Organised bike rides in and around Edinburgh

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 of charge 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 you. Choose an event that's appropriate for your experience and level of fitness, and enjoy a great day out.

Forthcoming rides

Sunday 16th March 2014 : Short CTC Ride
A moderate ride of 15 to 20 miles, lasting two to three hours, mainly on cycle paths and tracks. The group maintains a steady speed, with occasional short breaks. The ride should appeal to cyclists of average fitness. Meet: 09.50 for a 10.00 start, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothian

Monday 17th March : Lothian Cyclists Monday Madness
A sociable group who cycle at a moderate pace, usually with a lunch stop at a café or pub. Today's run will aim for Linlithgow and Beecraigs Country Park, for a total distance of 33 miles. The ride should end mid afternoon. Meet: 10.30, at Cramond Brig (on NCN 1, near the foot of Braepark Road). Further information and booking: Advanced booking is compulsory for all of the group's rides. Book on their Meetup page (registration required), which also has further information about the group, including contact details.

Sunday 23rd March : CTC 40
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a steady pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more demanding than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their very long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic lunch. Meet: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians.

Friday 28th March : Critical Mass
An informal evening ride around the streets of the city. Critical Mass is aimed at riders who enjoy the safety and freedom of riding in a group and those who like being part of a community of cyclists. It also aims to promote the visibility of cyclists within the city (but it's not a confrontational demo). There is no fixed route or distance. Rides go at a gentle pace, and generally last an hour or two, sometimes with the option of a drink, meal or movie afterwards. Families are welcome. Time and place: Meet at the Scottish National Gallery at the foot of the Mound, at 17.30 for an 18.00 start. Cost and booking: Free, with no need to book in advance. Just turn up. Further information: See the Critical Mass FAQ, or contact Harry Walton (email: ; phone: 07903 618515).

Saturday 29th March : 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: Today's ride will start from Peter's Yard café, Middle Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Logan Strang (0131 346 7786, ), or see the EasyCycle website.

Sunday 30th March : Mellow Velo Midlothian Ride
A tour of the Midlothian countryside, taking in Penicuik, Leadburn, Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith, with a lunch stop at the Mayfield Garden Centre. The total distance will be about 45 miles, but this might change, depending on the weather and the group's fitness level. Time and place: Meet at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road [map] in time for a 10.15 start. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book. Further information: Email or see the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 6th April : 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. With the return of British Summer Time, today's ride will be a little longer than of late, ending 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 12th April : 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 miles or so 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 20 - 24 miles, which is 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. Lunch is usually 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 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: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 337 1315), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Saturday 12th April to Sunday 13th April : Mellow Velo Eden Valley Weekend
A weekend of cycling in the North Pennines,with an overnight stop at Dufton Youth Hostel. There will be about 40 miles of cycling each day, mainly on undulating terrain but with a few longer climbs. Travel to and from Carlisle by train (suggested trains leave Waverley at 08.52 on the Saturday; leave Carlisle 17.02 on the Sunday). Riders are responsible for booking their own travel. Further information: See also the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 13th April : CTC 40
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a steady pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more demanding than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their very long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic 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).

Friday 25th April : Critical Mass
An informal evening ride around the streets of the city. Critical Mass is aimed at riders who enjoy the safety and freedom of riding in a group and those who like being part of a community of cyclists. It also aims to promote the visibility of cyclists within the city (but it's not a confrontational demo). There is no fixed route or distance. Rides go at a gentle pace, and generally last an hour or two, sometimes with the option of a drink, meal or movie afterwards. Families are welcome. Time and place: Meet at the Scottish National Gallery at the foot of the Mound, at 17.30 for an 18.00 start. Cost and booking: Free, with no need to book in advance. Just turn up. Further information: See the Critical Mass FAQ, or contact Harry Walton (email: ; phone: 07903 618515).

Saturday 26th April : 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: Details of today's meeting place will appear here nearer the time.  Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Logan Strang (0131 346 7786, ), or see the EasyCycle website.

