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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14° | 13 mph |
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16° | 13 mph |
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18° | 17 mph |
Sunset today: 21:33
Updated today
Sunday 27th May 2018 : 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 (0131 466 6156, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Friday 1st June to Sunday 3rd June : Mellow Velo Hadrian's Wall Weekend
A weekend of cycling along Hadrian's Wall, based at The Sill hostel near Bardon Mill. The group will travel by train to Carlisle on the Friday, returning from Newcastle on the Sunday. Accommodation: The Sill is a new hostel, with 4-bedded rooms. The cost is £21 per night (£18 for SYHA members). Further information and booking: Those intended to come are asked to contact the organiser to co-ordinate travel and hostel booking. See also the Mellow Velo website.
Saturday 2nd June : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The second of the group's Extra rides for this year. At about 30 - 35 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a slightly faster pace. Details of today's meeting place, route and destination will appear here nearer the time. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 3rd 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. 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)
Thursday 7th June to Sunday 24th June : Waterways of Edinburgh Tour
Taking place every day during the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, this is a guided ride along the Union Canal and Water of Leith. The ride is about 10 miles, and is mainly on easy bike paths and the canal towpath. Cost and booking: There is a fee of £30 per person. Advanced booking required; phone 07921 665 627.
Saturday 9th 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.
Tuesday 12th June : Spokes Velorution Tour
A guided evening ride which demonstrates the evolution of Edinburgh's cycling infrastructure and the possible "shape of things to come". This will be a slow-paced ride, in and around the city centre, with plenty of stops. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: Meet at 18:15 at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk [map]. The ride will end at about 20:00. Cost and booking: Free, but booking is required; see the EdFoc website.
Friday 15th 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.
Saturday 16th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2018
The annual charity run to St Andrews in aid of leprosy relief. This is a demanding 68-mile ride through the Fife countryside, with more than a few hills to climb en route. But there's a great atmosphere, and you'll get a wonderful sense of achievement when you finish. You ride at your own pace, either alone or in the company of others, enjoying excellent scenery and superb refreshment stops along the way. A repair van and first-aiders accompany the ride. Time and place: The ride starts at 08.45 from the west gate of Inverleith Park. Cost and booking: Advanced registration required. £20 per person (£10 concessions). Transport back to Edinburgh is £17 for a rider and bike. Further information: Click here for full details of the St. Andrews ride, including an overview of the route, how to register, and the organisers' contact details.
Saturday 16th June to Sunday 17th June : 'Power of Food' Rides
Guided rides around 23 of Edinburgh's community food gardens, all of which will be open to the public over the weekend, offering garden tours, food, gardening workshops, music, storytelling or other entertainment, and children's activities. The family-friendly rides are mostly on bike paths and quiet roads. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event in association with Sustrans and the Power of Food Festival. Time and place: The rides start at 10:00 each day, and finish around 17:00. The start point will be announced in due course. Cost and booking: Free, but advanced booking required; see the EdFoc website.
Sunday 17th June : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. These rides are organised by CTC Lothians and Borders, which is part of Cycling UK. 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 Marian Rogers ().
Tuesday 19th June : Laid Back Bike Tour
An evening ride of particular interest to riders (and would-be riders) of recliners, trikes, cargo bikes and tandems. Bring your own or try one of the machines provided by Laid Back Bikes, who are hosting the event. The evening also includes a chance to look behind the scenes of "the capital's most obscure bike shop". This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. To book a bike, email Meeting place and time: 18:30, at Laid Back Bikes, 14 St. Peter's Place (Viewforth). The ride will finish at a nearby pub at about 21:00.
Saturday 23rd June to Sunday 24th June : 'Ride to the Sun' - Carlisle to Cramond
An informal overnight ride to (approximately) coincide with the summer solstice. Riders will leave Carlisle between 20:00 and 22:00 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 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.
Sunday 24th 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 (0131 466 6156, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Saturday 30th June to Sunday 1st July : Mellow Velo New Lanark Weekend
A weekend ride to New Lanark and back, with an opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage village and mills. The group will meet at Drumgelloch on the Saturday morning (to which there are frequent trains from Edinburgh) and then cycle the 30 miles to New Lanark. On the Sunday, they will ride back to Edinburgh on minor roads. This will be about 40 miles, but with the option of taking a train back from Livingston South, saving ten miles. Accommodation: This will be at the Wee Row hostel in New Lanark, which is £23 per night in a 3-bedded room. Further information and booking: Please contact the organiser as soon as possible for further information and to book the hostel. See also the Mellow Velo website.
