Welcome. On this page, you'll find details of all organised bike rides in or near the Scottish capital. These rides are run by local cycling clubs, groups and individuals, and are mostly free and open to all. If you like the idea of cycling in congenial company with a knowledgeable leader, you're sure to find a run here that's right for your experience and level of fitness.
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11° | 5 mph |
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16° | 16 mph |
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17° | 7 mph |
Sunset: 21:43
Updated today
Saturday 3rd June 2017 : Bethany Sportive
This popular sportive is a charity event aimed at the "serious amateur" cyclist. It aims to raise funds to help homeless and vulnerable people (£14,000 was raised last year). The ride is non-competitive, but each rider will be individually timed, with all times being published on the Bethany website after the event. There will be food and water stations offering refreshments along the routes; those wanting something more substantial should bring their own food. The event is limited to 400 riders. Routes: There is a choice of three routes. The Super Challenge is a 102-mile circuit of the Scottish Borders and the Moorfoot Hills; this is a demanding route, with 8,000 feet of ascent. The Challenge route is a (slightly) less strenuous 72-mile option, taking in the River Tweed and Gala Water valleys. And the Taster Challenge is a shorter 30-mile circuit, intended for riders who prefer not to try either of the longer options; under-16s are welcome on the Taster Challenge if accompanied by a responsible adult. Time and place: Riders will set out at two-minute intervals between 08.00 and 09.30 (between 09.30 and 10.00 for the Taster Challenge), from Lasswade Sports Centre, Eskdale Drive, Bonnryrigg, (which is about eight miles from the centre of Edinburgh). Riders are expected to complete the route by 17.00. Cost: £39 entry fee for the two longer routes, £26 for the Taster Challenge, plus sponsorship money in all cases. The fee will be waived for the first 50 entrants who undertake to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. Registration and further information: See the event's website, or contact Caroline Reed (phone 0131 561 8930, email ).
Sunday 4th June : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of about 50 miles. These rides are aimed at the averagely-fit cyclist who rides regularly and is comfortable cycling for a reasonable period at 10 to 12 mph. Most rides include a longish lunch stop at a pub or café, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Today's ride should end around 17.00. Meet: 10.00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)
Saturday 10th June : Edinburgh 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are a good choice for riders who are comfortable pedalling 15 - 20 miles in a day, but might not feel ready for a long strenuous day in the saddle. (If you haven't cycled for a while, or are unsure of your abilities, consider starting with EasyCycle instead; their runs are listed elsewhere on this page.) Most rides are around 20 miles, and are taken at a "sociable" pace (8 - 9 mph over the day, which is not so fast that you can't keep up a conversation). The routes favour bike paths and quiet roads where possible. There is usually a lunch stop at a café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Most rides end mid afternoon. Route and destination: Details of today's route and lunch stop will be posted here nearer the time. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Friday 16th June to Saturday 17th June : Edinburgh Night Ride
A 60-mile overnight ride through quiet roads in East Lothian, with experienced ride leaders to show the way. There will be a refreshment stop at about the half-way point and breakfast at the finish. The pace is described as "easy" (approx. 12 mph). This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event, sponsored by the Leith Cycle Company. Over 16s only. Start and end point: Leith Cycle Co., corner of Balfour Street and Leith Walk. Cost and booking: £27 per person (including refreshments and breakfast). Advanced booking is required; see the Festival of Cycling website for details.
Saturday 17th June to Sunday 18th June : 'Ride to the Sun' - Carlisle to Cramond
An informal overnight ride to (approximately) coincide with the summer solstice. Riders will leave Carlisle between 20.00 and 22.00 on the Saturday evening; they will cycle at their own pace, aiming to reach Cramond in time to see the sun rise at 04.30. The route is just over 100 miles, mainly on quiet roads, and includes a 7-mile climb from Moffat up the Devil’s Beef Tub. There will be a kebab-and-pizza stop in Moffat and hot drinks at Cramond. Important: The ride is completely unsupported, with no sweeper vehicle, mechanical support or first-aid. Riders are entirely responsible for their own safety and the road-worthiness of their bikes, and for getting themselves home in the event of breakdown or accident. Cost and booking: The ride is free with no formal registration required. However, the organisers ask that you let them know you are coming so that they can plan the catering arrangements. More information: Contact Fraser Maxwell or Gary Cameron () or see the event's website.
Saturday 17th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2017
The annual charity run to St Andrews in aid of leprosy relief. This is a demanding 68-mile ride through the Fife countryside, with more than a few hills to climb en route. But there's a great atmosphere, and you'll get a wonderful sense of achievement when you finish. You ride at your own pace, either alone or in the company of others, enjoying excellent scenery and superb refreshment stops along the way. A repair van and first-aiders accompany the ride. Time and place: The ride starts at 08.45 from the west gate of Inverleith Park. Cost and booking: Advanced registration required. £15 per person (£10 concessions). Transport back to Edinburgh is £20 for a rider and bike. Further information: Click here for full details of the St. Andrews ride, including an overview of the route, how to register, and the organisers' contact details.
