In the oldest part of Penicuik, surrounding the town centre and to the south of the former POW camp, crossing the river Esk is Pomathorn Bridge which was once a toll bridge and the main route between Edinburgh to the north and the Scottish Borders to the south. As such Penicuik has a number of ancient travellers' inns, including The Crown, and the Royal. Because of their location on such a busy caravan route, both these public houses advertise the patronage of many characters from Scottish 18th-century history, including alleged visits from Burke and Hare and Bonnie Prince Charlie.