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.
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11° |  6 mph |
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Sunset today: 21:03
Edinburgh weather provided by WeatherAPI.com
Updated yesterday
Saturday 11th May 2024 : 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 South Queensferry. There will be a few moderate hills and some short stretches on rough paths, but no other difficulties. Total distance: about 22 miles. 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 See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Saturday 18th May : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The first 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 cafe stop for lunch, or bring your own food for a picnic. Route and destination: Details of today's route, meeting place and lunch arrangements will be posted here nearer the time. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Sunday 19th May : 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 26th May : 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 1st June : Edinburgh RC Good Morning Ride
The Edinburgh Road Club's usual rides are aimed at serious cyclists who are interested in cycling at speed in a group and those training to race. This half-day taster ride is open to anyone interested in trying the group's rides. You will need to be able to keep a steady pace (14-16mph) alongside other cyclists. The minimum age is 15 years. There will be an optional coffee stop. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: Meet at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road, in time for a 09:30 start. The ride will last 2½ to 3 hours. Cost: Free. Further information: This web page.
Saturday 8th June : 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: All 20-Milers rides are free with no advance booking. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.
Saturday 8th June : 'Queens of Pain' ride and picnic
A short sociable ride around Edinburgh, taking in the Meadows, Granton, Leith and Holyrood Park. The 16-mile route will mainly follow bike paths and quiet roads, and will be taken at a gentle pace. Children welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. The ride will end with a picnic on the Meadows: bring your own food or aim to pick up a snack at one of the nearby shops or cafés. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: Meet at the Pavilion Cafe on the Meadows (near the junction of Melville Drive and Marchmont Road) at 10:00. Cost and booking: The ride is free, but riders are asked to book in advance. Further information: See this web page.
Sunday 16th June : 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.
Thursday 20th June : Summer solstice evening ride
An easy-paced sociable ride to mark the summer solstice, taking in Calton Hill and other places of interest. There will be no meal break during the evening, but the ride will end at or near a pub. It will finish around dusk, so be sure to bring lights. Time and place: Meet at 19:00 outside Caffe Nero in Lister Square (in the Quartermile). Cost and booking: The ride is free, with no need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, ).
Friday 21st June to Saturday 22nd June : 'Ride to the Sun' - Carlisle to Cramond
An informal overnight ride to coincide with the summer solstice. Riders will leave Carlisle between 19:00 and 20:30 on the Friday 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 refreshment stops at a chip shop in Moffat and the Crook Inn in Tweedsmuir, 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 31st August to Sunday 1st September : Mellow Velo Hadrian's Wall ride
A weekend ride along the Hadrian's Wall Cycleway (NCN 72), with diversions to see sections of the wall. Travel by train to Carlisle, returning from Newcastle. There will be about 35 miles of cycling each day, with an overnight stop at the Once Brewed youth hostel (£37 for members, £40 for non-members). Further information and booking: See also the Mellow Velo website.
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 30 April to 27 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 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 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.
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 27th April 2024 to Sunday 22nd September 2024 : Pedal Power: Cycling and Activism
An exhibition dealing with "[cycling] activism in Edinburgh and around the world and ... the rich history of cycling in Scotland’s capital city". This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Location: Museum of Edinburgh, 142-146 Canongate. Opening times: Daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (last admissions 16:30). Cost: Free. Further information from this website.
Saturday 11th May : Wee Spoke Hub Training Workshop
A training session aimed at new bike users, covering basic bike maintenance, safety issues and "being a responsible bike owner". Time and place: 11:00 to 13:00, at the Wee Spoke Hub, 13 Guthrie Street. Cost and booking: £3.96 per person. Places are limited, so book in advance here. More information (including details of their frequent DIY maintenance sessions): see the Wee Spoke Hub website.
Friday 31st May to Sunday 9th June : Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2024
This annual event aims to "celebrate all aspects of cycling in and around the City of Edinburgh". It has a crowded programme of rides, workshops, talks and exhibitions, most of which are free. Details of many of the individual events appear elsewhere on this page. For the full programme, see organiser's website.
Sunday 2nd June : Talk: Trans-Europe cycling record
Despite having no interest in sport until he was in his forties, Ian Walker won a 4,300 km cycling race, then went on to break the record for the fastest bicycle ride across Europe. In this talk, he will tell how he cycled 6,367 km in 17 days, from the northern tip of Norway to the southernmost point of Spain, a journey he made alone and with no support. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time: 19:00. Cost: £11 (£9 concessions). Further information (including details of the venue): see this web page.
Wednesday 5th June : Talk: How Sustainable is Cycling?
A talk by sustainability consultant Dr Brendan Hill on the theme, "Can cycling make transport sustainable?" coverng the the environmental impacts of cycling and what a city that relies on bikes could look like. The talk is one of a series that complement the exhibition "Pedal Power: Cycling and Activism in Edinburgh" - see above for details. Time and place: 14:00 at the Museum of Edinburgh, 142-146 Canongate. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Cost and booking: The talk is free but advance booking is required. Book on this page, or phone 0131 529 3993.
Wednesday 5th June : Spokes Public Meeting - The Roseburn Path
A meeting on the controversial proposals for the possible conversion of the Roseburn cycle path to a tram route. Speakers will explain the plans and present the arguments for and against. Speakers: Lesley Hinds (former transport convenor), Euan Baxter (Save Roseburn Path campaign), Alex Robb (Spokes) and Prof. Adrian Davis (Napier University). They will be followed by a discussion chaired by Johanna Boyd (CEO, Planning Aid Scotland). The meeting is free and open to all. Time: Doors open 18:45 for coffee, stalls and informal chat. The meeting starts at 19:30 and ends at 21:30. Place: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Further information: Email , phone 07982 278 936 or visit this page on the Spokes website (which also has background information on the proposals).
Saturday 8th June : Wee Spoke Hub Training Workshop
A training session aimed at new bike users, covering basic bike maintenance, safety issues and "being a responsible bike owner". Time and place: 11:00 to 13:00, at the Wee Spoke Hub, 13 Guthrie Street. Cost and booking: £3.96 per person. Places are limited, so book in advance here. More information (including details of their frequent DIY maintenance sessions): see the Wee Spoke Hub website.
Saturday 8th June : Talk: Cycle Campaigning in Edinburgh
A talk about some of the efforts to promote safer cycling in Edinburgh. Jarlath Flynn will talk about how to go about setting up a bike bus for your school and how this can "can help nurture healthier, happier more resilient kids and adults." Henry Whaley, Chair of the Roseburn Route Support Group, will explain how the campaign for the City Centre West East Link was run. The talk is one of a series that complement the exhibition "Pedal Power: Cycling and Activism in Edinburgh" - see above for details. This is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event. Time and place: 14:00 at the Museum of Edinburgh, 142-146 Canongate. Cost and booking: The talk is free but advance booking is required. Book on this page, or phone 0131 529 3993.
NCN 75 near Caldercruix
Photo: Michael Law
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Those who wish to control their own lives and move beyond existence as mere clients and consumers - those people ride a bike.”
Wolfgang Sachs
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.
Hopetoun Estate
Photo: ML
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