Penicuik is not your normal tourist destination ... but if you're looking to see a bit of the real Scotland away from the pretty and popular tourist spots this is where to come.

Penicuik is an old mining community. It's gritty. It's seen better days. But it's got a lot of history and a lot of charm beneath it's hard exteria.

In days gone by you can really image the old town centre as the hub of Penicuik. The old town clock hangs above the square, and the old water pump still exists. Today there's the Peni Deli on the High Street and a little French bistro that are well worth popping into for a cuppa and a quick bite if you're here.

Where a lot of people in the past would have been employed in the local coal mine at Bilston (the Miners Club is still alive and kicking on the high street!) today it's mostly a commuter town for people that work in the city of Edinburgh.

In the past couple of years an excellent new sports centre and swimming pool have opened in Penicuik, and there's a skatepark and sports pitches nearby.

If you enjoy going for long walks/cycles it's possible to walk/cycle from Penicuik to Musselburgh along the old railway line. It's a full days trek so take some lunch with you!

10 miles south of Edinburgh, just outside of the city bypass.
To get there by public transport take a Lothian Bus from the centre of Edinburgh, numbers 15, 37 & 47. They are very frequent - approximately every 15 minutes.
Google map: tinyurl.com/36ht44l

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