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The world's changed quite a bit since we walked this section of the John Muir Way at the end of February, but since I suddenly have a lot more time to spare at home, it seems a good time to write it up! Our route was slightly different to the WH walk linked above, and we also did it in the opposite direction:
This weekend was dominated by a named storm over much of the UK, but Edinburgh was fortuitously positioned out of the main rain bands, and the coastline between Cramond and Queensferry was sheltered from SW gales. We parked at Cramond Brig and watched EasyJet planes flying over the old stone arches. At that point in time, we were booked on a mid March trip to Italy - which would of course be cancelled a week later. The river below was running full with muddy rainwater.
Across the bridge and onto the John Muir Way leaving Cramond:
The main track turns left before the coast, but the John Muir Way continues ahead, running closer to the shoreline. It was low tide, with mudflats stretching out towards Cramond Island:
My main interest in this particular walk was up next: Eagle Rock is a rocky block with a carving of an eagle on it, thought to date from Roman times.
The path continues through trees, though at times we wandered along the long beaches instead:
Barnbougle Castle beyond the next section of bay:
The path passed in front of Dalmeny House, where we had an interesting tour a few years ago:
Coastline at Crow Thickets:
Finally the Forth Rail Bridge came into view ahead, heralding the end of the walk:
On the edge of South Queensferry we had a slightly underwhelming meal at one of the popular pubs around the pier - this would turn out to be our last meal out in Scotland before all restaurants were closed a few weeks later. We then cut through Ferry Glen to reach the bus stop on Station Road, where a frequent bus runs back to the start.
It was nice to be able to get out in this small window of good weather amidst a stormy weekend - and even nicer given that a similar trip wouldn't be possible at the time of writing it up!
