Lost Railways of Edinburgh - Barnton & Corstorphine Branches
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The third chapter in the series of Lost Railway walks around Edinburgh take us out the West End!
This walk starts on the route of the former Caledonian Railway route to Leith, but taking a left at Craigleith junction onto the Barnton branch. However we only go as far as Davidson's Mains as the last 1.5km of the branch has been developed over. From Davidson's Mains we head south for Corstorphine Hill - a Local Nature Reserve in the city - a wonderful space for nature where the noise of the city rapidly disappears, plus there's a few views out across the suburbs.
After Corstorphine Hill we drop down to find the Corstorphine branch, this was part of the North British Railway network and was a short branch off the main line. It's now even shorter as the Corstorphine station site is now a street of houses, but we walk along to find Pinkhill station still in place albeit without its tracks.
The last section of the walk is round the back of Murrayfield stadium through Roseburn Park - depending on the size of group we could pop into the Rose Bean cafe for a cuppa, or head back to Haymarket for a coffee there.
Photos: taken by AMD
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What to bring
Please check the weather forecast before leaving the house and prepare for the weather on the day!
Water: bring something to drink
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: decent footwear is required as the route over Corstorphine Hill can be muddy after wet weather
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Food & drink
Bring lunch, snacks and something to drink with you.
There are shops at Haymarket and a Tesco supermarket at Davidson's Mains (part way round the walk) should you need to purchase something.