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: 8th August
Saturday 13th August 2022 : 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 southern outskirts of the city, taking in the Cockmylane path, the old village of Swanston, the Winton Estate and Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. Total distance: about 18 miles, with some steep hills and a few rough tracks. Lunch will be at Mortonhall. Meet: 10:30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: Free. There is no advance booking, so just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Saturday 20th August : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The third of the group's Extra rides for this year. These rides are longer and faster than the usual 20-Milers runs, with an earlier start and later finish, but with the same sociable and unpressured atmosphere. Route and destination: Today's ride will head into East Lothian, with a lunch stop at the Merryhatton Garden Centre. Most of the route will be on roads, including a couple of stretches that might be busy with traffic. There will be a few moderate hills. Total distance: 36 miles from and to Musselburgh (or about 50 miles for those coming from Edinburgh city centre). Meet: 10:30 at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh. Cost and booking: All 20-Milers rides are free with no advance booking. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 28th 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, 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 3rd September : 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 The organisers would especially like to hear from visually impaired riders who are keen to get into cycling.
Sunday 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, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)
Sunday 4th September : "Break the Cycle" charity ride
A large-scale event aimed at raising funds for the Social Bite homeless charity. The ride is open to cyclists of all 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. Routes: There is a choice of three routes. (i) Glasgow to Edinburgh: A challenging 60 miles with a substantial amount of hill climbing, open to those aged 18 and over; (ii) Linlithgow to Edinburgh: 20 miles, for those aged 14 and over; and (iii) an easy three-mile traffic-free circuit around Murrayfield, ideal for younger riders (no minimum age limit) and their parents. All rides end at Murrayfield Stadium where there will be entertainment, food and drink, toilets and other activities. Note that the 60- and 20-mile routes will be on open roads. Transport: A bus service will be available to the start point in the morning, or back home in the afternoon, at a cost of £25 one way (for rider and bike). Cost: Registration is £25 per person for the 60- and 20-mile routes; £3 per person (adult or child) for the three-mile circuit. These costs are in addition to sponsorship money. Further information and registration: See the organisers' website or email
Saturday 10th 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 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: Free. There is no advance booking, so just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 25th September : 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, 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.
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders have a ride every Tuesday evening during the summer. These are moderately-paced sociable rides of 20 to 25 miles, running from 3 May to 30 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: Alastair Sim (, phone 0777 898 2265).
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.
Friday 5th August 2022 to Monday 29th August 2022 : Cycling-related events at the Edinburgh Fringe
For details and booking for all these events, go to the Fringe website and search for the name of the show. Cyclopath: A one-man show by Canadian cycling stand-up comedian, Dion Owen. At the City Café, 19 Blair Street. Every evening at 21:35. Free. Includes strong language. Look, No Hands: A solo show by Scottish artist Lila Clements, based on her experience of a cycling accident; "an uplifting story of hope and survival". Made in partnership with London-based cycling club Velociposse. At Summerhall. Daily at 16:30. £13 (£11 concessions). Twelfth Night: A "bicycle-powered, laugh-out-loud production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night" by cycling theatre company HandleBard. At the Tree House, George Square Gardens. 19 and 20 August at 14:00. £15.40 (£14.40 concessions).
Middle Meadow Walk
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“What enjoyment to the cramped and worked woman's life is the whirl of the wheel, bringing back God's gift of health and the memory of childhood.”
Wheel Woman (American cycling magazine) 1896
Browse all articles on this site
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.
Russell Road
Photo: ML
Cycling Edinburgh. Website owned and maintained by Mike Lewis.
Contact me
Please contact me with your feedback, suggestions or details of events you would like me to include on this page. You can email me at:
Site policies. To be eligible for listing on this site, an event must (i) be open to cyclists regardless of their nationality, religion, ethnic group, sex or sexual orientation; (ii) not require the use of a car.
From 1st July 2019, this site has been advertising-free. This is entirely thanks to the support of its visitors over the previous 14 years. Read more ...
© Copyright Mike Lewis and contributors.