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.
Updated today
Wednesday 22nd September 2021 : Holyrood Park ride
A short (45-minute) early-evening ride to mark World Car-Free Day (which encourages people to travel more sustainably). Meet: 18:00 at the Broad Pavement car park beside the Parliament building. Further information: Car-Free Holyrood Park on Facebook.
Sunday 26th September : 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. Please bear in mind it may not be possible to fit the whole group indoors because of Covid restrictions. Meet: 10:30, in front of Söderberg café, Middle Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Sunday 3rd October : 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. The ride should end around 17:00. Meet: 10:00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free. For the time being, because of Covid restrictions, numbers are limited; riders are asked to book in advance by phoning the leader, Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073). Further information: Spokes.
Saturday 9th October : 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 will be posted here nearer the time. Meet: 10:30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 31st October : 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 Söderberg café (formerly Peter's Yard), Middle Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Sunday 7th November : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of 40 to 45 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 end of BST, this ride will be a little shorter than of late. It is planned to end before dark, but lights are advised to be on the safe side. Meet: 10.00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders also have a ride every Wednesday throughout the year. These are moderate-to-fast rides of 40 to 70 miles (40 to 50 miles in the winter), aimed at reasonably fit cyclists. The rides occasionally include a café stop, but in most cases riders should bring a packed lunch. All rides start at 10:00, but the meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the group's web site. Rides are each currently limited to 15 riders and so should be booked by text once the details have been posted on the groups.io email group. If you wish to be added to this group, please email
with a few words about yourself. CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders is part of Cycling UK.
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders also have a ride every Sunday throughout the year. These are usually about 30 to 45 miles, but might occasionally be longer. The rides occasionally include a café stop, but in most cases riders should bring a packed lunch. All rides start at 10:00, but the meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the the group's web site. Rides are each currently limited to 15 riders and so should be booked by text once the details have been posted on the groups.io email group. If you wish to be added to this group, please email
with a few words about yourself.
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.
Wednesday 22nd September 2021 : Spokes Public Meeting (On-line)
A meeting to discuss the roles and activities of Edinburgh-based cycling campaign groups. These are groups which press for "ways of getting around that are less car-dominated, safer, healthier and more climate-friendly", such as campaigning for specific cycle routes or lobbying for wider low-traffic neighbourhoods. Speakers: Sarah Gowanlock (Better Edinburgh for Sustainable Transport [BEST] and Car-Free Holyrood Park), Kirsty Lewin (Spokes Portobello), Jenni McGrouther (Sciennes Primary Bike Bus), Iain Monk (Drem/Gullane Path Campaign), Sasha Taylor (South West Edinburgh 20-minute Neighbourhoods [SW20]) and David French (Spokes Planning Group). The talks will be followed by a 45-minute panel Q&A session chaired by Alix Davies, secretary of the Edinburgh Climate Commission. Time: 19:30 to 21:30 How to join: Those wishing to attend are asked to register in advance on this page (you can also register and join after the meeting has started). You will then be sent an email which will give more details. Note that the meeting is free, despite any mention of payment during the registration process. Further information: See the Spokes website.
Saturday 25th September to Sunday 26th September : Edinburgh Doors Open Days 2021
A chance to visit buildings of historic or architectural importance that are usually either closed to the public or charge an admission fee. This annual event is not specifically aimed at cyclists, but bike users will find it particularly easy to nip around the city and take in as many of the attractions as possible. Of the 93 sites that are taking part this year (including several in East Lothian), over half will be open to in-person visitors, and all will offer some form of on-line tour. The entire event is free of charge. More information: Visit the Cockburn Association's website.
Sunday 26th September : Spylaw Park "Family Commute" event
A chance to try out various methods of transporting children comfortably and safely, such as cargo bikes, trailers and child seats. Time and place: 10:00 to 15:00, at Spylaw Park, Colinton. Further information:
Saturday 6th November : Pedal on COP26
A mass bike ride to the COP26 climate conference in Glagow, as part of the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice. There will be feeder rides from various parts of Glasgow during the morning, as well as a longer (45-mile) ride from Edinburgh, leaving from the Meadows at 08:00 and expected to arrive in Glasgow by mid afternoon. There will be other joining points along the way. At least one refreshment stop will be provided. The event is free but donations are welcome. Organised by Pedal on Parliament. Further information: See this page.
Hermitage of Braid
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“One of the advantages of cycling is that it prevents a journey from becoming an expedition.”
Dervla Murphy
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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 Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders
The local branch of Cycling UK. They organise several rides each 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.
The descent from Ochiltree, near Linlithgow
Photo: ML
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