Dalkeith Country Park circuit

The grand stately pile of Dalkeith House is at the heart of a Country Park that makes for a fine walk, taking in the spectacular ruined conservatory, the banks of the Rivers North and South Esk, and an ancient oakwood. There is a small admission charge.

Terrain

Woodland tracks and paths, with some ascent and descent. Can be a little muddy in places.

Public Transport

Bus to Dalkeith. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Parking by entrance to Country Estate at north end of Dalkeith High Street. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 90m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NT334676

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is roadside parking at the entrance to the Dalkeith Park, at the north end of the High Street close to the centre of Dalkeith. Begin the walk by heading through the gateway into the park. On the right just inside the park is St Mary's Episcopal Church, notable for having the only working water-powered organ in Scotland. Leave the track and take a path to the left of the church that leads into the woods - it is waymarked in yellow.

Stage 2

When the path reaches another at a t-junction turn right, continuing through the woods. Eventually the path passes an old iron gateway to the estate; look left here along the grassy corridor for views of Dalkeith House. Back in the woods, turn right at the next path junction; the path soon slopes down to reach the banks of the River South Esk. Pass the remains of an old well and continue downstream until the path leads back up to the main tarred lane.

Stage 3

Turn right here to follow the lane to Restoration Yard; this former stable block now houses a coffee shop and cafe/restaurant as well as gift shops; it is also the entrance to a spectacular adventure playground (admission charge) called Fort Douglas.

Stage 4

Leave through the far side of Restoration yard to emerge at the ornate remains of the conservatory. Now glassless but with a new roof, it still retains its former grandeur; the boilers beneath it once consumed a ton of coal every day so that oranges and figs could be grown inside. Beyond the conservatory is Laundry Bridge, which was built by the architect William Adam; head towards this but do not cross, instead heading left to pass to the right of the old single storey building.

Stage 5

Just past the building is a purple marker post indicating the start of the path alongside the river. At another marker post the path turns left to head briefly but very steeply uphill; bear right at the top at each of two junctions, still following the purple markers. Ignore a gate and keep along the path as it bears right, passing between two fences. Soon the path emerges into an area of magnificently knarled and hoary old oak trees.

Stage 6

Back near the river, the path passes the remains of an old bridge just before the confluence of the River South Esk and North Esk. The path cuts briefly left to a junction by a footbridge over the latter river - turn right here to cross the bridge. On the far side follow the path to the right, soon climbing uphill to a track junction.

Stage 7

Turn left along the track which leads dead straight through the woods at first. Note the fine old church tower over to the right. Keep ahead on the main track, ignoring branches to the right, and pass the marble basin, a memorial to one Jock Hunter.

Stage 8

When a cross-tracks is reached continue straight ahead, then take the next left fork to keep in the woods. Keeping left at another fork, the track soon curves round to once more reach the River North Esk and follow it downstream, with good views up to Dalkeith House high on the opposite site. Keep left at a final fork to slope up to the main track over Montagu Bridge.

Stage 9

Turn right along the track to cross the bridge, then take the next right fork to pass behind Dalkeith House and return to the entrance to the Park. Here turn right to return through the gateway to the start.

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