Sunday 18th June : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. Meet: The meeting point for these rides varies, and is only confirmed a few days in advance, on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).
Saturday 24th June : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The second of the group's Extra rides for this year. At about 30 - 35 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a slightly faster pace. Today's ride is provisionally planned to go to Linlithgow. Further details of the route and meeting place will be posted here nearer the time. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 25th June : EasyCycle Short Ride
A short informal ride of 12 - 15 miles, which will be taken at a gentle pace with plenty of stops. These rides are especially suitable for less experienced riders and those who haven't cycled for a while. The route will mainly be on bike paths and quiet roads, and will try to avoid steep hills. There will be a pub or café stop at lunchtime, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Meet: 10.30, in front of Peter's Yard café, Middle Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (0131 466 6156, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Sunday 2nd July : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of about 50 miles. These rides are aimed at the averagely-fit cyclist who rides regularly and is comfortable cycling for a reasonable period at 10 to 12 mph. Most rides include a longish lunch stop at a pub or café, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Today's ride should end around 17.00. Meet: 10.00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)
Saturday 8th July : Edinburgh 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are a good choice for riders who are comfortable pedalling 15 - 20 miles in a day, but might not feel ready for a long strenuous day in the saddle. (If you haven't cycled for a while, or are unsure of your abilities, consider starting with EasyCycle instead; their runs are listed elsewhere on this page.) Most rides are around 20 miles, and are taken at a "sociable" pace (8 - 9 mph over the day, which is not so fast that you can't keep up a conversation). The routes favour bike paths and quiet roads where possible. There is usually a lunch stop at a café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Most rides end mid afternoon. Route and destination: Details of today's route and lunch stop will be posted here nearer the time. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 16th July : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. Meet: The meeting point for these rides varies, and is only confirmed a few days in advance, on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).
Sociable rides taken at the usual 20-Milers slow-to-moderate pace. Most rides are about 15 miles (or slightly longer where daylight permits). The rides take place every Thursday evening from 27th April to 24th August. There might be a pub stop towards the end of the ride, but there is no official meal break. The rides usually finish around dusk, so be sure to bring lights. Time and place: Meet at 18.30, in front of All Bar One, next to the Sheraton Hotel in Lothian Road. Note the change of venue. Cost and booking: The rides are free, with no need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (0131 466 6156, ) or see the rides' blog.
These are moderately-paced sociable rides of 20 to 25 miles, running every Tuesday from 2nd May to the 29th August, starting from the Commonwealth Pool [map] at 18.30 (note: this is half an hour earlier than last year's rides). Rides often include a pub stop on the way home. The rides usually finish after dark, so be sure to bring lights. No need to book: just turn up. Contact: Alastair Sim (, 0777 898 2265).
As well as their frequent Sunday rides (listed in the section above), CTC have longer runs every Wednesday throughout the year. These are moderate-to-fast rides of 50 to 70 miles, aimed at reasonably fit cyclists. The starting times and meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the CTC web site, or email .
This group has rides every Saturday and Sunday. These are fast rides, aimed at serious cyclists who are interested in cycling at speed in a group and those training to race. Further information: Edinburgh RC (email: ).
Note: The above groups welcome non-members on their rides, but those who cycle with them regularly will be asked to join.
Thursday 8th June 2017 to Sunday 18th June 2017 : Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2017
Now in its fifth year, EdFoC offers more than fifty individual events, all aimed at celebrating cycling in one way or another and in encouraging people to get out on their bikes. This year's programme includes talks, workshops, competitions, cultural events, film shows and lots of organised bike rides. A selection of these events are listed elsewhere on this page. For the full programme, pick up a booklet from local bike shops, leisure centres, public libraries and some cafés, or see the EdFoC website.
Thursday 8th June : SEStran Commuter Challenge
Aimed at seeing which mode of transport is fastest in rush-hour traffic, this event involves commuters setting out from points around the city, by car, bus, train, tram, bike and on foot. Departure points are the Ocean Terminal, Ingliston, Straiton and Newcraighall. Participants will converge on St Andrews Square for results and prize-giving at about 08.00, where spectators are welcome. Those wishing to take part should contact This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event.
Friday 9th June : Talk: Edinburgh to London the Hard Way
In 2016, Ken Reid cycled from Edinburgh to London - via Belfast, Dublin and Cardiff. What's more, Ken is blind. He did the ride on the back of a tandem, piloted by local riders who were initially all strangers to him. In this talk, Ken will be telling more about his epic journey, his fund-raising, and the trust that blind people place in strangers every day. Time and place: 14.00, at the Edinburgh Central Library, George IV Bridge. Cost: Free. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event.
