Edinburgh | Netwalking Scotland - combining business with fitness

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What people say

"Netwalking is a great way of networking without the usual excess of coffee. I find that I usually manage to have a good one-to-one with the other netwalkers, many of whom have now become friends. Gavin has managed to find plenty of interesting walks in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area, and usually arranges for the weather to be fine: plenty of fresh air without being too challenging for anyone. As this is an unusual form of networking it succeeds in attracting people from a range of other networking groups and has allowed me to meet people from outside my "usual patch". Overall: excellent.“

Tim Musson
Computer Law Training
"Netwalking is fantastic for 3 things; getting fitter, getting to know business contacts better and getting a bit of space from a sometimes stressful business.

The walks are always enjoyable and interesting, just like the company."

Andrew Bruce
Bruce Leasing
“A perfect way to meet new people and develop business relationships in the peaceful surroundings of the countryside.

Gavin (our Netwalk host who prepares each walk meticulously) takes a real interest in providing interesting do-able walks which are suitable for everyone

I have been a regular attendee - come and join us, they are fun!”

Issy Warrack
Bizini
“ I have been on several of the Netwalking Scotland events and every time have had the most enjoyable and exciting time. Scenery is always amazing, company is great and the exercise is usually demanding but manageable.

I would highly recommend this monthly event as a “must add” to calendar.”

Bruce Taylor
4sight4business
“Netwalking is an innovative way to get out of the stuffy office / indoor environment. It allows you to clear out the cobwebs, get you some exercise whilst at the same time networking with potential clients and contacts. This is a great way to break up your day - so dinnae be shy, gie it a try!!”

Thomas Haywood
Thomas Haywood Photography
“Fresh air, a bit of exercise and a great chance to meet new people. Netwalking is such a relaxing and informal way to network and it’s great fun too”

Scott McAllister
LSM architecture
“I have been a member of Gavin's Netwalking group for a year and have found it to be one of the most holistic forms of Networking I've ever tried, combining the outdoors with friendly company, good exercise and the options of taking photographs in fantastic scenery. Netwalking has helped me to get to know my networking colleagues and improve business relationships too. I recommend it and will continue to support this group.”

Vince Johnston
Jinja Ninja Productions
“Taking part in the Netwalking group has given me the opportunity to network for business, but more importantly, to build relationships with people I would not otherwise have met in a non-business, fun situation.”

Christine Fernand
The Writing Factory
“Netwalking - what a great idea. Escape from work, enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise and meet some great people. I really enjoy the netwalks. For me, I find that it’s a great way to talk and really get to know my fellow netwalkers. Gavin knows some lovely walks and the chance for a welcome drink at the end makes netwalking a good start to the weekend”.

Jan Southern
Massage Specialist & Reflexologist
“Netwalking is a great way to do business for three reasons. A few hours in the company of like minded business people is always time well spent. Doing it in the fresh air whilst building a bit of fitness just adds to the benefits of the concept.

Well done, Gavin, and thanks for continuing the Netwalking events. I'll be there over the coming months!”

Renee Mackay
TaxAssist Accountants
“I like spending time with my owner in the countryside and on the walks around town. Fresh air, new smells and other humans, all with a common purpose are all terrific fun. They don't half talk a lot, mostly about business, and seem to get along famously. Perhaps its the interesting walks, the getting fit or maybe just the opportunity to build relationships.

I have a sneaking suspicion it might be the liquid refreshment that invariably waits at the end of their walk, though.”

Barney
“What a wonderful way to network, good company, interesting conversations and loads of fresh air. This is a fantastic way to get to know people and I am sure, in time, to do business with them also. A great idea and Gavin is the perfect host.”

Sarah Lee
hottinroof
“When Gavin started the “Netwalking” group in Edinburgh it immediately struck a chord with many business owners who wanted to combine a bit of gentle exercise on a Friday afternoon with some even more gentle networking. A fantastic and very popular idea and full credit to Gavin for his indefatigable energy in researching the walks in advance. The photographs are great – so have a look”

Tommy Laughlin
Activ Web Design
"Gavin’s Netwalking group is a great way to meet other business owners in a friendly and not-too-demanding walk on a Friday afternoon. I’ve seen parts of the countryside I know well and others I barely knew before taking up the opportunity to Netwalk. The atmosphere is friendly and I learn more about potential clients, suppliers and associates than I ever would in a formal business meeting. I recommend Netwalking to anyone thinking of getting out and about while doing business."

