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
	7°	17 mph

Saturday
	8°	14 mph

Sunday
	9°	13 mph

Forthcoming rides

Sunday 20th May 2012 : 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: 09.50 for a 10.00 start, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians.

Sunday 20th May : Glagow to Ratho charity ride
A 50-mile ride from Glasgow to Ratho along the Firth & Clyde and Union canal towpaths, in aid of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. There are also options of shorter rides (25 miles), from Glasgow to Falkirk or from Falkirk to Edinburgh. Arrangements: Riders will meet by the canal at Ratho at 08.30, where transport will take them to the start of the ride in Glasgow. Note that no transport is available for Glasgow-based riders at the end of the ride. Edinburgh-based riders must make their own way to and from Ratho, which is nine miles from the city centre. Cost: There is no cost for taking part in the ride, but riders agree to raise a minimum of £30 sponsorship (£60 for families, £100 for teams), one third of which is payable on registration. Registration: Advanced registration required. This can be done on-line, by phone (0300 121 2999) or by post (download a printable registration form). Further information: 0845 450 2000, or visit the event's website.

Sunday 27th May : CTC
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a gentle pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more challenging than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic lunch. Meet: 10.00, by the entrance to Scottish Widows in Holyrood Park Road (opposite the Royal Commonwealth Pool [map]). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Sunday 27th May : EasyCycle Short Ride
A short informal ride of about 12 miles, which will be taken at a gentle pace with plenty of stops. These rides are especially suitable for less experienced adult riders and those who haven't cycled for a while (16- and 17-year olds are also welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult, but no under-16s please). As far as possible, the route avoids steep hills and roads with traffic. Today's ride will provide a chance to explore bike routes in the east of the city, with a lunch stop at a café in Portobello (or bring a picnic if you prefer). The ride should end about 3 pm. 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: Logan Strang (0131 346 7786, ).

Saturday 2nd June : Bethany Sportive
An event for "serious amateur" cyclists, to raise funds to help homeless and vulnerable people. The main route is a 102-mile circuit of the Scottish Borders, taking in the Moorfoot Hills, Selkirk and the River Tweed and Gala Water valleys. This is a demanding route, with 8,000 feet of ascent, which riders are expected to finish in eight hours. A (slightly) less challenging 72-mile option is also available. There will be food and water stations offering refreshments along the way; those wanting something more substantial should bring their own food. The ride is non-competitive, but each rider will be individually timed, with all times being published on the Bethany website after the event. Time and place: Riders will set out at two-minute intervals between 08.00 and 10.00, from Lasswade High School, Eskdale Drive, Bonnyrigg (which is about eight miles from the centre of Edinburgh). Cost: £30 entry fee, plus sponsorship money. The fee will be waived for the first 50 entrants who undertake to raise at least £100 in sponsorship.  Registration and further information: Bethany Trust website or phone Hannah Biddulph (0131 561 8925).

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)

Saturday 9th June : 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 be to the Ratho Climbing Centre (which has a cafe and picnic area). This is a fairly level route of about 22 miles, but there might be some short stretches on rough tracks and main roads. 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: 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 June : Polwarth Church Family Ride and Picnic
A short, family-friendly ride of about six miles, entirely on bike paths, with a picnic in Spylaw Park, Colinton (bring your own food). Time and place: The ride leaves Polwarth Church, Polwarth Terrace, at 12.30 (after the service). Riders are also welcome to attend the service, which starts at 11.00. This is a bike-week event. Cost and booking: Free. just turn up. Further information: Andy Hunter (, 07762 000039).

Saturday 16th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2012
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. £10 per person (£5 concessions). Transport back to Edinburgh (on the Saturday evening or Sunday morning) is £14 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.

Sunday 17th June : Two-Capitals Ride
A 21-mile charity ride from Dunfermline to Leith, in aid of Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres and Kingdom Kids. This is a relatively easy ride - one which should be well within the capabilities of an averagely-fit cyclist. The ride starts at 12.30 at Dunfermline Glen (near the town centre and rail station) and finishes at the Ocean Terminal. Transport to the start point leaves the Ocean Terminal at 11.00. Return transport to Dunfermline is available after the ride. Cost and booking: Advanced registration required. £18 (£10 concesssions), plus sponsorship money. Transport: £3 per bike and rider (one way). To register and for further information, visit www.twocapitals.org or send an SAE to PO Box 29173, Dunfermline KY12 9UZ.

Sunday 17th June : 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: 09.50 for a 10.00 start, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians.

Sunday 24th June : CTC
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a gentle pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more challenging than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic lunch. Meet: 10.00, by the entrance to Scottish Widows in Holyrood Park Road (opposite the Royal Commonwealth Pool [map]). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Wednesday 27th June : 20-Milers Evening Ride
A short informal ride in the east of the city, taking in Holyrood Park, Calton Hill, Leith Links and Portobello, with a total distance of about 12 miles. The pace will be slow to moderate (similar to the group's Saturday rides), but will involve a couple of steep-ish hills. There will be no refreshment break. The ride will end around dusk, so be sure to bring lights. Meet: 19.00, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Andy Hunter (, 07762 000039) or email

Saturday 30th June : EasyCycle Short Ride
A short informal ride of about 12 miles, which will be taken at a gentle pace with plenty of stops. These rides are especially suitable for less experienced adult riders and those who haven't cycled for a while (16- and 17-year olds are also welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult, but no under-16s please). As far as possible, the route avoids steep hills and roads with traffic. The ride should end about 3 pm. Meet: Details of today's meeting place and route will appear here nearer the time. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Logan Strang (0131 346 7786, ).

