Organised bike rides in and around Edinburgh

Now in its tenth year, this page gives 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.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this site over the last decade - and especially those who have organised and led the rides, and everyone else who has helped make Edinburgh a first-class cycling community.

Forthcoming rides

Friday 25th July 2014 : 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 July : EasyCycle Short Ride
An easy 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. The ride will end mid afternoon. Meet: Today's ride will start at 10.30, 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 27th July : 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).

Sunday 3rd August : 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)

Sunday 3rd August : 20-Milers Extra
The second of the group's Extra rides for 2014. At about 30 - 35 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a slightly faster pace. They should appeal to cyclists who are comfortable with the group's normal slow-to-moderate speed, and now want to try something a little more demanding. Route and destination: Today's ride will head out along the East Lothian coast, with a café lunch near Aberlady, or bring a picnic if you prefer. The ride will include some short stretches on main roads. It should end mid to late afternoon. Meet: 10.00, in front of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood (near the fancy bike racks). Please note the earlier start time and the non-standard meeting place. 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, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Saturday 9th August : 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 9th August : Midlothian Town and Countryside Ride
An easy ride on quiet roads and cycle paths. The ride starts in Dalkeith, and takes in Dalhousie, Carrington, D’Arcy and Cousland, with a lunch stop in Vogrie Country Park. The ride, which is part of the Midlothian Walking Festival, is suitable for all ages. The distance is 20 miles (but note the start and end point is Dalkeith; for riders coming from central Edinburgh, the total distance will be about 45 miles). Cost, booking and further information: The ride is free, but advanced booking is required. Contact Midlothian Ranger Service (01875 821716) by 1st August. When you book, the rangers will notify you of the start time and place.

Sunday 10th August : 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).

Saturday 16th August : EasyCycle Ride and Walk to Cramond Island
An easy bike ride combined with a short walk. The group will leave the meeting point at 10.30, cycle to Cramond (about 90 minutes), have an early picnic or café lunch (your choice), walk out to Cramond Island and back (60 to 90 minutes), and finally cycle back to the start point, arriving there at about 16.00. The cycling will be at a slow to moderate pace which will be especially suitable for new and less-experienced cyclists. Points to note: (i) wear shoes that are suitable for both walking and cycling; (ii) be prepared to carry your gear with you on the walk (consider bringing a rucksack rather than a pannier). Meet: The ride will start at 10.30 sharp, from in front of 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.

Saturday 16th August to Sunday 17th August : Mellow Velo Lockerbie Weekend
A two-day ride in the Lockerbie area, with about 25 - 30 miles of cycling each day. On the Saturday, the group will head north west from Lockerbie to Thornhill via Parkgate and Ae, with an optional detour to visit Morton Castle. The Sunday ride will return to Lockerbie by way of Auldgirth and Loch Maben. Accommodation: B&B in Thornhill (less than £30 per person). Transport: Train to and from Lockerbie, leaving Edinburgh 08.12 on the Saturday, arriving back 19.34 on the Sunday (journey takes about an hour). About £20 return (with advance booking). Further information: Email or see the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 17th August : 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

Saturday 23rd August : 20-Milers Extra
The third of the group's Extra rides for 2014. At about 30 - 35 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a slightly faster pace. They should appeal to cyclists who are comfortable with the group's normal slow-to-moderate speed, and now want to try something a little more demanding. Route and destination: Today's ride will head to Roslin, via Dalkeith, Newbattle Abbey and Roslin Glen, returning by way of Loanhead and the new cycle path to Gilmerton. Lunch will be at a café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. There will be some hills on the outward journey, including one particularly steep one just before lunch. There will also be a couple of stretches on main roads. The ride should end mid to late afternoon. Meet: 10.00 (NOTE: half an hour earlier than usual), 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, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Sunday 24th August : 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).

Tuesday 26th August : CTC Evening Ride
The last of this summer's CTC Tuesday evening runs. These rides are between 20 and 25 miles, and will go at a moderately fast pace, with the possibility of a short pub stop on the way back. Tonight's ride will end shortly after dark (be sure to bring lights). The rides will resume in May 2015. Meet: 19.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Cost and booking: The ride is free and open to all, but those attending more than a few CTC rides will be asked to join; membership information will be available on the night. Further information: Alastair Sim (07813 468 563), or see the CTC Lothians website. 

Friday 29th August : 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 30th August : 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.

Sunday 7th September : 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)

Sunday 7th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow to Edinbugh) 2014
Scotland's largest charity bike ride, in aid of children's charity, STV Appeal. The annual ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh attracts riders of all ages and abilities (over 12,000 took part in 2013). You ride at your own pace, either on your own or in the company of others. Several rest and refreshment stops are provided along the way.This year, there are again three separate rides, as follows. Main route: Approximately 47 miles, mainly on quiet roads. This is the one that most participants choose. Sportive: An alternative 110-mile route through the Southern Uplands, aimed at the more serious cyclist (but with the same start and end points and the same transport arrangements as the main event). Family ride: A nine-mile ride from Kirkliston, arriving at the finish point at the same time as the main ride.  Registration: Advanced on-line registration required. Costs: Main route: £27.50 (£17.50 children and concessions). Sportive: £41.50 (no concessionary rate). Family ride: £9.50 (£6.50 children and concessions). These fees are all in addition to sponsorship money. Transport: Transport for bikes and riders is available from Edinburgh to the start point in Glasgow in the morning, or back to Glasgow in the evening, at a cost of £16 one way. For the family ride, transport to the start point is included in the fee (but note that this leaves Edinburgh at 9.30 a.m.). More information: Phone 0141 348 7998, email , or visit the Pedal for Scotland website.

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