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.

Last updated: 17th June

Forthcoming rides

Friday 21st June 2019 : The Original Edinburgh Night Ride
A 60-mile overnight ride through quiet roads in East Lothian, with experienced ride leaders to show the way. There will be a refreshment stop at about the half-way point and breakfast at the finish. The pace is described as "easy" (approx. 12 mph). This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event, sponsored by the Leith Cycle Company. Over 16s only. Start and end point: Leith Cycle Co., corner of Balfour Street and Leith Walk. Cost and booking: £30 per person (including refreshments, breakfast and mechanical support). Advanced booking is required; see the EdFoc website for details.

Friday 21st June : 20-Milers Evening Ride
An evening ride to celebrate the summer solstice. The ride, which will be mainly on bike paths within the city, will last about 2½ hours, and will go at a slow-to-moderate pace with plenty of stops. Note that there will be no meal or refreshment break, but the ride will finish near a pub. Be sure to bring lights (with plenty of juice). 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: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Saturday 22nd June to Sunday 23rd June : Ride to the Sun - Carlisle to Cramond
An informal overnight ride to (approximately) coincide with the summer solstice. Riders will leave Carlisle between 19:00 and 20:30 on the Saturday evening; they will cycle at their own pace, aiming to reach Cramond in time to see the sun rise at 04:30. The route is just over 100 miles, mainly on quiet roads, and includes a 7-mile climb from Moffat up the Devil’s Beef Tub. There will be a stop at a chip shop in Moffat (43 miles), a refreshment stop at the Crook Inn (61 miles),and a chance to buy breakfast at Cramond. Important: The ride is completely unsupported, with no sweeper vehicle, mechanical support or first-aid. Riders are entirely responsible for their own safety and the road-worthiness of their bikes, and for getting themselves home in the event of breakdown or accident. Cost and booking: The ride is free with no formal registration required. However, the organisers ask that you let them know you are coming so that they can plan the catering arrangements. More information: Contact Fraser Maxwell or Gary Cameron () or see the event's website.

Saturday 29th June : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The second 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. There is usually a pub or café stop for lunch, or bring your own food for a picnic. Route and destination: Today's ride will head to Haddington, where there is a choice of cafés and picnic spots. Most of the route will be on well-surfaced bike paths and quiet roads, but with one short stretch on a busy main road. Time and place: Meet at Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh, in time for a 10:30 start. (Note that Fisherrow is approximately eight miles from central Edinburgh.) Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 30th June : 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 (07760 455 819, ), or see the EasyCycle website.

Sunday 7th 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. The 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 13th 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: 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 28th 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 (07760 455 819, ), or see the EasyCycle website.

Sunday 4th 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. The 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 8th September : Pedal for Scotland: Glasgow- Edinburgh (Ingliston)
Scotland's largest charity bike ride, in aid of four leading charities (British Heart Foundation, STV Children's Appeal, Glasgow Children's Hospital and SAMH). 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 'Sign Up' link for your chosen ride. Costs: Classic Challenge: £31 (£23 children and concessions). Big Belter: £51 (£43 children and concessions). Wee jaunt: £9 (£6 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 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 at a cost of £3.20, 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.

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Other bike-related events

Sunday 7th July 2019 : Edinburgh Open Streets
The third of three Sundays this summer when many Old Town streets will be closed to motor vehicles but open to cyclists and pedestrians: a good opportunity to cycle around the city centre without the ever-present traffic. There will be open-air entertainment and other events. Location: The streets affected will include almost the entire length of the Royal Mile as well Cockburn Street, Victoria Street, part of the Grassmarket and several adjoining streets. Events take place between 12:00 and 17:00. Cost and booking: Entirely free; no booking needed.

Friday 2nd August to Monday 26th August : National Cycle Network Photography Exhibition
An outdoor exhibition of photographs featuring the wildlife and scenery of the National Cycle Network in Scotland, organised by Sustrans. Cost: Free. Time and place: At the terminus of the Union Canal in Lochrin. Accessible at all times.

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