National Cycle Route 196
- 39 km
- 164 m
- Easy
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 164 m
- 39 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders prepared for a moderate 38.6 km with mixed surfaces and some climbing.
National Cycle Route 196 is a 38.6 km route in Midlothian, UK, mostly on cycle paths with moderate elevation.
Starting at Broomhill near Penicuik, the route passes through several places including Kirkhill, Ladywood, Mauricewood, Auchendinny, and Rosewell. The ride continues onward to Polton, Hopefield, Bonnyrigg, and Newbattle before reaching Eskbank and Dalkeith, descending to the lowest point at 45 m at 14.4 km. From Dalkeith, the route includes a notable climb starting at 17.5 km lasting 2.4 km with an elevation gain of 51 m and an average gradient of 2.2%, reaching a top height of 104 m. Beyond the climb, the route goes past Woodburn, Crossgatehall, Springfield Cottages, Cousland, and Ormiston. Then it continues through Pencaitland Railway Walk along cycle paths for 9.2 km, passing Pencaitland and Lempockwells, before finishing at East Saltoun. The route comprises mainly paved surfaces (64%) with 27% gravel or unpaved. It includes 23.7 km on cycle paths and lanes, 8.8 km on minor roads, plus short sections on quiet streets, paths, and 0.7 km on main roads. Facilities include cafés at the start near Penicuik, a Starbucks and fast food at about 11.6-15.7 km, and cafés near 27 and 32.7 km. Convenience stores, a supermarket, and bike repair stands are also available, with a bail-out station at Eskbank.
Highlights
- Climb of 51 m over 2.4 km from 17.5 km
- Pencaitland Railway Walk for 9.2 km
- Longest descent of 3.9 km down from 7.6 km
- Start near Penicuik at 172 m elevation
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 17.5 km | 2.4 km | 51 m | 2.2 % | 4.7 % | 104 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 62% cycle path · 23% minor road · 9% quiet street · 3% path
- Fast roads
- 5.4 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 23.7 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- Pencaitland Railway Walk (9 km)
- Surface
- 64% paved · 27% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 13% climbing · 24% descending · 63% flat
- Longest descent
- 3.9 km from 7.6 km, dropping 74 m
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 0.1 kmGravity Bottleshop · café · 210 m off route
- 0.1 kmNewsboyz · convenience store · 190 m off route
- 0.2 kmRepair stand · 300 m off route
- 0.2 kmRowlands Pharmacy · pharmacy · 380 m off route
- 10.3 kmConvenience store · 30 m off route
- 11.4 kmMidlothian Community Hospital · hospital · 170 m off route
- 11.6 kmStarbucks · café · 50 m off route
- 11.7 kmTesco · petrol station · 170 m off route
- 15.6 kmRepair stand · on the route
- 15.7 kmBene's · fast food · 40 m off route
- 15.9 kmAldi · supermarket · 50 m off route
- 27 kmRosearista Coffee Shop · café · 50 m off route
- 32.7 kmThe Bothy · café · 160 m off route
- 32.7 kmThe Village Store · convenience store · 160 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 12 km — Eskbank (station), on the route
Worth a stop
- 0.2 km — Uttershill Castle (castle)
- 3.7 km — Oldwoodhouselee Castle (castle)
At the start
- Han's Sweets'N'Eats · café · 240 m
- Gravity Bottleshop · café · 250 m
- Newsboyz · convenience store · 200 m
- The Old Crown Inn · pub · 260 m
- Corfu Kebab House · fast food · 200 m
Stay after this ride
- Maitlandfield House Hotel · hotel · 2.2 km from the finish
- Railway Hotel · hotel · 2.2 km from the finish
- The Golf Tavern · hotel · 2.6 km from the finish
Practical information
- Mixed
- Point to point
- 2 h 45 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 16–17 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 5.4 km on fast roads with 80 km/h+ limits
- Longest stretch without café or shop for 11.1 km from 15.9 km to 27 km
- 0.7 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 27% gravel or unpaved surfaces