Pathhead

The village of Pathhead in Midlothian, Scotland looks down on the River Tyne which stretches from the Moorfoot Hills near Tynehead to the south of Edinburgh, before reaching the North Sea near Belhaven. Pathhead, as the name suggests, is at the head of the main ascent route from Edinburgh to Lauder at some 500 feet above sea level. Modern road development has led to Pathhead becoming a popular village for commuters to Edinburgh as it is within easy reach by car, taking around 15 minutes to make the journey. It is more than the convenience though that brings residents and visitors; Pathhead is in a superb location with wonderful scenery. An early 19^th century five-arch stone bridge carries visitors over the Tyne Water to enter the village. The bridge is an impressive structure at 80 feet high, with each of the five spans 50 feet across and was built to the designs of engineer Thomas Telford.

Pathhead offers ample village amenities and is within easy reach of other towns and cities that offer additional choices for shopping, dining and leisure. The village park is a haven and the surrounding area even more so; with diverse flora and fauna, varied wildlife and a host of historic sites and visitor attractions locally, including the 18^th century Preston Hall. This mansion is the work of architect Robert Mitchell and protected as a Category A listed building. Preston Hall is on the east side of the river across from Oxenfoord Castle on the west. Nearby Vogrie Country Park is another wonderful attraction; centred on the 19^th century Vogrie House, by architect Andrew Heiton.