Sign up to Walk The Line this September
Walk The Line, Midlothian’s annual autumn walking event returns in September, with residents encouraged to lace up their boots and tackle either three, five or eight miles along the scenic Penicuik to Eskbank walkway.
Save the date
Organised by volunteers from older people’s physical activity project Ageing Well, this year’s event takes place on Saturday 28 September, with entry £3 per person.
Pick a distance
Both the five and eight mile events start from Valleyfield Pond car park in Penicuik, with registration from 10:45am, and walkers setting off at 11:15am.
With the eight mile event encompassing the entire route to Eskbank, the five mile version covers the initial leg to Hawthornden Cemetery Road End, Rosewell.
Rosewell is also the designated picnic pit-stop for participants and the starting point for the three mile walk. Covering the final leg of the route, this gets underway with registration from 12pm before walkers embark at 12:30pm.
Refreshments
Walkers are invited to break the journey with a picnic lunch at Rosewell courtesy of Bonnyrigg and Sherwood Community Development Trust with teas and coffees available for all at the finish line at Edinburgh College’s Midlothian Campus.
Pick up an application form
Application forms for the event are available from Midlothian House in Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith, and every library in Midlothian. Simply fill in and return the form with entry fee at the counter.
Forms can also be posted to Sport & Leisure, Walk The Line, Fairfield House, 9 Lothian Rd, Dalkeith EH22 3AA, with a cheque or postal order payable to Midlothian Council.
All welcome
The event is perfect for adult, children, and any four legged friends. With hundreds of walkers likely to be taking part, all kids under 12 must be accompanied by a grown up, and dogs must be kept on a lead.
Suitable for all
For Ageing Well Coordinator Vivian Wallace, the event is one of the highlights of the year. “Walk The Line is such a great event because all family members are invited,” she said at an event launch with Midlothian Walking Rugby group. “I think the youngest we’ve ever had is an eight-week-old baby, and the oldest person we’ve had doing it was 89, so it’s definitely suitable for all.
Friendly event
“Everybody really enjoys the friendliness of it, and that’s why people keep coming back every year. Even if people haven’t done it before, it’s a good walk, a good chance to see the local area, the beautiful scenery, and meet people for a good chat.”
Fundraising
Walk The Line isn’t a race or charity event but organisers are keen to encourage individuals and groups who’d like to use it as a focus for their efforts.
“This year we’re trying to promote groups and organisations to use it as a fundraiser, as well as anybody else that wants to walk,” said Vivian. “We’re hoping that the walking rugby guys are going to raise money for a special charity that’s close to their heart as well.”
A big thank you
“Once again a big thank you to our sponsors, Bonnyrigg and Sherwood Community Development Trust and Edinburgh College, without whom none of this would be possible.”
In the picture
Ageing Well Coordinator Vivian Wallace and Health Walk and Mobility Officer Mark McCafferty launch this year’s Walk The Line alongside Midlothian Walking Rugby - just one of the groups supported by Ageing Well helping residents remain active as they move into later life.