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 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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Forthcoming rides

Friday 17th May 2019 to Monday 20th May 2019 : Mellow Velo Inverness - Dyce Weekend
Four days of cycling in the north east, mainly on quiet roads, bike paths and former railway lines. On the Friday, the group will travel by train to Inverness then cycle the 40 miles to Forres via Culloden, Nairn and Brodie Castle. The Saturday route will take in Elgin, Portsoy and Buckie (46 miles), with an option to visit Elgin Cathedral. On the Sunday, the group will make for Maud via Banff and Turriff (36 miles), finally heading to Dyce (25 miles) for the train home on the Monday. Accommodation will be in B&Bs and hostels. Early booking recommended.  Further information and booking: Phone 07810 364206. See also the Mellow Velo website.

Saturday 25th May to Sunday 26th May : Mellow Velo Angus Weekend
A weekend ride form Arbroath to Glen Prosen and back. The group will travel by train to Arbroath on the Saturday morning, returning from Arbroath on the Sunday evening. Accommodation on the Saturday night will be at Glen Prosen youth hostel. Further information and booking: See also the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 26th May : 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.

Saturday 1st June : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The first of the group's Extra rides for this year. At 35 - 40 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a faster pace, but with the same sociable and unpressured atmosphere. There is usually a pub or cafe stop for lunch, or bring your own food for a picnic. Route and destination: Today's ride will go to Kirkliston, Philpstoun and Bo'ness, returning via the coastal path through South Queensferry. Food and drink: The lunch stop will be at the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, where there is a cafe and picnic tables. Meet: 10:15, at the Sustrans marker at the Craigleith path junction (see this blog post for directions). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 2nd 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. The 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 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.

Saturday 8th June to Sunday 9th June : Mellow Velo Kirk Yetholm Weekend
A weekend ride in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, with an overnight stop at Kirk Yetholm. The group will travel by train to Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Saturday morning (trains at 09:08, 09:30 and 10:06), returning from Berwick on the Sunday evening (17:37, 18:18 and 18:37). There is a choice of hostel or hotel accommodatoin in Kirk Yetholm for the Saturday night. Further information and booking: Riders are responsible for booking their own trains and accommodation, which should be done as far in advance as possible. Please also contact There is further information about this ride on the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 9th June : All-Ability Cramond Ride
A "relaxed" family-friendly ride from Bangholm to Cramond suitable for riders of all abilities. Free; no booking required. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 10:00 to 14:00; meet at the Bangholm Outdoor Centre, Craighall Gardens. Contact details: David Glover (, 07500 069357).

Sunday 9th June : Spokes Family Ride and Picnic
A short family-friendly ride along the Innocent Railway path, with plenty of stops along the way. Bring a packed lunch for a picnic. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Free. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 11:00 to 13:00; meet at the central path junction in the Meadows. Further information and booking:

Saturday 15th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride - CANCELLED
Lepra have announced that this year's ride will not now take place. No further information about this decision is available. The ride is due to return in 2020, and full details of that event will appear here when available. For general information about the Lepra ride, including contact details, see here.

Sunday 16th June : Leith to Portobello Family Ride
A leisurely 5-mile ride from Leith Links to Portobello Prom, especially suitable for families with children. There will be a one-and-a-half hour lunch stop on the beach at Portobello (bring a picnic) where there will be a chance to try out a range of bikes and equipment including child bike trailers, e-bikes and cargo bikes. Free. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 10:00 to 14:00, from Leith Community Crops in Pots, 57 Queen Charlotte Street. Further information and booking: Contact Calum Glen () or see the event's web page.

Friday 21st June : The Original 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: £30 per person (including refreshments, breakfast and mechanical support). Advanced booking is required; see the EdFoc website for details.

Friday 21st June : 20-Milers Evening Ride
An evening ride to celebrate the summer solstice. The ride, which will be mainly on bike paths within the city, will last about 2½ hours, and will go at a slow-to-moderate pace with plenty of stops. Note that there will be no meal or refreshment break, but the ride will finish near a pub. Be sure to bring lights (with plenty of juice). Meet: 19:00, 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.

