Limekilns/Charleston circular

It was a kind of last minute plan to walk the Limekilns/Charleston circular today. We were supposed to do North to South Queensferry (across the Forth Road Bridge that is!) last Sunday but the weather was too, too cold and icy, so we postponed till today. 

Thirteen walkers were up for a wee daunder and hoped that the weather forecast was accurate. No rain till 4pm they said this morning. We arrived at Limekilns at 1.20pm and took the last four spaces in the wee car park at the pier, then off we toddled - yes, a canny pace today - along the prom. The Forth was like a millpond and although the sun was conspicuous by its absence, we were satisfied that it was a good walking day.

At the end of the prom we veered off to the left into a road named The Saltpans. I googled this. Apparently, in 12th century, production of salt in Scotland came mainly from the Firth of Forth. Not in 21st century though. Your Saxa comes from Kent.

Further on into East Harbour Road we came across the actual enormous Limekilns. which were in use from 17th - 19th century.  A few of us stopped to read about them on an information board placed by Limekilns Heritage trust. The trust also still preserves the limekilns. 

History lesson over.

We spotted a dirt track off to our right and made our way upwards to reach West Road at the top. We paused for a short blaw, then off along West Road which, although a country road, is pretty busy with fast moving traffic. narrow and winding too. But with the lead walker wearing her hi viz vest, head torch and 'Go Slow' sign (exagg), the drivers were courteous to our walkers.

Off to the right now onto country roads, we passed the Merryhill Training Centre which serves to train craftsmen in the skills of lime making and preserving and according to google is a world-class National training centre for the repair and conservation of the nation’s architectural heritage.   Impressive. 

From there a nice canny wander up and over till we heard, ' It's all downhill from here.'

Because we were sheltered by the trees, it was really quite warm and silent apart from spasmodic bursts of giggles from the wisecracks at the rear.

At the bottom of this hill was Charleston and the first building we came across was the Sutlery, an imposing building currently being run as a convenience store and post office.

A Sutlery was a place where food was stored and sold for soldiers during wars. Thank you again Google.

Still on a downhill trend, we started thinking, as always, about the refreshments up ahead. We had tried to phone, email and visit both of the lovely Limekilns cafes during the week to make a booking but had no success for various reasons. The sign on the pub said 'home baking' so after speaking with the lovely ladies there, the booking was made. 

And there right in front of us was the Ship Inn

We were warmly welcomed and served coffee and wonderful scones as if we were royalty.

The consensus was that the Ship Inn gets  a 5* rating and we shall return. Back at the cars now, we said our wee prayer ending 'until we meet again' and set off for home. And by the way, the time we moved away was 4pm and guess what?

It started to rain.