Organised bike rides in and around Edinburgh

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.

 

Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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Lights needed: 20:27

Regular weekly rides

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Other organised rides

Tuesday 31st August 2010 to Tuesday 7th September 2010 : Edinburgh to Paris Charity Ride
Cycle 250 miles in four days to raise money for charities in Malawi and elsewhere, with sightseeing and shopping stops on the way home. There will be three groups, to cater for riders of different abilities. Support vehicles available. Cost: £500 per person, plus sponsorship money. Information and booking: or www.prenticeevents.com

Saturday 4th September : 20-Milers Extra
An additional 20-Milers ride. At about 30 miles, this will be a longer run than the group's usual outings, and at a slightly faster pace. It should appeal to those who are comfortable with the usual 20-Milers slow-to-moderate speed, and now want to try something a little more challenging. The destination will be Roslin Glen, returning by Dalkeith. Much of the route will be on quiet roads and bike paths, but there will also be a few stretches on main roads. Lunch will be at a cafe or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. The ride is likely to end around 16.00. Meet: 10.00 (note the earlier-than-usual start time), 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 See also the 20-Milers Blog, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Sunday 5th September : 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. Today's ride will be to Linlithgow for a picnic lunch at a member's home (be sure to bring your own food). It should end around 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)

Sunday 5th September : Fife Coastal Challenge 2010
A charity ride, starting and finishing at Leuchars, organised by (and in aid of) FOE Scotland. A choice of routes (30 or 50 miles), both of which are mainly on quiet roads and are fairly flat. There will be an optional lunch stop at Anstruther. Transport from Edinburgh might be available for bikes, with riders travelling by train (details not yet finalised). Cost: £15 (concessions £10), plus sponsorship money (minimum £150 requested). Information and registration: FOE Scotland, or phone 0131 243 2700.

Saturday 11th September : 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 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 ride will head out to the west of the city, using canal towpath, railway paths and quiet roads, with a total distance of 22 miles. The group will stop for a pub lunch in Kirkliston, or bring a picnic if you prefer. 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 See also the 20-Milers Blog, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Saturday 11th September to Sunday 12th September : Mellow Velo Fife Weekend
A weekend of cycling in Fife. Travel by train on the Saturday to either Markinch or Thornton, then ride through the East Neuk towns for an overnight stop at St. Andrews, returning by a different route on the Sunday. Details and booking: See also the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 12th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow to Edinbugh) 2010
Scotland's largest charity bike ride, which this year is in aid of Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre. The annual ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh attracts around 7,000 riders of all ages and abilities. The route is approximately 50 miles, mainly on quiet roads. You ride at your own pace, either on your own or in the company of others. Several rest and refreshment stops are provided along the way. This year, there will also be the option of a 100-mile "sportive" route - a more challenging ride, with the same start and end points and the same transport arrangements as the main event. Cost and booking: Advanced on-line registration required. £21.50 (£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): £15 one way, for bike and rider. More information: Phone 0141 348 7998, email , or visit the Pedal for Scotland website.

Sunday 19th September : 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 September : Spokes Extra
The third 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. Meet: 09.30 at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)

Sunday 26th September to Saturday 2nd October : Storybikes Fife & Kinross Tour
A seven-day cycling tour, combined with story-telling. "Through stories, travel to the heart and history of the landscape. A story or two along the way each day will include myths, legends, humour and history." Cycling is at an easy pace, covering about 25 miles each day. Starting on the Sunday morning in Dunfermline (accessible by rail from Edinburgh), the tour will visit Kinross, Cupar, St Andrews and Kirkcaldy, with the final overnight at Inverkeithing. On the last day, you can either cycle on to Edinburgh or take a train home. Cost: £610 person, including dinner and accommodation, based on two people sharing. Single and family rooms also available. The price includes admission to Loch Leven Castle, Falkland Palace and the Scottish Fisheries Museum. More information and booking: Andy Hunter (, 07762 000039), or see the Storybikes web site.

Sunday 26th September : Four Abbeys Cycle Challenge
Two rides starting and ending in Melrose, comprising an 11-mile "family route" and a more challenging 55-mile circuit of the Kelso area, both in aid of Children First. For more details and advance registration, phone 0131 319 8075, email , or visit the event's web page.

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. Today's ride should end around 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 9th October : 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 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 café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Details of today's route and destination will appear 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: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Sunday 10th October : Cycle 10-10-10 Charity Ride
A ride from Edinburgh to Dunbar in aid of Love Ghana, an organisation that raises funds for humanitarian aid in Ghana. Choose between a fairly flat 37-mile coastal route and a more challenging 40-mile hilly route inland. The ride will start at 10.00 from Holyrood Park (from the grassy area to the east of Holyroodhouse Palace) and finish at Winterfield Park, Dunbar. There will be a support vehicle to help with minor mechanical problems, a first-aid vehicle, and refreshments. Transport back to Edinburgh after the event will be arranged if there is sufficient demand. Cost and registration: Advanced registration is preferred, but registration is also possible on the day. £10 per person (free for under-12s) plus sponsorship money. Register on-line, or send a cheque to Love Ghana, 9 Elphinstone Road, Tranent EH33 2LG. Further information: Phone 01875 824988 or email

Sunday 17th October : 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).

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Other bike-related event

Saturday 25th September 2010 to Sunday 26th September 2010 : Edinburgh Doors Open Day 2010
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. All the buildings involved will have free admission for the weekend, and most will offer behind-the-scenes tours, exhibitions, talks or other special activities. More information: Pick up a Doors Open Day brochure from your local public library or the Tourist Information Office in Princes Street (available from 30 August), or visit the Cockburn Association's website.

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