Martin Browne
TutorNet
"A Netwalk is literally a breath of fresh air after a busy week at work. Gavin goes to great effort to ensure the walks are suitable for all levels of fitness. They're always fully planned out to ensure local interest as well as great walking and scenery as well as a very welcome local pub at the end. A brilliant way to meet and network with others in a fully relaxed setting, explore new places and make new friends and useful contacts."

Jenny MacLean
EnergyWise Health & Fitness
"I absolutely love the concept of netwalking - it is quite literally a breath of fresh air in the field of networking! It's so much fun to get away from my computer and spend time in the beautiful countryside, while also meeting other local business owners who share the same interests. And, quite often, we're chatting so much that I don't even notice the miles adding up! Netwalking has not only been excellent for my physical health, but also for the health of my business too!"

Taryn Wallis
Phenomenoodle
"Netwalking is like playing golf, you get the time to have a proper conversation, but you also meet a lot more people, with diverse social and business interests, in a friendly environment with great scenery, and you don't have to look for lost golf balls!"

David Lancaster
Williams de Broë Limited

Register to join a future netwalk

Friday 12, July 2013, Castlelaw and Fala Knowe, Pentland Hills

Starting and finishing at Flotterstone, where there is plenty of parking (and a pub), this netwalk has some lovely sheltered, low level sections as well as the ascent of Castlelaw Hill.

The views from the top of Castlelaw Hill are superb, taking in the Moorfoots, Lammermuirs and Border Hills and across to the Ochils.

Netwalk Grade

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Friday 09, August 2013, Roslin

A very scenic and interesting netwalk featuring beautiful woodland, a deep river gorge, a ruined castle, an ancient battlefield site (‘ the biggest ever battle between the Scots and the English’) – and of course we will walk in the shadow of famous Roslin Chapel.

To cap it all there is a pub at the end with a sunny outside terrace to look forward to.

Meet 1.30pm at the Roslin Glen Country Park car park NT273628.

Directions: At Gowkley Moss roundabout (mid way between Penicuik & Edinburgh) take the turning for Roslin/Rosewell. Just before coming into Roslin, take a right turn signposted Rosewell, Rosslynlee & Roslin Glen Country Park. Follow road downhill through two hairpin bends then you will see the sign for Roslin Glen Country Park on the left. Turn off and go past some houses and through the brown height bar gate to the car park proper, not the yard immediately off the road. Meet at the prominent Information Kiosk in the centre of the car park.

Netwalk Grade

A+

How we grade our netwalks | Register to join this walk

Wednesday 21, August 2013, Undiscovered Leith

Did you know that it is possible to find really nice walking routes in Leith which avoid busy public streets almost entirely? This netwalk uses that facility to offer real exploration of ‘darkest Leith’, making use of disused railway lines and pathways whenever possible. Naturally the route will end in the vicinity of one of Leith’s finest pubs......and one with a fabulous outside sitting area so here's hoping for a sunny evening.

Meeting up:

Meet at 6.00pm in the car park at Commercial Quay EH6 6LX, opposite the Scottish Office

This netwalk is ideal for those who would rather not take the car, however for the motorist, please note that the car park is private until 6.00 pm when it is free and open to the public.

Netwalk Grade

How we grade our netwalks | Register to join this walk

Wednesday 04, September 2013, Corstorphine Hill and Woods, Edinburgh

This netwalk features much of interest: an old nuclear fall-out shelter, the historic Clermiston tower and a chance to spot exotic wildlife through the rear fence of the Zoo – not to mention some stunning views out to the Castle and the Forth.

Meeting up:

Meet at 6.00 pm in the car park behind the Tesco Metro in Davidsons Mains (36 Cramond Road South, EH4 6AA). The car park is also at the rear of Ye Olde Inn, which we may well end up in after the walk.

Some useful links for background information:-

http://www.edinburghguide.com/parks/corstorphinehill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corstorphine_Hill

http://www.landforms.eu/Lothian/Corstorphine%20Hill.htm

http://www.corstorphinehill.org.uk/

Netwalk Grade

How we grade our netwalks | Register to join this walk

Friday 20, September 2013, Threipmuir, near Balerno

An attractive and fairly low level Pentlands route which follows a stream for much of the way and then passes alongside a reservoir. This is a particularly good opportunity for any ‘twitcher’ netwalkers, as this is the area of Red Moss Nature Reserve, which is renowned for wildlife, especially birds.

