Cycling Edinburgh

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.

On this page:

Forthcoming rides

Regular weekly rides

Other bike-related events

 

Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Sunset today: 22:01

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Updated today

Forthcoming rides

Saturday 4th July 2026 : VIE Velo tandem ride for the visually impaired
An easy-paced ride for visually impaired riders using tandems with sighted pilots. These are sociable rides, typically 25 - 35 miles, favouring quiet roads and cycle paths, and including a café stop for lunch. Bikes and helmets are provided, and training is available for those new to tandem riding. The rides usually take place on the first Saturday and third Sunday of the month, throughout the year. Time and place: 09:30, Saughton Park. Most rides end at about 15:30. Cost and booking: The rides are free. Riders are asked to sign up in advance so that the organisers can make the tandem pairings. Further information: See the group's web page or Facebook page, or email vieveloridecoordinator@gmail.com. The organisers would especially like to hear from visually impaired riders who are keen to get into cycling.

Saturday 11th July : 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: Today's ride will head to the Harlaw Reservoir on the edge of the Pentland Hills. The total distance will be 24 miles, with several fairly steep hills in the morning and a couple of short rough stretches in the afternoon. Note that there are no cafés or pubs at the reservoir so riders should bring their own food and drink for a picnic lunch. Meet: 10:30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: All 20-Milers rides are free with no advance booking. Further information: Email 20milers@gmail.com. See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Wednesday 22nd July to Friday 24th July : Mellow Velo Borders ride
A three-day ride from Tweedbank to Reston or Dunbar. Train to Tweedbank on the Wednesday, then 41 miles of cycling to Melrose via Jedburgh. Kelso to Berwick-upon-Tweed (35 miles) on the Thursday, with the option of a return to Edinburgh by train that day. Berwick to Reston (18 miles) or to Dunbar (34 miles) on the Friday, then train home. Overnight stops in B&Bs or hotels. Further information and booking: Email judith@mellowvelo.org.uk or see the Mellow Velo website.

Saturday 25th July : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The third of the group's Extra rides for this year. At 35 - 40 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a faster pace, but with the same sociable and unpressured atmosphere. Today's ride will head to the Silver Sands beach in Aberdour. The total distance will about 35 miles, with a few moderately steep hills and some short sections of path that might be rough or muddy, but no other serious difficulties. There is a café on the beach, or bring a picnic. Meeting time and place: The ride will start at 10:30 from the Craiglieth path junction (see here for directions). Cost and booking: All 20-Milers rides are free with no advance booking. Further information: Email 20milers@gmail.com. See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 26th 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 Caffè Nero, Lister Square (in the Quartermile). Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, Easycycle@JimCameron.Co.uk), or see the EasyCycle website.

Saturday 1st August : VIE Velo tandem ride for the visually impaired
An easy-paced ride for visually impaired riders using tandems with sighted pilots. These are sociable rides, typically 25 - 35 miles, favouring quiet roads and cycle paths, and including a café stop for lunch. Bikes and helmets are provided, and training is available for those new to tandem riding. The rides usually take place on the first Saturday and third Sunday of the month, throughout the year. Time and place: 09:30, Saughton Park. Most rides end at about 15:30. Cost and booking: The rides are free. Riders are asked to sign up in advance so that the organisers can make the tandem pairings. Further information: See the group's web page or Facebook page, or email vieveloridecoordinator@gmail.com. The organisers would especially like to hear from visually impaired riders who are keen to get into cycling.

Saturday 8th 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. Route and destination: Details of today's route and destination will be posted here nearer the time. Meet: 10:30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: All 20-Milers rides are free with no advance booking. Further information: Email 20milers@gmail.com. See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Saturday 8th August : Mellow Velo East Lothian ride
A 25-mile ride from North Berwick to Longniddry on "less familiar small roads and good tracks", initially heading east round Berwick Law then via Tyninghame, East Linton and Haddington. Travel by train at each end. Further information and booking: Email elaine@mellowvelo.org.uk or see the Mellow Velo website.

Saturday 22nd August : Mellow Velo Fife ride
A 33-mile ride around east Fife, starting and ending at Cupar (which is approximately one hour by train from Waverley) and taking in St. Andrews. Further information and booking: Email bill@mellowvelo.org.uk or see the Mellow Velo website.

Tuesday 15th September : Mellow Velo Pencaitland ride
A leisurely 35-mile ride from Edinburgh to Pencaitland via the Pencaitland railway path, returning via Tranent, Cockenzie and the coastal route through Musselburgh. Lunch at the  Rosearista café near Pencaitland. Further information and booking: Email sheelagh@mellowvelo.org.uk or see the Mellow Velo website.

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Regular weekly rides

CTC Tuesday evening rides
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders (part of Cycling UK) have a ride every Tuesday evening during the summer. These are moderately-paced sociable rides of 20 to 25 miles, running every Tuesday from 28 April to 25 August, starting from the Commonwealth Pool at 18:30. Rides often include an optional 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: Charles Wallis ().

CTC Wednesday rides
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders (part of Cycling UK) have a ride every Wednesday throughout the year. These are moderate-to-fast rides of 40 to 70 miles (40 to 50 miles in winter), aimed at reasonably fit cyclists. The rides include a lunch break either in a village hall (in winter) or in the open air (in summer); in both cases riders should bring a packed lunch. There is usually a café stop in the afternoon. All rides start at 10:00, but the meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the group's web site. Riders are asked to book a place by text once the details have been posted on the groups.io email group. If you wish to be added to this group, please email with a few words about yourself.

CTC Sunday rides
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders (part of Cycling UK) also have a ride every Sunday throughout the year. These are usually 30 to 45 miles, but might occasionally be longer. All rides start at 10:00, but the meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the the group's web site. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. Advance booking is required, with numbers usually limited to about 15. Riders should book their place by text once the details have been posted on the groups.io email group. If you wish to be added to this group, please email with a few words about yourself.

Edinburgh RC
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.

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Other bike-related events

Saturday 11th July 2026 : Yoga by Bike
A 12-mile easy-paced bike ride from Portobello to Longniddry, followed by a one-hour Vinyasa yoga class, suitable for all levels. After the class, either cycle back to Edinburgh with the group or return by train (but note that space for bikes on the train is limited). Meet: 10:00 at Portobello Active Travel Hub (PATH) in Pipe Lane. Cost: £42.80 per person. Further information and booking:  Yoga by Bike webpage.

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