Seven Hills Recce and Route Guide Photos 8/06/08
Graham, Scott and myself did a recce of the Seven Hills route today. I had forgotten how strenuous a route it is even though its less than 15 miles. Scott made it 14.56 on his Garmin but it would be shorter if allowed access to the gate at the castle esplanade. It was locked behind piles of festival scaffolding - hopefully it will be open next week for the race. Also in question is the usual route at the start of the race which is fenced off currently due to roadworks. In previous years I have always favoured trail shoes but having run in road shoes today and only felt them slip a couple of times I will probably be wearing road shoes when the route is fairly dry. I took a photo every major turn, crossing, checkpoint or where water stations tend to be. However this does not claim to be a definitive route, nor the fastest possible, nor safe, legal or legitimate. Use common sense when crossing roads, walls etc. If in doubt don't do it and don't blame me if you get into trouble.
Into Waterloo Place then
turn left up the Bridges
right up the High Street
to the first checkpoint at the Castle Esplanade. Normally through gate
but if closed either down Johnson Terrace or
through Ramsey Gardens and down the Mound
to Princes Street and along to
the West End (Queensferry Street)
turn left just before the Dean Bridge
and head along Belford Road
until you come to Ravelston Dykes where you
turn left and follow the road for ages
crossing the road when there's no pavement then cross back...
Just as you come to a bend there is a small road/track leading left up to
Corstorphine Hill
You meet all sorts on these runs!
Pay attention and as the path gets to a bend turn right up these steps
veer right to follow the fence
after steps take a right turn into the clearing
there is usually a water table here - back into the woods behind
and up the path to
Clermiston Tower - checkpoint 2
Retreat back out the wood in a similar direction passing the water again
heading down and right to the path
which takes you towards the road but turn left just before, down a dirt track
which comes out here. Head past the silver cars and turn left onto
this road with a view of the Pentlands. Descend to the main road and cross carefully
On the other side of the main road turn left for about 50yrds until you see
a sign then look out for the small lane just after...
Proceed down the lane and when you come to a junction continue across
and don't turn right like Willie J allegedly did once (as Graham is pointing out)
Follow the path until you exit onto a street
then carry straight over to the street the lady in pink is on which looks like...
this and gradually rises at the bridge at the other end
which has a small footbridge which goes up and
then back down to turn left onto
Stenhouse Drive
Carry straight on
going straight over the roundabout (through gaps in hedges)
and keep going till you get to
Gorgie Road where you turn left and cross over with great care
until you get to Chesser Avenue, where you turn right
and continue to all the way to Slateford Road
Around here, if you are lucky, you may well bump into other runners
but don't be distracted: turn right at Slateford Road crossing over and going under the bridge
taking a sharp left on the other side of the bridge then a right up the steps
to cut off the corner of the road and take you onto
this street where you bear left
and continue up the road until
you get to the top and
you go up this footpath (over the Union Canal)
Turn left at the top then go to the end of the road where
you cross the main Colinton Road and make for the entrance to
Craiglockhart Sports Centre following the drive to the back of the place
and going between these 2 buildings aim left through the fence and climb!
Its a bit of a rooty slither up the dirt
However it gets easier further up
levelling off then out the trees before
some more climbing - on grass this time
then some more
then eventually at the top a checkpoint and waterstation.Click HERE to continue
