Dalkeith Old Cockpen Church Walking Path

Key Points Walk of Interest Dalkeith Dalkeith to old Cockpen Newbattle Abbey Church via South Esk a Cistercian monastery founded in 1140 by monks from Melrose.

Lothian Viaduct built for the Distance: 6.5 miles / 9km Waverley line in 1849. Now in use (return) again as the Borders Railway.

Old Cockpen Church Ascent: 360ft /110m C.1148

Old Cockpen Church (c.1148) Time: 2¾ hours

Introduction The route continues under the Lothian Bridge viaduct ahead. To cross safely, turn Terrain: Almost entirely off Walk up the river South Esk from Dalkeith left and cross near the Sun Inn car park en- road • Low level • a little tar- to the original Cockpen Church. On the trance then right, back to the road signed mac • mainly well marked way pass many historic places including Carrington. Pass under the viaduct. In paths • a few muddy places. The Maiden Bridge, Newbattle Abbey Col- 150m, left beside a cottage, signed Dalhou- lege, Lothian Viaduct and Dalhousie Cas- sie Bridge. This path passes the back of tle Hotel. This walk is almost entirely off Grove Farm, onetime walled garden for Dal- OS Map: No 66 Edinburgh road. housie Castle. Continue right, up the farm access road then left down Dalhousie Castle Route Details Hotel drive. Pass by the left side of the hotel Start point: Start in Dalkeith near the bottom of New- and over the old stone bridge. Immediately Near bottom of mills Road. Follow the green sign for Water- after the bridge, turn left up a few steps and Newmills Rd, Dalkeith fall Park and Eskbank. From here the walk on up an old earth track. This can be muddy follows the South Esk upstream for 3 miles. near the top. Cross the stile over the metal Grid ref:- NT 337 670 Walk through Waterfall Park to the Maiden gate then turn right. In 70m old Cockpen Bridge (beware of golfers above you). church can be found tucked in behind trees on the left. There is evidence that this church For Sat Nav users: Continue on the same side of the river has existed since 1148. through a gate and woodland path until level Lat: 55.89160’ N with Newbattle Abbey College. Cross the Return to Dalkeith by the same route. After Long: 03.06021’W new timber bridge beside the ice house. crossing the main road at the Sun Inn, rejoin Turn left and follow the path round to the the river bank path. In 200m, turn right onto Public transport: Yes main drive gate. Exit the gate, turn left and an informal riverside path until it rejoins the cross Newbattle Road. Continue left past access track near Newbattle Road. Once Newbattle Abbey Crescent for 30m then 1st back at Newbattle Abbey follow the left river Car Parking: Yes right up a vehicle track between white bank, don't cross to the ice house but con- painted wall ends. Follow the main path be- tinue along the terrace to the golf course, Refreshments: In Dalkeith hind the houses (¾ mile). This section ends then right over the Maiden bridge and left Route: Ian Brown on the A7 beside the Sun Inn. back to your starting point. Photos: Ian Brown