along the way. Portobello beach is well known for its promenade and annual events as well as the lively and eclectic town itself, but further out, Gullane Bents, Whitesands Bay and Yellowcraigs are also all well worth exploring.