Saturday 10th June : Edinburgh Moonwalk 2017
An overnight "power walking" marathon in which thousands of women (and a few men) pound the streets of Edinburgh wearing decorated bras, with the aim of raising money towards breast cancer charities (last year, over £8 million was raised). Although not itself a cycling-related event, the organisers rely on a team of volunteer cyclists to patrol the route and give aid and support to the participants. Volunteer cyclists work in three shifts: Saturday evening to midnight; overnight Saturday / Sunday; and Sunday morning. You will need your own bike, should be reasonably fit, and ideally have a good knowledge of the area. Further information: phone 01483 741430, email , or visit the volunteers' web page.
Saturday 10th June : Bike Curious Family Workshop
A workshop aimed at helping parents to cycle with young children. Members of "cycling families" will be on hand to give advice on safety issues and on specialist equipment, with an opportunity to try out baby seats, trailers and tag-alongs. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 10.00 - 12.00, at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, High School Yards (off Infirmary Street). Cost: Free.
Saturday 10th June : Velodrome Taster
A chance to try your hand at riding a fixed-wheel bike round a Commonwealth Games-standard velodrome with 42 degrees banking. An accredited coach will be available to help you ride safely around the smooth banking of the track, with each session tailored to the rider's abillity level and confidence. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 10.00 - 11.30, at the Meadowbank Velodrome. Cost: £10 for adults, £7 for 10 - 16 years-old, including bike hire. Booking and further information: See the Edinburgh Road Club website or email
Wednesday 14th June : Talk: The Rickshaw Chronicles
In this talk, Jethro Gauld will give an insight into the little-known world of the Edinburgh rickshaw driver. His stories are taken from his own experiences and those of other cyclists working the "shaws" - and the "unique viewpoint they have on society". The talk is based on Jethro Gauld's book, The Rickshaw Chronicles. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 14.00, at the Edinburgh Central Library, George IV Bridge. Cost: Free.
Wednesday 14th June : Spokes Public Meeting
Talks and a discussion on the theme of road danger and its impact on cycling. Mark Ruskell MSP will explain his bill in the Scottish Parliament to make 20 mph the default speed limit in towns; PC Dominic Doyle (an "undercover" police cyclist) will talk about Police Scotland's "close passing" initiative; other speakers will deal with the risks to cyclists posed by large vehicles and the issues faced by vulnerable road users. The meeting is free and open to all. Time: Doors open 18.45 for coffee, stalls and informal chat. The meeting starts at 19.30. Place: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Further information: Email , phone 0131 313 2114 (answering machine) or see this page on the Spokes website.
Thursday 15th June : Spokes Bike Breakfast
All cyclists are welcome at the ever-popular annual Spokes breakfast at the City Chambers. Stalls, bike mechanic, chain wash, security marking, map sales, speeches, advice and information, and, of course, the complementary hot breakfast, which now includes a range of healthy and vegetarian options. Time and place: 07.45 to 09.30, City Chambers Quadrangle, High Street. Note that this year's breakfast is on a Thursday rather than the usual Wednesday.
Saturday 17th June : Electric Bike Test Day
A chance to take an electric bike for a test run. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event sponsored by Electron Wheels. Cost: Free. Time and place: Junction of Middle Meadow Walk and North Meadow Walk.
The Clubbiedean Reservoir
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Whoever invented the bicycle deserves the thanks of humanity.”
Charles Beresford
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Interested in riding a bike in the Scottish capital? This FAQ will give you the information you need to get started.
Edinburgh Bike Paths: A Cyclist's Guide
How to get from A to B on two wheels.
Escape Edinburgh by Bike
These routes will get you out of the city quickly and safely.
I want to go on a bike ride but I haven't got a bike
How to hire a bicycle - or buy one second hand - in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh to St. Andrews (Lepra) bike ride
Everything you need to know about this popular event.
Browse all articles on this site
Recommended for local cyclists:
Bike Scotland Book One: Central Scotland
Forty short and medium rides in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and further afield, with detailed route descriptions, practical information and high-quality colour maps.
Coast and Castles South (Sustrans Cycle Map)
The offial map of the 200-mile NCN route between Edinburgh and Newcastle, plus other routes in East Lothian, the Borders and Northumberland. Fully waterproof in a plastic sleeve.
More Sustrans maps
Also recommended: Bike Station
A community project that accepts donated bikes from members of the public and recycles them for use by priority groups such as the long term unemployed and the homeless.
CTC Lothians
The local branch of the UK-wide cyclists organisation. They organise two to three rides every week and support cycle campaigning activities.
Spokes
A non-party political campaigning group, pressing for better conditions for cyclists, especially in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Blackness Castle
Photo: Michael Law
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