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 [map]. 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)

Thursday 12th July to Sunday 15th July : Edinburgh to Dublin Cycle Challenge
A challenging 220-mile ride through Scotland and Ireland, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. This is a demanding ride, with up to 82 miles of cycling in a day, mainly on roads, and including some hilly sections. About 40 - 60 riders are expected to take part. Accommodation, meals, transport of luggage while cycling, return flights to Edinburgh, and return transport for bikes are all provided, as are medical and mechanical support and the services of a tour guide. Cost: £150 registration fee (non-refundable); £1,250 minimum sponsorship. Further information and registration: Phone 08700 340 040, email , or visit the event's website. Prospective riders are advised to register early so as to allow plenty of time to get fit and for raising sponsorship money.

Saturday 21st July to Sunday 22nd July : Mellow Velo Broadmeadows Weekend
A 40-mile ride from Edinburgh to Broadmeadows hostel (Yarrowford, near Selkirk) on the Saturday, returning by a slightly different route the next day, with a communal meal on the Saturday evening. Broadmeadows was the first Scottish hostel to open and is now under threat of closure. The route will mainly be on roads, but will involve some short off-road stretches. Cost: The hostel fee will be £18 per person (£20 for non-SYHA members). Booking and further information: Advanced booking required. Please contact Peter Hawkins (, 0131 443 6712). See also the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 19th August : Tour de Forth Charity Rides
A choice of four rides along or near the Firth of Forth, all starting and finishing at the Ocean Terminal in Leith. The event is in aid of Mercy Corps, an international charity that helps vulnerable people and communities around the world. All four events will be fully supported, with marshalling, mechanical support, sweep vehicles (for those who cannot complete the route), selective road closures, and refreshments. Choose one of the following rides, depending on your experience and level of fitness. Classic: A 70-mile circuit of the Forth, via the Forth Road Bridge and west Fife, returning by way of the Clackmannanshire Bridge and Bo'ness. Sportive: The same route as the classic, but aimed at faster riders, with each participant being individually timed. Demi: A 35-mile option, along the south shore of the Forth, ending in Kincardine; or do the same route in reverse; in both cases, transport will be provided between the start and end points. Family: A leisurely 22-mile ride to Craigies Farm (near Cramond), returning via South Queensferry; this ride is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Cost: £30 for the classic and sportive rides, £20 for the demi route (plus £10 for transport if required); £12 (adults) or £8 (children) for the family ride. In addition, riders are expected to raise a minimum of £1 per mile sponsorship money. Registration and further information: Lisa Seymour (0131 662 5176), or see the Tour de Forth website.

Sunday 9th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow to Edinbugh) 2012
Scotland's largest charity bike ride, in aid of Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre. The annual ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh attracts riders of all ages and abilities (over 14,000 took part in 2011). 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. There is also the option of an alternative 100-mile "sportive" route through the Southern Uplands, aimed at the more serious cyclist (but with the same start and end points and the same transport arrangements as the main event). Cost and booking: Advanced on-line registration required. Main event costs £25.50 (£15.50 children and concessions); sportive option is £36.50 (no concessionary rate), plus sponsorship money in both cases.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.

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Other bike-related events

Wednesday 23rd May 2012 : Leith Walk Action Day
A team of police officers will be on hand in Leith Walk during the morning and evening peaks to offer cyclists advice on bike security and safe cycling. The police will also be warning cyclists not to ride on the pavement (which is an offence under the Road Traffic Acts), and this will be followed up with possible enforcement action in the coming weeks.

Thursday 24th May to Wednesday 11th July : Bike Security Marking and Tagging
A chance to improve the security of your bike by getting it UV-marked and/or electronically tagged. This is an excellent way of deterring theft and increasing the chance of your getting your bike back if it is stolen. Lothian and Borders Police are offering this service on several dates during the coming weeks. Cost: UV marking and registration £5; electronic tagging and registration £16. A limited number of bikes will be registered and marked for free on each of the days. Further information: Click here for the dates, times and locations.

Friday 15th June to Sunday 17th June : European Cycle Messenger Championships
Described as "a weekend of fun and exhilaration", this three-day meeting includes track races, time trials, roller racing, stunt displays and other cycling-related events, at various venues around the city. The contests are open to anyone who wishes to take part (advanced registration required), and spectators are welcome. Further information: ECMC 2012 website, or email

Saturday 16th June to Sunday 24th June : National Bike Week 2012
An eight-day programme of bike rides, meetings, get-togethers and other bike-related events, all aimed at "promoting everyday cycling for everyone and to get more people cycling, more often". Edinburgh always has a full schedule of events to choose from. All of these will be listed on this page. See also the Bike Week website.

Wednesday 20th June : Spokes Bike Breakfast
All cyclists are welcome at the ever-popular annual Spokes breakfast at the City Chambers (a Bike Week event). Stalls, bike mechanic, chain wash, security marking, map sales, speeches, competitions, quizzes and prizes, and, of course, the complementary hot breakfast. Time and place: 08.00 to 10.00, City Chambers Quadrangle, High Street. Further information:

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