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° | 5 mph |
| Wednesday | ||
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18° | 13 mph |
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17° | 13 mph |
Sunset: 21:35
Last updated: 24th July
Saturday 29th July 2017 : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The third of the group's Extra rides for this year. These rides are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a slightly faster pace. Today's ride will go to Haddington. It will be about 35 miles, with mostly gentle gradients but with a couple of climbs in the afternoon and one short stretch on a busy main road. For lunch, there is a choice of cafés and pubs, or bring food for a picnic by the riverside. Time and place: The ride will start at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh at 10.30 (this is about six miles from central Edinburgh). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 30th July : 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 Peter's Yard café, 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 5th August to Sunday 6th August : Mellow Velo Borders Weekend
A weekend of cycling in the Scottish Borders. The group will travel by train to Carlisle on the Saturday morning, then spend the rest of the weekend cycling back to Tweedbank for the train to Edinburgh on the Sunday afternoon. There will be about 35 - 40 miles of cycling each day. Overnight self-catering accommodation has been booked in Newcastleton for the Saturday night, but as this is now full anyone now joining the ride should make their own accommodation arrangements in the village. Further information: See also the Mellow Velo website.
Sunday 6th August : 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)
Saturday 12th August : 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 20th August : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. 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 Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).
Thursday 24th August : 20-Milers Evening Ride
The last of the group's evening rides for this summer. This ride will be about 15 miles, taken at a moderate pace (about 10 mph). Note that there will be no meal break. The ride will finish around dusk, so be sure to bring lights (with plenty of spare battery power). Time and place: Meet at 18.30, in front of All Bar One, next to the Sheraton Hotel in Lothian Road.. Cost and booking: The ride is free, with no need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (0131 466 6156, ) or see the ride's blog.
Saturday 26th August : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The fourth 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. Today's ride is provisionally planned to go to the Merryhatton Garden Centre near East Fortune. Further details of the route and meeting place will be posted here nearer the time. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 27th August : 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 Peter's Yard café, 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 27th August : Mellow Velo Day Ride
A liesurely 25-mile ride round the north and west of Edinburgh with a coffee stop at Craigie's Farm and a picnic lunch by the canal in Ratho (bring your own food). Meet: 09.15, at the Rodney Street tunnel (next to Tesco in Broughton Road). Further information: See also the Mellow Velo website.
Tuesday 29th August : CTC Evening Ride
The last of this summer's CTC Tuesday evening runs. These are sociable rides of 15 to 25 miles, and will go at a moderate pace, with the possibility of a short pub stop on the way back. Most rides end around 22.00, or shortly after dark if earlier (be sure to bring lights). Meet: 16.30, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: The ride is free and open to all, but those attending more than a few CTC rides will be asked to join. Further information: Contact Alastair Sim (, 0777 898 2265), or see the CTC Lothians website.
Sunday 3rd 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. 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)
Saturday 9th September : 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 10th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow to Edinbugh/Ingliston)
Scotland's largest charity bike ride, in aid of children's charity, STV Appeal. The annual ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh attracts riders of all ages and abilities (6,500 took part in 2016). 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. There are three separate rides, as follows. Classic Challenge: Approximately 45 miles, mainly on quiet roads. This is the one that most participants choose. Big Belter: An alternative 93-mile route through the Southern Uplands, aimed at the more serious road cyclist. This has the same start and end points and the same transport arrangements as the main event. Wee Jaunt: A ten-mile ride, starting in Linlithgow and following the same route as the final section of the Classic Challenge. This option is especially suitable for young children and less experienced riders. Registration: Advanced on-line registration required; go to the event's website (see below) and follow the 'Book Now' link for your chosen ride. Costs: Classic Challenge: £28 (£19 children and concessions). Big Belter: £45 (no concessionary rate). Wee jaunt: £8 (£5 children and concessions). These fees are all in addition to sponsorship money. Important note: As was the case in 2016, this ride will start and end in Ingliston - not Edinburgh. Buses to Glasgow will leave from Ingliston in the morning, and the ride will end in Ingliston in the afternoon. Riders will have to make their own way to/from Ingliston, which is nine miles from the city centre via the busy Glasgow Road. Bikes may be taken on Edinburgh trams from Haymarket to Ingliston Park and Ride, but these must be booked in advance (for today only). No other transport will be available between Ingliston and Edinburgh. Transport to Glagow: Transport for bikes and riders is available from Ingliston to the start point in Glasgow in the morning, or back to Glasgow in the evening. The cost is £20 for rider and bike. More information: Phone 0333 300 3485, email , or visit the Pedal for Scotland website.
Sociable rides taken at the usual 20-Milers slow-to-moderate pace. Most rides are about 15 miles (or slightly longer where daylight permits). The rides take place every Thursday evening from 27th April to 24th August. There might be a pub stop towards the end of the ride, but there is no official meal break. The rides usually finish around dusk, so be sure to bring lights. Time and place: Meet at 18.30, in front of All Bar One, next to the Sheraton Hotel in Lothian Road. 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 of 20 to 25 miles, running every Tuesday from 2nd May to the 29th August, starting from the Commonwealth Pool [map] at 18.30 (note: this is half an hour earlier than last year's rides). Rides often include a pub stop on the way home. The rides 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 .
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 10th August 2017 to Saturday 12th August 2017 : Ned Boulting's Bikeology
A solo comedy Fringe show in which Ned Boulting presents a "ride through the world of bikeology" including "brand new tales from life in the cycling lane" and "the inside scoop on his time at the 2017 Tour de France". Tickets: £15 (£12 concessions) from the Fringe box office or on-line from the Fringe website. Time and place: 14.30 daily (show lasts 75 minutes), at Assembly Checkpoint, 3 Bristo Place.
Saturday 12th August to Monday 28th August : Cycling at the Edinburgh Book Festival
Speakers at this year's book festival include Chris Hoy (Olympic cycling medallist), Dervla Murphy and Jennifer Tough (veterans of several ultra-long-distance bike rides), Elly Blue (speaking on the "social bicycle revolution") and Juliana Buhring (the first woman to circumnavigate the world on a bike). Some of these events might be sold out, but it's worth looking out for returns. Full details and booking: Edinburgh International Book Festival website.
Forth Road Bridge
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Newspapers are unable, seemingly, to discriminate between a bicycle accident and the collapse of civilisation.”
George Bernard Shaw
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
A D V E R T
4th - 28th August : Free Royal Mile walking tours
Free tours of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, led by expert local guides. Twice daily during the Fringe. Read more ...
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.
Craigmillar Castle
Photo: Andy Hunter
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