Roslin Glen Country Park

UPDATE: Optional private visit to Rosslyn Chapel is available before walk – more details below. 

Roslin Glen, near Edinburgh, is the largest and most diverse surviving example of ancient woodland in Midlothian and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The River North Esk flows through a 1.5km gorge with sheer cliffs up to a height of 30m of pinkish red Roslin sandstone. Midlothian is covered in 270 hectares of gorge woodland. This ancient semi-natural habitat is rich in biodiversity and the upland oak-birch woodlands found in the Country Park support a wide variety of plants of animals. At one time, the river was very polluted due to the industries that have long gone. The river is now home to dippers and kingfishers with otters making their home along the riverbank.

Roslin Glen has a rich industrial and cultural heritage. It was once home to Scotland's largest gunpowder factory. The River North Esk provided a power source to drive the waterwheels for early production. The mill closed in 1954 after 150 years of business. Part of the walk takes in the remains of the mill complex. There was also a carpet factory which produced world famous tapestry carpets for over 100 years. The carpet factory closed in 1968 and the factory site is part of the Country Park.

Rosslyn Castle and Rosslyn Chapel are nearby.

More details can be found here: https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/directory_record/171/roslin_glen_country_park

UPDATE: An optional private visit to Rosslyn Chapel is available from 8am to 9am just before our walk. Photography is not normally allowed inside Rosslyn Chapel so this is an unique opportunity to photograph the interior. Tripods and flash are allowed, and photographs should be for personal use only rather than any commercial use. Normal admission will apply (£10.50 full price, £9 reduced price). More details about Rosslyn Chapel are here: https://www.rosslynchapel.com/