Polton can be explored through two distinct strands: routes in the River North Esk valley and historic sites with clearly identifiable periods. The routes include three measured routes and another walking section; the cultural sites range from an early 18th-century summerhouse to the probable prehistoric classification of Maiden Castle. For planning a trip, it is therefore helpful to consider whether routes or architectural and local history should be the focus.
Routes and Distances in the Esk Valley
Route 7 is 1,689 m long and connects Polton with Lasswade along the River North Esk valley. The 962 m-long Route 8 connects Polton with the Roslin–Loanhead Foot/Cycle Path. Route 11 measures 2,181 m and forms a central section of this foot and cycle path; connecting paths link the section with Polton Village. Of these three measured routes, Route 8 is the shortest and Route 11 the longest, with Route 7 in between. The connections also differ: Route 7 names Polton and Lasswade as its endpoints, Route 8 links to the named foot and cycle path, and Route 11 describes a central section of it.
The North Esk Way also includes a walking section from Loanhead or Polton to Lasswade. Check the route information again before travelling.
Summerhouse, Cottage and Maiden Castle
Polton Summerhouse is a two-storey summerhouse with a square ground plan, dating from the early 18th century, and is Category B listed. The square ground plan describes the shape of the structure as seen from above; the two storeys add a sense of the building’s height. This site therefore combines a clearly defined architectural form with a historic designation.
A different period is associated with De Quincey Cottage: Thomas de Quincey and his family lived there from 1840 until his death in 1859. The period of residence at the cottage differs considerably from the construction date of the Summerhouse. Those interested in Polton’s history can thus find two distinct points of reference in time, rather than following just one period.
At Maiden Castle, the site’s classification is paired with practical directions. The site was probably from the Late Bronze Age or Iron Age. It is accessible from Polton via a footpath of no more than one kilometre. The dating remains probable, not definitive. As terrain and path conditions can vary, check them before your visit.
Nature Reserve and Views
Springfield Mill adds a landscape highlight: the small, impressive nature reserve lies deep in the River North Esk valley on the site of a former paper mill. The site’s current status as a nature reserve and its former use offer two distinct ways to understand the place.
Mavisbank is also part of the surrounding landscape. From Polton, there are views of Mavisbank, particularly to the south-east of the house. Together with the routes through the valley, this adds another connection to the landscape alongside Polton’s architectural and historic sites.
Discover more destinations: North Middleton, Rosewell, Roslin, Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith, Penicuik, Loanhead, Gorebridge.
For the wider travel overview: Midlothian.
