
This page provides an up-to-date listing of all organised cycle rides in or near the Scottish capital. These rides are run by local cycling clubs and groups, and are mostly free of charge and open to all.
If you like the idea of cycling in congenial company with a knowledgeable guide, 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 you'll have a great day out.
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Lights needed: 22:29
Summer Tuesdays: CTC Evening Rides
These are moderately fast rides of 20 to 30 miles (but shorter and slower in April), running from 7th April to 25th August.
Most rides include a pub stop on the way back. Lights are essential as rides might end after dark.
Meet: 19.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road.
Further information:
CTC Lothians, or contact Neil Robertson (0131 664 2131 or 07884 488682).
Every Wednesday: CTC
These runs are usually 50 to 60 miles. The pace varies to suit those attending,
but all rides should be within the capabilities of a fairly fit cyclist. Bring food
for a picnic lunch. The starting times and contact details are the same each week,
but the meeting points and destinations vary. For details, please refer to the current rides
list on the CTC web site.
Meet: 10.00. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information:
CTC Lothians, or contact
Peter Martin (0131 229 8615).
Every Saturday : CTC
These are moderately-paced runs of up to 50 miles in winter, 70 miles in summer.
The destination is chosen on the day according to the weather and who turns up.
They aim to stop at a cafe for tea in the afternoon but you should take your own
food for lunch. Meet: First Saturday of the month: 10.00, at the Water of Leith Visitors
Centre, Slateford Road. All other Saturdays: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth
Pool, Dalkeith Road.Further information:
CTC Lothians, or contact Neil Brearley (01968 677117).
Every Saturday: Edinburgh RC
These rides are intended for serious cyclists interested in riding at speed in a
group. Each ride is split into five or six groups of varying speeds, with staged
departures. The faster groups don't wait for stragglers. If you are in doubt about
whether these rides are suitable for you, please consult the
FAQ on their website. Meet: 09.30 to 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Cost
and booking: Free. Non-members welcome, but those who ride with the club
regularly are requested to join. Further information:
Edinburgh RC (email: erc@edinburghrc.co.uk).
Every Sunday: Edinburgh RC
These are fast rides for serious cyclists interested in training to race.They are
suitable for cyclists who can sustain an average speed of 20 mph over reasonably
long distances. If you are in doubt about whether these rides are suitable for you,
please consult the FAQ on their website.
Meet: 10.00, at the Tusitala Pavilion, Buckstone Terrace. Cost and booking:
Free. Non-members welcome, but those who ride with the club regularly are requested
to join. Further information: Edinburgh
RC (email: erc@edinburghrc.co.uk).
Sunday 5th July 2009 : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of about 50 miles. Spokes rides are longer and faster than 20-Milers and TryCycling runs but not as demanding as full-day CTC outings. They 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 at about 17.00. 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)
Saturday 11th July : 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are good choice for the "intermediate" rider - those who are comfortable cycling more than a few miles at a time but might not feel ready for a long day out. They favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. Today's route will explore some interesting bike paths in the Balerno, Ratho and Riccarton areas, with lunch at the Bridge Inn, Ratho, or a canal-side picnic spot. At 24 miles, this will be slightly longer than normal, but will be taken at the usual gentle pace. The 20-Milers Blog has details and photos of previous rides. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email
Sunday 19th July : 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: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Anne Carter (0131 657 2189).
Sunday 19th July : Spokes Extra
The first of three additional Spokes runs this summer. At 60 - 80 miles, these extra rides are longer than the usual first-Sunday outings, with an earlier start and shorter lunch break, but at about the same overall speed. They should appeal to a reasonably fit cyclist who enjoys a long day in the saddle. Picnic lunch recommended. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)
Sunday 2nd August : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of about 50 miles. Spokes rides are longer and faster than 20-Milers and TryCycling runs but not as demanding as full-day CTC outings. They 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 at about 17.00. 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)
Saturday 8th August : 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are good choice for the "intermediate" rider - those who are comfortable cycling more than a few miles at a time but might not feel ready for a long day out. They favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. Lunch is usually at a cafe or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Details of today's route and destination will be posted here nearer the time.The 20-Milers Blog has details and photos of previous rides. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email
Sunday 16th 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: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Anne Carter (0131 657 2189).
