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

Sunday 18th November 2018 : 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 ().

Thursday 22nd November : Moonlight Ride
An evening ride to take advantage of the (approximately) full moon. These are easy-paced runs of 15 - 20 miles, mainly on well-surfaced paths. As the whole ride takes place during the hours of darkness, strong lights are essential. Meet: 19:00, in Lister Square (which is behind the Starbucks in Middle Meadow Walk). The ride will finish around 21:00. Cost and booking: Free. No booking required; just turn up. More information: Contact Jim Cameron () or see this web page.

Sunday 25th November : EasyCycle Half-Day 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. From now until February, these rides will be shorter than usual; they will end near a pub in the city centre at 13:00.  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.

Sunday 2nd December : 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. The ride will probably end around dark, so be sure to brings lights.  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 December : 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.

Sunday 16th December : 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 ().

Thursday 20th December : Moonlight Ride
An evening ride to take advantage of the (approximately) full moon. These are easy-paced runs of 15 - 20 miles, mainly on well-surfaced paths. As the whole ride takes place during the hours of darkness, strong lights are essential. Meet: 19:00, in Lister Square (which is behind the Starbucks in Middle Meadow Walk). The ride will finish around 21:00. Cost and booking: Free. No booking required; just turn up. More information: Contact Jim Cameron () or see this web page.

Tuesday 25th December : 20-Milers Christmas Morning Ride
A short ride of 12 - 15 miles, taken at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops. The route will include bike paths and quiet roads in and around the city centre (taking advantage of the reduced traffic that day). The ride will finish near the Meadows by 13:00 at the latest. Note that there will be no café stop. Meet: 10:30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free and open to all. No need to book: just turn up. Further information: See the the 20-Milers Blog or email

Sunday 30th December : EasyCycle Half-Day 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. From now until February, these rides will be shorter than usual; they will end near a pub in the city centre at 13:00.  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.

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Other bike-related events

Tuesday 1st January 2019 : Edinburgh Triathlon 2019
The Edinburgh New Years Day Triathlon is a competitive event, but one that's open to everyone: serious triathletes and fun-runners alike (in previous years, half of all participants were taking part in a triathlon for the first time). Relay teams are welcome. Those taking part will face a 400-metre swim (eight lengths of the Commonwealth Pool), an 11-mile cycle ride (three times round Arthur’s Seat), and a 3½-mile run (once round Arthur’s Seat). There is a separate duathlon for 8 – 15 year-olds; this involves two short runs and a two-kilometre bike ride, all on closed roads. The event is open to spectators. Venue: The event starts and finishes at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. The kids' event starts at 11.00, the main race at 12.00. More information: John Whittaker (0131 454 0900), or see the event's web page.

Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 3rd March : Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show
A trade show and exhibition dedicated to cycling, running and other outdoor activities. Attractions include a mini veledrome, an indoor mountain bike track, an under-16s activity zone, a "mystery marathon challenge", a zip line, a climbing wall and a chance to try out a range of accessories and equipment. Venue: SEC, Glasgow. More information: See the event's website.

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