Jogging

Around Orchard House there are many miles of car free estate roads and beyond a network of quiet country lanes which are very popular with local joggers.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

The quiet country roads to the south of Orchard House offer unrivalled cycling opportunities to explore into the Scottish Borders by bike. There are great tracks in nearby hills for more adventurous mountain biking. Check out http://www.cycling-edinburgh.org.uk/ We can offer safe storage of your bike during your stay.

Swimming

There are a number of local pools but undoubtedly the largest is the Edinburgh Commonwealth Pool (30 mins) with its 50 metre pool and also the Leith Waterworld (40 mins) with flumes and river run.

Golfing

http://www.golfgearhire.com

The nearest golf course to Orchard House is precisely 300 yards away. A challenging Par 70 nine hole course at the nearby Whitehill House where you book in a round and hire clubs.

Within ten minutes of Orchard House are a further seven excellent courses open to visitors (King’s Acre, Melville, Broomieknowe, Glencorse, Lothianburn, Newbattle and Vogrie). Information on these courses and others in Edinburgh can be found by clicking on this link

http://www.golftoday.co.uk/clubhouse/coursedir/midloth1.htm

Fishing

Midlothian has a number of popular fishing locations, most of them within a ten minute drive of Orchard House.

• Rosslynlea Trout Fisheries (5 mins) Fly fishing for brown, blue and rainbow trout. Day and half day permits 01968 679 606
   
• Reservoirs at Glencorse (Pentland Hills) (15 mins), Edgelaw and Gladhouse (Moorfoot Hills) (20 mins), managed by East of Scotland water, are very popular for fishing.
   
• Pike, rainbow and brown trout fishing are available at Rosebery Reservoir, near Temple (15 mins), where you can also fish from the bank. Permits are available from 01875 830353.
   
• Privately run Loganlea (Pentland Hills) (15 mins) is stocked weekly with brown and rainbow trout (01968 676329).
   
• River fishing is available on the two main rivers: the North and South Esk (both 10 mins). Permits are available from 0131 665 3371.
   

There is an excellent fishing tackle shop “Fishngear” only 300 yards from Orchard House where you can get lots of help and advice and equipment

http://www.fishngear.co.uk/

Clay Pigeon Shooting

You can enjoy clay pigeon shooting and archery at nearby Arniston House a beautiful 18^th Century William Adam mansion (10 mins). Tuition and equipment can be provided 0131 660 1776

Bird Watching

There are a number of Country Parks within a half hour’s drive of Orchard House where the Rangers can give help and advice on local birds. There is an ornithologist’s delight in East Lothian with the Aberlady Bay Bird Sanctuary, the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick and spectacular boat trips out to see the renowned Bass Rock gannets (all within an hour’s drive). Check out

http://www.seabird.org

Sailing

The Port Edgar sailing school and marina at South Queensferry (45 mins) offers instruction for windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and powerboats. Qualified instructors are available for all ages and abilities. Check out

http://www.portedgar.co.uk/

Horse Riding and Pony Treking

Our home farm is the home of Midlothian Riding for the Disabled and also has an extensive livery facility. If you like horses you will enjoy wandering up to the farm to see the 60 odd horses. We are very close to a number of riding schools and trecking centres from the famous Pentland Hills Icelandics (20 mins) to the Edinburgh Riding Centre at Lasswade a few miles away. Talk to us about your needs and we’ll point you in the right direction.

http://www.southofscotlandcountrysidetrails.co.uk/.

Ice-skating

A great option for rainy days. Murrayfield Ice Rink (40 mins) in Edinburgh has public skating sessions daily in the afternoon and evening and weekends. Skate hire is available.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Midlothian Snowsports Centre, the longest artificial slope for skiers and boarders in Britain is approximately 4 miles from Orchard House. Even if you’re not into snowsports, the chairlift which operates all year will take you up the Pentland hills for a fantastic view of Edinburgh, Midlothian and beyond