History AND THE Present

Scottish Outdoor Access Code Know the Code before you go… to enjoy ’s outdoors responsibly. Everyone has the right to be on most land and water for recreation, education and for going from place to place providing they act responsibly. These access rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The key things are: The frst paper mills were established at Valleyfeld New housing now stands on this former industrial site. When you’re in the outdoors in 1779 by , a former grocer from Eskmill had the frst cotton mill in Scotland, built in 1775. • take personal responsibility for your own actions . Paper produced by the Cowan family was In 1811 it was used during the Napoleonic Wars and act safely used to make bank notes, writing and art paper. Sir to house soldiers who were guarding 6,000 French • respect people’s privacy and peace of mind Walter Scott’s novels were printed on Cowan paper. POWs based at Valleyfeld. At the time it was the • help land managers and others to work safely Cheap imported paper forced the family to sell-up largest POW camp in Scotland. and effectively in 1966. The new owners closed the mills in 1974 • care for your environment and take your litter home due to dwindling profts. • keep your dog under proper control • take extra care if you’re organising an event or running a business Find out more by visiting www.outdoor access-scotland.com or phoning your local Scottish Natural Heritage offce.

Penicuik to Dalkeith Walkway is patrolled and managed by Ranger Service. Please act responsibly and do not damage or remove any plants or animals. Please do not drop any litter, and clean up after your dog. Thank you. Midlothian Ranger Service Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge, Rosslyn Castle Station was one of fve busy rural Today the former platforms at Rosslyn Castle Midlothian EH23 4NU. stations along the Penucuik Railway branch line. Station and Lea Farm, are perfect places to stop for Tel. 01875 821990 Opened in 1872, it closed to all traffc in 1959. a peaceful picnic, amongst the wildfowers on your journey along the Walkway.

PLEASE REMEMBER Bank Mill Valleyfeld Mill Dalmore Esk Mill Mill

Translations and larger format can be provided on request contact Walkway 0131 270 7500 The Penicuik Railway Farmland and Penicuik-Dalkeith Opened in 1872 to goods and passenger Hedgerows trains, the branch line served the paper 80% of Midlothian’s land is mills along the River North Esk, dedicated to arable, dairy and Walkway transforming the economy of Penicuik. hillside sheep farming. Farmers Welcome to the Penicuik – Dalkeith stretch of In 1876 took over have infuenced the appearance of the former – railway line, a the running of the line for several years. the landscape we see today. 11.5 mile linear route that passes through many Decline in passenger numbers in Wildlife adapts to this environment of Midlothian’s historic towns and villages. The the mid-twentieth century, led to by building homes in hedgerows, gentle gradient and nature of the route allows easy closure in 1951, with freight feld margins and small wetland access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to trains continuing until 1966. areas. When managed sensitively, explore and enjoy the spectacular landscapes and The line fnally closed to all grasslands are a favourite home visitor attractions of the county. traffc in 1967. and food source for Skylarks and Brown Hares.

Kestrel

Brown Hare

Fox Buddleia

Small Tortoiseshell Skylark

Railway Embankments The River North Esk Since the closure of the railway line in From its source in the Pentland 1967, nature has created an intricate Hills, the river meanders through wildlife corridor with a diverse range of the Esk Valley, fowing into the habitats. A carpet of ferns, rushes and

Kingfisher at Musselburgh. mosses dominates the embankments, while At one time polluted by open verges are ideal for grasses and Midlothian’s industrial past, the wildfowers. Places of Interest river now is home to a rich Buddleia, a butterfy favourite, readily Entrance Points variety of wildlife, including the colonises vacant spaces on walls and old Otter shy Otter and the exotic-looking platforms. Picnic Area Kingfsher.