Saturday 26th April to Sunday 27th April : Solway to Forth weekend ride
A two-day ride to mark the opening of a new Sustrans coast-to-coast cycle route. Transport from Edinburgh to Annan will be provided for riders and bikes. Riders will then cycle back to Edinburgh via Moffat, the Devils Beef Tub, Broughton, Innerleithen and the Moorfoots, with an overnight stop at Peebles. The exact route has not yet been finalised, but it's likely to include a mix of roads and tracks, with several steep climbs, and a total distance of 100 - 120 miles (approximate estimate). Participants will be responsible for their own overnight accommodation and meals, which are not included in the price. Cost: £76 per person, or £50 if you make your own way to Annan (which is approximately two hours by train from Edinburgh via Carlisle). Further information and booking: Advance booking is essential. Contact David Gray (phone: 01207 502388, email: ), or see the event's web page.

Sunday 27th April : CTC 40
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a steady pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more demanding than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their very long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic 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).

Wednesday 28th May to Sunday 1st June : St. Columba's Celtic Challenge
A 200-mile charity ride from Edinburgh to Iona, in aid of St. Columba's Hospice. The registration fee includes four nights accommodation, all meals and refreshments, all ferry fares, the services of tour guides and support vehicles, and return transport to Edinburgh at the end of the ride. Cost: £150 per person, plus a suggested sponsorship target of £1,200. Registration and further information: Download a registration form or contact the organisers by email () or phone (0131 551 1318). Note that the registration deadline is 25 April 2014.

Saturday 14th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2014
Information about this year's St Andrews ride will appear here as it becomes available. For now, note the date of the event, which has been officially confirmed. See also this article about the ride, which includes an overview of the route and other useful information.

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Other bike-related events

Monday 24th March 2014 : Spokes Public Meeting : Understanding Cycling
Professor Colin Pooley of Lancaster University will describe his controversial research into walking and cycling, with a response by Edinburgh Council leader Andrew Burns. The meeting is free and open to all. Time and place: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Coffee, stall and chat from 18.45; meeting starts at 19.30. Further information: email or phone 07501 381018.

Saturday 5th April to Sunday 6th April : The Scottish Bike Show 2014
A large exhibition of bikes, accessories and cycling-related products and services, with competitions, demonstrations, presentations and children's events, plus the chance to try out various road, commuter and mountain bikes. Exhibitors will include bike manufacturers, retailers, training organisations and holiday companies. Cost: £10.50 at the door, with discounts for children and families. Venue: Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, London Road, Glasgow. Further information: Scottish Bike Show website, email , or phone 0131 563 7286.

Saturday 26th April : Pedal on Parliament 2014
For the third year running, thousands of cyclists will descend on Edinburgh to press politicians for safer roads and better facilities. This is a light-hearted family-friendly event, not a confrontational-style demo. Full details of the timetable, route and feeder rides will appear here as soon as they are available. In the meantime, note the date, or visit the Pedal on Parliament website for more information.

Friday 23rd May to Monday 26th May : CTC Lothians and Borders Rally
CTC members from throughout the UK are invited to this four-day event, hosted by the Lothian and Borders group. Rides of 20, 40 and 60 miles will be organised for the Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with social events in the evenings (cheese and wine party, quiz, film show, ceilidh). There will also be opportunities for mountain biking in the nearby Braid Hill and Pentand Hills. The event is based at the Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park, on the southern outskirts of Edinburgh. Cost: £18 per peson (£12 for children), excluding meals and accommodation. Further information and booking: An information sheet and booking form are available from Peter Valente (phone:0131 334 1786; email: ).

Saturday 7th June to Sunday 8th June : Edinburgh Moonwalk 2014
An overnight "power walking" marathon in which more than ten thousand 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, nearly £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 two shifts: 23.00 (Saturday) to 06.00; and 05.30 (Sunday) to 11.00. You will need to be reasonably fit, and will ideally to have a good knowledge of the area. Further information: phone 01483 741430, email , or visit the volunteers' web page.

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