Sunday 1st 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. 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 9th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow- Edinburgh/Ingliston)
The date has been fixed for this year's event. Full details will appear here as they become available.
Sociable rides taken at a moderate pace. Most rides are 15 - 20 miles (depending on the amount of daylight). They take place every Thursday evening from 3rd May to 23rd August. There will be no meal break during the evening, but most rides will end at or near a pub. The rides will finish around dusk, so be sure to bring lights. Time and place: Meet at 18:30 at the Victor Hugo café on the corner of Melville Terrace and Livingstone Place. Cost and booking: The rides are free, with no need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (0131 466 6156, ) or see the ride's blog.
These are moderately-paced sociable rides, running every Tuesday from 1st May to the 28th August. They start at 18:30 from the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. The length of the rides varies according to the daylight and weather, but are typically 20 to 25 miles. Rides often include an optional pub stop on the way home. They usually finish after dark, so be sure to bring lights. No need to book: just turn up. Contact: Alastair Sim (, 0777 898 2265).
As well as their frequent Sunday rides (listed in the section above), CTC have longer runs every Wednesday throughout the year. These are moderate-to-fast rides of 50 to 70 miles, aimed at reasonably fit cyclists. The starting times and meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the CTC web site, or email . These rides are organised by CTC Lothians and Borders, which is part of Cycling UK.
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.
Thursday 7th June 2018 to Sunday 24th June 2018 : Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2018
Now in its sixth year, EdFoC offers more than fifty 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, competitions, cultural events, film shows and lots of 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.
Saturday 9th June : Mountain Bike Skills Session
Qualified coaches from Edinburgh Road Club will be teaching mountain bike skills for all levels, from beginners to competition level. The sessions take place on the prepared mountain bike trails at Liberton High School, which provide a variety of terrain on which to practice riding. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 14:00 – 15:30, at Liberton High School, 328 Gilmerton Road. Cost and booking: £7 (adult), £5 (8-16 year-olds). Advanced booking required; see the EdFoc website.
Wednesday 13th June : Spokes Public Meeting - City Transformation
Presentations and a discussion on Edinburgh's far-reaching City Centre Transformation project and especially its aim to "prioritise access for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users" in central Edinburgh. Speakers include Daisy Narayanan (the project's leader), David Begg (leader of Glasgow's Connectivity Commission) and Cllr Adam McVey (Leader, City of Edinburgh Council). The meeting is free and open to all. 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. For information about the City Centre Transformation project, including Spokes' initial views, see this page. The meeting is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event.
Wednesday 13th 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. 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 09:00, City Chambers Quadrangle, High Street.
Thursday 14th June : Free Bike-Marking and Tune-Up
Local cyclists are invited to bring their bikes along for security marking by the police, and a tune-up courtesy of Cycle Republic. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Cost: Free. Time and place: 19:30 - 21:30, at Cycle Republic, 71 Morrison Street.
Saturday 16th 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, etc. Refreshments available. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 10:00 - 12:30, in the Pleasance Courtyard (near the junction of Pleasance and East Adam Street). Cost: Free.
Sunday 24th June : Let's Ride Edinburgh
"A street festival for anyone on a bike" on traffic-free roads. No other useful information is available on the organiser's website, but if you register your email address with them they will send you more details.
The Clubbiedean Reservoir
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“You can't mountain bike and think about dinner or divorce or the bills.”
Jacquie Phelan
Cycling in Edinburgh - Your Questions Answered
Interested in riding a bike in the Scottish capital? This FAQ will give you the information you need to get started.
Edinburgh Bike Paths: A Cyclist's Guide
How to get from A to B on two wheels.
Escape Edinburgh by Bike
These routes will get you out of the 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
The Edinburgh to St. Andrews (Lepra) bike ride
Everything you need to know about this popular event.
Browse all articles on this site
Recommended for local cyclists:
Bike Scotland Book One: Central Scotland
Forty short and medium rides in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and further afield, with detailed route descriptions, practical information and high-quality colour maps.
Coast and Castles South (Sustrans Cycle Map)
The offial map of the 200-mile NCN route between Edinburgh and Newcastle, plus other routes in East Lothian, the Borders and Northumberland. Fully waterproof in a plastic sleeve.
More Sustrans maps
Also recommended: 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.
Spokes
A non-party political campaigning group, pressing for better conditions for cyclists, especially in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Holyrood Park
Photo: ML
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