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.
Updated today
Saturday 21st July 2018 : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The third 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 will head out to West Lothian. The route will be mainly on quiet roads with a few short sections on paths that might be rough in places. Food and drink: The lunch stop will be at the New Hopetoun Garden Centre near Abercorn. Bring food for a picnic in the grounds, or pick up a snack in the Orangery Tearoom. Meet: 10:00, at the Sustrans marker in Craigleith (if you don't know where that is, see this blog post). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 29th 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 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 5th 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 11th 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 19th 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. 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 ().
Saturday 25th 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. 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 26th 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 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 26th August : Mellow Velo Day Ride
A leisurely 25-mile ride around the outskirts of the city, taking in Cramond, Boathouse Bridge, Kirkliston and Newbridge, and then by the canal towpath to Lochrin. There will be a coffee break at Craigie's Farm and a picnic lunch at Ratho. Time and place: Meet at 09:15 at the entrance to the Rodney Street tunnel, next to the Broughton Road Tesco. Further information: Contact or see the Mellow Velo website.
Tuesday 28th August : CTC Evening Ride
The last of this summer's CTC Tuesday evening runs. These are sociable rides of 20 to 25 miles which go at a moderate pace, usually with an optional pub stop on the way home. Most rides end around 22:00 or shortly after dark if earlier (be sure to bring lights). These evening rides will resume in May 2019. Meet: Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map] in time for an 18:30 departure. 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; membership information will be available on the night. Further information: Contact Alastair Sim (, 0777 898 2265), or see the CTC Lothians website.
Sunday 2nd 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)
Sunday 9th September : Pedal for Scotland: Glasgow- Edinburgh (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. 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 100-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: £29 (£21 children and concessions). Big Belter: £49 (£41 children and concessions). Wee jaunt: £8 (£5 children; family rates also available). All fees are also subject to "processing fees". The fees are all in addition to sponsorship money. Important note: This ride once again ends in Ingliston - not Edinburgh. Buses to Glasgow will leave from Ingliston in the morning, and the ride will end in Ingliston in the afternoon. Edinburgh-based 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 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.
Monday 6th August 2018 to Friday 31st August 2018 : 'Go Wild' NCN Photo Exhibition
An exhibition of photographs featuring the wildlife and scenery of the National Cycle Network in Scotland, organised by Sustrans. Cost: Free. Time and place: Daily from 08:00 to 19:00, at the terminus of the Union Canal in Lochrin.
Saturday 11th August to Monday 27th August : Cycling Events at the 2018 Book Festival
Speakers at this year's book festival include Chris Hoy (Olympic gold medallist), Mark Beaumont (round-the-world record holder), Graeme Obree (one-hour record holder and individual pursuit champion), William Fotheringham (author of a book on the notorious "Hell of the North" Paris-Roubaix race) and Louise Minchin (TV presenter and amateur triathlete). Full details and booking: Edinburgh International Book Festival website.
Craigmillar Castle
Photo: Andy Hunter
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Cyclers see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle well applied will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.”
W. K. Doty
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.
Evening on the Portobello Prom
Photo: ML
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