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: 20th October
Sunday 31st October 2021 : 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 November : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of 40 to 45 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. With the end of BST, this ride will be a little shorter than of late. It is planned to end before dark, but lights are advised to be on the safe side. 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)
Saturday 13th November : 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; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 28th November : EasyCycle Half-Day 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. From now until February, these rides will be shorter than usual; they will end near a pub in the city centre at 13:00. 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 (0131 466 6156, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Sunday 5th December : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of 40 to 45 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 will end around dark, so be sure to brings lights. 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)
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.
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 6th November 2021 : Pedal on COP26 / Action for Climate Justice
A series of bike rides and other events as part of the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice, which coincides with COP26 in Glasgow. The main event is a march and rally, starting at 11:30 from the Stewart Memorial Fountain in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow. There will be several short feeder rides (mostly between 12 and 18 miles) from various parts of Glasgow. There will also be two rides from Edinburgh (45 miles), organised by Pedal on Parliament. These both leave from the Meadows at 08:00, with other joining points along the way. One will be slightly faster than the other; this one aims to arrive in Glasgow in time for the rally. The slower one will arrive later in the afternoon. There will be limited transport back to Edinburgh (must be booked in advance), as well as at least one refreshment stop along the way. These rides are free but donations are welcome. Links for further information: Global Day of Action for Climate Justice | Pedal on COP26 | Feeder rides from Edinburgh.
North Queensferry
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
Albert Einstein
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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.
The Pentlands 'Reservoir Route'
Photo: ML
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