Saturday 22nd June to Sunday 23rd June : Ride to the Sun - Carlisle to Cramond
An informal overnight ride to (approximately) coincide with the summer solstice. Riders will leave Carlisle between 19:00 and 20:30 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 stop at a chip shop in Moffat (43 miles), a refreshment stop at the Crook Inn (61 miles),and a chance to buy breakfast 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 29th June : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The second of the group's Extra rides for this year. At 35 - 40 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a faster pace, but with the same sociable and unpressured atmosphere. There is usually a pub or cafe stop for lunch, or bring your own food for a picnic. Details of today's ride, including meeting time and place, will appear here nearer the time. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 30th 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 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 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. The 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 8th September : Pedal for Scotland: Glasgow- Edinburgh (Ingliston)
Full details of this year's event will appear here soon. In the meantime, note the date. See also the Pedal for Scotland website.

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Other bike-related events

Sunday 2nd June 2019 : Edinburgh Open Streets
The second of three Sundays this summer when many Old Town streets will be closed to motor vehicles but open to cyclists and pedestrians: a good opportunity to cycle around the city centre without the ever-present traffic. There will be open-air entertainment and other events. Location: The streets affected will include almost the entire length of the Royal Mile as well Cockburn Street, Victoria Street, part of the Grassmarket and several adjoining streets. Events take place between 12:00 and 17:00. Cost and booking: Entirely free; no booking needed.

Thursday 6th June to Sunday 16th June : Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2019
Now in its seventh year, EdFoC offers around forty 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, cultural events, film shows and several organised bike rides. A selection of these events are listed elsewhere on this page. For the full programme, pick up a free booklet from local bike shops, leisure centres, public libraries, etc., or see the EdFoC website.

Friday 7th June : A Sunday in Hell
A Danish documentary about the Paris Roubaix road race, described as the most dramatic of the spring classics. This film, which is being shown as part of an evening of cycling-related films, is "arguably the best film about professional cycling", showing the race from the perspective of participants, organisers and spectators. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 19:30, at the Balerno Village Screen, St Joseph’s Centre, Main St, Balerno. Cost and booking: The event is free but donations are invited. For booking, see the Village Screen website.

Sunday 9th 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, tag-alongs and cargo bikes. Refreshments available. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 10:00 - 12:00, at the Bangholm Outdoor Centre, Craighall Gardens Cost: Free.

Tuesday 11th 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, advice and information, and, of course, the complementary hot breakfast, which now includes a range of healthy and vegetarian options (come early to get the full range). The event also includes the launch of Spokes' summer competition. It will be rounded off with "encouraging words" from local politicians on key cycling issues. Time and place: 07:45 to 09:30, City Chambers Quadrangle, High Street.

Friday 14th June : Spokes Public Meeting - City Centre Transformation
Edinburgh Council's City Centre Transformation project is expected to include important changes in the environment of central Edinburgh, including major improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. Tonight's meeting will hear details of the plans and the early responses to them, followed by questions from the floor. Time: Doors open 18:45 for coffee, stalls and informal chat. The meeting starts at 19:30 and ends at 21:30. Place: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Further information: Email ,  phone 0131 313 2114 (answering machine) or see the Spokes website.

Saturday 15th June : Free bike check and physio session
A drop-in bike clinic, sponsored by Watermans Solicitors. Mechanics will be on hand to give your bike a safety check, fix minor problems on the spot, and recommend a course of action for problems they can't immediately deal with. Running alongside will be a pop-up physio clinic. Physiotherapists will be available to discuss your health and fitness issues, advise on any necessary treatment, and work out a treatment plan. Both events are entirely free. These are Edinburgh Festival of Cycling events. Time and place: 10:00 to 14:00, at Watermans Solicitors, 7 Dock Place, Leith.

Sunday 7th July : Edinburgh Open Streets
The third of three Sundays this summer when many Old Town streets will be closed to motor vehicles but open to cyclists and pedestrians: a good opportunity to cycle around the city centre without the ever-present traffic. There will be open-air entertainment and other events. Location: The streets affected will include almost the entire length of the Royal Mile as well Cockburn Street, Victoria Street, part of the Grassmarket and several adjoining streets. Events take place between 12:00 and 17:00. Cost and booking: Entirely free; no booking needed.

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