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.
Last updated: 26th July
Sunday 1st August 2021 : 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. The ride should end around 17:00. Meet: 10:00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free. For the time being, because of Covid restrictions, numbers are limited; riders are asked to book in advance by phoning the leader, Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073). Further information: Spokes.
Saturday 14th August : Mellow Velo Vale of Leven Ride
A 38-mile ride from Dalreoch (near Dunbarton) to Stirling, via the Vale of Leven, Balloch, Balfron and Cambusbarron. Most of the route is on firm surfaces, with no major hills but lots of gentle ups and downs. Total distance is about 40 miles. Travel to/from the start/end points by train; those wanting a slightly shorter ride can take the train to Balloch rather than to Dalreoch. Bring your own drinks, snacks and a picnic lunch. Because of Covid restrictions, numbers are limited, so please contact the organiser in advance to book your place. Further information and booking: Email See also the Mellow Velo website.
Saturday 28th 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 no café or pub stop so bring your own drinks, snacks, and food for a 'spaced out' picnic by the canal at Ratho. Because of Covid restrictions, numbers will be limited so please contact the organiser in advance. 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.
Sunday 29th 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. Please bear in mind it may not be possible to fit the whole group indoors because of Covid restrictions. Meet: 10:30, in front of Söderberg café, Middle Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Saturday 4th 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. The ride should end around 17:00. Meet: 10:00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free. For the time being, because of Covid restrictions, numbers are limited; riders are asked to book in advance by phoning the leader, Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073). Further information: Spokes.
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders have a ride every Tuesday evening during the summer (the last ride of 2021 will be on 31 August). These are usually 20 to 25 miles and may include a pub stop towards the end. Rides start at 18.30 from the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Rides are each currently limited to 15 riders and so should be booked 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 Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders also have a ride every Wednesday throughout the year. These are moderate-to-fast rides of 40 to 70 miles (40 to 50 miles in the winter), aimed at reasonably fit cyclists. The rides occasionally include a café stop, but in most cases riders should bring a packed lunch. All rides start at 10:00, but the meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the group's web site. Rides are each currently limited to 15 riders and so should be booked 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 Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders is part of Cycling UK.
These are sociable rides taken at a moderate pace. Most rides are 15 to 20 miles (depending on the amount of daylight). They take place every Thursday evening until late August. There is no meal break during the evening, but most rides end at or near a pub. The rides finish around dusk, so be sure to bring lights. Time and place: Meet at 18:30 in Lister Square (which is behind the Starbucks in Middle Meadow Walk). Cost and booking: The rides are free, with no need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, ) or see the ride's spreadsheet.
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders also have a ride every Sunday throughout the year. These are usually about 30 to 45 miles, but might occasionally be longer. The rides occasionally include a café stop, but in most cases riders should bring a packed lunch. 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. Rides are each currently limited to 15 riders and so should be booked 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.
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.
Saturday 14th August 2021 : Edinburgh Climate Festival
A family-friendly event aimed at 'celebrating and inspiring climate action', with performances, music, kids' area, stalls (including Spokes), free bike repairs, electric bike trials, henna painting, seed planting, story telling and a swap shop. Because of Covid restrictions, there will be no food or drink on sale and no toilets at the site, although these can all be found within walking distance. Time and place: 12:00 to 19:00, at Leith Links East. Admission: Free. More information: See the event's Facebook page.
Russell Road
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Truly, the world moves, and the bicycle is responsible for much of that motion.”
Charles Seidell
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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 Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders
The local branch of Cycling UK. They organise several rides each 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.
Forth Road Bridge
Photo: ML
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