Sunday 16th August : Spokes Extra
The second of three additional Spokes runs this summer. At 60 - 80 miles, these extra rides are longer than the usual first-Sunday outings, with an earlier start and shorter lunch break, but at about the same overall speed. They should appeal to a reasonably fit cyclist who enjoys a long day in the saddle. Picnic lunch recommended. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)
Monday 17th August to Sunday 23rd August : Edinburgh to London Charity Ride
A six-day sponsored ride, from Edinburgh Castle to Buckingham Palace, in aid of Right To Play (a charity which "improves the lives of the the most disadvantaged children in the world"). With stages from 54 to 105 miles per day, this ride will appeal to fit, active riders. You can also sign up for individual days (the first day is 54 miles to Berwick on Tweed, with the possibility of returning to Edinburgh by train). Cost: £85 registration fee, plus £815 "sponsorship pledge", which includes seven nights accommodation, all meals, transport of luggage and the services of a support vehicle. Further information and registration: Students for Right to Play; phone: 0207 734 7946; email:
Saturday 22nd August : Mellow Velo Short Ride
A leisurely 25-mile circuit, taking in Davidson's Mains, Cramond Brig, Kirkliston and Ratho, with a refreshment stop at the Craigie Farm café. Meet: 10.00, at Canonmills Tesco, Broughton Road. Further information: Sheelagh (), or see the Mellow Velo website.
Sunday 13th September : Pedal for Scotland
Scotland's largest charity bike ride. The annual ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh attracts around 5,000 riders of all ages and abilities. The route is approximately 50 miles, mainly on quiet roads, which you do at your own pace, with plenty of rest and refreshment stops along the way. This year's charity is Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre. Cost and booking: Advanced registration required. £19.50 (£11.50 children and concessions) plus sponsorship money. Discounts for team entries. Transport from Edinburgh to the start in the morning (or back to Glasgow in the evening): £13 one way, for bike and rider. Register on-line More information: Phone 01695 682 020, email , or visit the Pedal for Scotland website.
Saturday 18th July 2009 to Sunday 19th July 2009 : Edinburgh Treefest
Mountain bike displays are one of the many events in this weekend-long family festival. The programme also includes interactive crafts, horse logging, axe throwing, tree climbing demos, various games, a skate ramp, entertainment, refreshments, information stalls and more. Time and place: 11.00 to 17.00 each day, at Inverleith Park. Cost: Free.
Riders on a recent 20-Milers run pause to admire the 16th Century doocot in Corstorphine.
More photos from recent rides
QUOTE OF THE DAY
After your first day of cycling, one dream is inevitable. A memory of motion lingers in the muscles of your legs, and round and round they seem to go. You ride through Dreamland on wonderful dream bicycles that change and grow.
H.G. Wells
Escape Edinburgh by Bike
For those who are interested in planning their own rides, these escape routes will
get you out of 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
Edinburgh Cycling Links
Links to other sites of interest to local cyclists.
Cycle-friendly Scottish hostels. A cyclist's guide to hostels and other budget accommodation in Scotland.
Cyclist's Quiz. How well do you know our local bike routes?
Bike-Friendly Arizona
Notes and photos from a recent trip to the Phoenix / Tempe area.
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.
Cycling Edinburgh Info
A site containing comprehensive information and advice for local cyclists. Lots
of practical advice, plus some great photos.
Spokes
A non-party political campaigning group, pressing for better conditions for cyclists,
especially in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
TryCycling in Edinburgh
An active campaign to encourage and support more people to ride bicycles in Edinburgh.
A coffee break at the Cramond Mill Cafe, pictured on a recent TryCycling ride (photo by Neil Robertson)
More photos from recent rides
Cycling Edinburgh. Listings maintained by (and website designed by) Mike Lewis.
Please contact me with your feedback, suggestions or details of events you would
like me to include on this page. You can email me at:
Site policies. To be eligible for listing on this site, an event must (i) be open to cyclists regardless of their nationality, religion, ethnic group, sex or sexual orientation; (ii) not require the use of a car.
Technical notes. Fellow software developers and webmasters might be interested in some of the technical aspects of the event listings on this site.
Copyright Mike Lewis Consultants Ltd and contributors, 2006 - 2009. Feel free to reproduce extracts from this site for non-commercial use, but I would appreciate an acknowledgement and link back to the original page.