Meeting up:

Meet at Threipmuir car park NT166638 at 1.30 pm.

From Edinburgh take the A70 Lanark Road, turn off for Balerno down Bridge road. Just past Balerno High School take a left down Bavelaw Road, signposted Harlaw & Theipmuir. You will see the bus stops for nos. 44 (Lothian) & 66 (First). Follow the bus route on this road & go straight on into Mansfield Road. The bus terminus is at Cockburn Crescent but keep on Mansfield Road for another mile and a bit as you leave Balerno. Stay on this road, bearing left at a fork, until you come to the car park on the left with a sign for Harlaw reservoir. Go through the gate, the car park is on the left. You can trace the route on the map on google maps eg at http://www.maplandia.com/united-kingdom/scotland/scotland/city-of-edinburgh/balerno/. If coming by bus it is a 25 minute walk from the terminal to the meet-up but hopefully a passing driver-netwalker would offer a lift.......

There is a good wee pub in Balerno for refreshments after the exercise.

Netwalk Grade

B+

How we grade our netwalks | Register to join this walk

Friday 11, October 2013, Almondell, West Lothian

This netwalk takes us to Mid Calder in West Lothian. It is an attractive, low-level walk mainly in Almondell Country Park alongside the river and canal feeder streams.

Items of interest on the route include impressive bridges and viaducts, as well as a surprisingly well-appointed Country Park visitor centre.

Meet at the Country Park car park NT 076677 at 1.30 pm.

Directions:

From Edinburgh take the A71 Kilmarnock road out through Linburn, about 1 km after Linburn take the B7015 through Camps and East Calder. Carry on to Mid Calder and just as you are coming into Mid Calder you cross a bridge over the river and immediately turn right on the B8046. The car park is on the right just about 20 m after turning right. It is not well sign posted so go slowly after crossing the bridge and turning right or you will miss it. Be aware that there are other car parks for Almondell Country Park which you may see on the way.

Netwalk Grade

A+

How we grade our netwalks | Register to join this walk

Friday 08, November 2013, John Muir Way Musselburgh - Cockenzie

Netwalking by the sea!

The John Muir Way extends nearly 66 miles from Edinburgh through East Lothian to the Borders.

This netwalk follows a stretch of the route which starts at Fisherrow Harbour, takes in areas such as Levenhall Links and the Ash Lagoons before concluding at Cockenzie.

Rather than walk back the same way we will get a (very frequent) No. 26 bus back to the starting point.....and the pub.

Meeting up: meet at the Fisherrow Harbour car park at 1.30 pm. The car park is on the left as you enter Musselburgh -there is a signpost for the 'Coastal Trail'. The car park is also adjacent to the Quay restaurant and bar, 131 New Street EH21 6DH.

Netwalk Grade

How we grade our netwalks | Register to join this walk

Friday 13, December 2013, Festive Water of Leith

Starting and ending in Stockbridge with all it’s fine pubs, this is a great December netwalk to allow for that important Christmas drink at the end. The route follows a disused railway line for part of the way as well as part of the Water of Leith Walkway, so is low-level and quite sheltered, again an important consideration for walking in a Scottish December. It is an interesting route too, with a chance to see areas of Edinburgh from unusual vantage points. It is a dog-friendly walk too, even the pubs in Stockbridge generally welcome dogs when we pop in for that well-earned Christmas drink at the end of the walk!

Meet at 1.00 pm at the end of Dean Terrace where it joins Deanhaugh Street (beside the disused police box!) directly opposite the Stockbridge Pizza Express EH4 1LU.

Note the slightly earlier than usual start time to make the most of the limited daylight.

Netwalk Grade

B+

How we grade our netwalks | Register to join this walk

Wednesday 21, May 2014, Kinleith Way - Currie & Bonaly

Starting just above Currie, this circular netwalk follows a varied route through the foothills of the Pentlands. We are hardly ever far from water, be it reservoirs or streams. Fine views can be had over the City and beyond. There is a good (dog-friendly) pub at the bottom of the hill in Currie where we can toast a most rewarding evening's netwalking.