This pleasant circuit through woodland and open hillside explores a complex set of glacial meltwater channels, in some places cutting into bedrock, in deep, mostly dry, north-east trending valleys.

THE ROCKS: Lothian Edge is well named, close to the junction between the older, tough rocks of the Lammermuir Hills and the younger, softer sedimentary rocks towards Dunbar. As the last great ice sheet started to melt and retreat, torrents of meltwater headed north-east towards the north sea, cutting deep channels into the underlying ice age deposits and bedrock.

THE WALK: A circular walk through Pressmennan Wood and along Bennet’s Burn to pick up a quiet road up to Hartside. We will then follow paths and tracks past the Knock underneath Lothian Edge, before descending into Rammer Cleugh and back to the start point via Deuchrie. I have classified this as a moderate walk: we will be walking on rough paths and quiet roads, with rough or slippery conditions underfoot at times. It may be wet, windy or cold. Come equipped with strong footwear and waterproof clothing. Distance 11km with 225m of climbing, duration 4-5 hours.

MEETING POINT & ROUTE: Pressmennan Wood car park, Woodend, Stenton. Grid reference: NT620725 | Nearest Postcode: EH42 1TF | What3Words: themes.riders.megawatt  | Route Map.

An event for the Scottish Geology Festival