Cockpen Dean

Valley in Midlothian

Scotland

Cockpen Dean

Cockpen Dean is a picturesque valley located in Midlothian, Scotland. Nestled between the Pentland Hills and the Moorfoot Hills, it is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The valley stretches for approximately 5 miles and is characterized by rolling green hills, dense woodland, and the meandering course of the Cockpen Burn.

The area is known for its rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Archaeological sites, including ancient burial mounds and prehistoric settlements, have been discovered, attesting to a long-standing human presence in the valley. The remains of Cockpen Castle, a 16th-century tower house, can also be found in the area, adding to its historical significance.

Cockpen Dean is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The valley offers a range of activities, including walking, hiking, and cycling, with numerous trails and paths crisscrossing the landscape. The diverse flora and fauna of the area make it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cockpen Dean is also home to several small communities, including the village of Bonnyrigg. The surrounding area features a mix of residential properties, farmland, and open spaces, providing a peaceful rural setting while still being within close proximity to the nearby towns and cities.

Overall, Cockpen Dean is a captivating valley that combines natural splendor, cultural heritage, and a welcoming community, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature in the heart of Midlothian.

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Cockpen Dean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.861017/-3.0780368 or Grid Reference NT3263. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Colliery cat kipping in coal

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, the former Lady Victoria Colliery.

Robin Webster

Equipment maintenance board, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland. The 'Automatic contrivance' is intriguing, a term apparently commonly used without a more specific name.

Robin Webster

Winding engine, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, at the former Lady Victoria colliery. One side of the steam engine, which no longer has a steam supply, but can be turned over electrically.

Robin Webster

Winding engine, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, at the former Lady Victoria colliery. One side of the steam engine, which no longer has a steam supply, but can be turned over electrically. The winding drum is behind the shield with the flag, the other half of the two cylinder engine is off to the left. The winding ropes, which originally passed through the high port in the end wall, have been removed.

Robin Webster

Winding drum and indicators, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, at the former Lady Victoria colliery. The winding ropes, which originally passed through the high port in the end wall, have been removed.

Robin Webster

Coal face machinery, National Mining Museum Scotland

The underground parts of Lady Victoria Colliery have been capped off, but a mock-up of what it is like underground has been made in one of the surface buildings.

Robin Webster

NCB No.21 West Ayr Area at the National Mining Museum Scotland, 2007

There is a view of this nearby in 1982 in very good external condition. Since then it had been neglected, and not until 2019 was something done about it. It was moved to the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for cosmetic restoration and returned in 2020. During the first move it was found that the wheel bearings had seized up, and considerable difficult was had in shunting it around. Hopefully 'cosmetic' extended to sorting that out.

Robin Webster

Trotters Bridge

Rustic little stone bridge over the Gore Water on the Arniston Estate near Gorebridge with mainly beech woodland surrounding it. Several contributors seem to suggest that Trotters Bridge is over the River South Esk on the minor road to Carrington:- Link Link Whereas the buildings at risk register - with map - suggest that it is the rustic bridge over the Gore Water at the furthest extent of the Arniston Estate:- Link

Adam Ward

Newtongrange Station

Peter Moore

Main Street, Newtongrange

Main Street from its junction with Lingerwood Road. In the foreground is one of the distinctive brick-built cottages of the 19th century mining village.

Jim Barton

Cafe on Main Street, Newtongrange

Cafe and takeaway business near the junction with Lingerwood Road.

Jim Barton

Picture Palace cinema commemoration, Newtongrange

Brickwork in the pavement at the junction of Lingerwood Road and Main Street commemorating the Picture Palace 1915 - 1961, first film Out of the Depths. It was situated across the road and the site is now occupied by a block of flats. There is a photograph of the cinema on the Canmore web page Link

(incorrectly titled as 4 Muirdean Road instead of Murderdean Road).

Jim Barton

Lane, Newtongrange

A lane between Fourth Street and Fifth Street in this 19th century mining village with a gridiron layout. Note the solar panels.

Jim Barton

Statue of a miner, Newtongrange

The plinth is inscribed 'Dedicated to All Mineworkers'.

Jim Barton

Newtongrange Library

The library in a small park next to the church.

Jim Barton

Winding wheel, Newtongrange

On display in front of the Leisure Centre to commemorate the coal mining industry here.

Jim Barton

Former coal conveyor, Newtongrange

This spans the A7 at the Lady Victoria Colliery, now the National Mining Museum. See NT3363 : Coal conveyor and National Mining Museum, Newtongrange for a view from the other end.

Jim Barton