Dalkeith Country Park

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
2.9 kms	01:00 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 350: Edinburgh

Description

The Old Orangery at Dalkeith Country Park

Adjacent to Dalkeith in Midlothian, this country park forms part of a working estate managed by Buccleuch Countryside Service. Starting at the entrance to the Country Park at the north end of Dalkeith High Street you are entering part of Scotland?s historic past which visually is little changed to this day.

Start in the field near the adventure playground and proceed north west for 0.5km until reaching the Montagu Bridge over the river North Esk. Built by Robert Adam in 1792 the bridge affords excellent open views of the park. Continue over the bridge looking for a yellow way marker post on the left. At the post descend left into the woodland. Follow the path around to the left until the river.

Continue upstream through a mature chestnut woodland passing Dalkeith House (sometimes known as Dalkeith Palace) on the opposite bank. The track bends to the right as it curves away from the river. You are in a managed hardwood forest. Lookout for the many native wild plants and if you are very quiet perhaps you may catch sight of a Roe Deer. Continue for 1 km to the junction of four paths. Turn right through the woodland back over the Montagu bridge returning to the start point. You can leave the park or walk on left downhill to the old stable block where there is a cafe, shop and toilets.

Access Info

Park at the north end of Dalkeith High Street and head down a lane towards a field next to the adventure playground. There are regular buses to and from Edinburgh and Dalkeith.