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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19° |  5 mph |
| Wednesday | ||
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21° | 13 mph |
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22° |  12 mph |
Sunset today: 21:56
Edinburgh weather provided by WeatherAPI.com
Updated today
Friday 11th July 2025 to Sunday 13th July 2025 : Mellow Velo Aberfoyle weekend
A weekend of cycling in the Trossachs. The group will cycle from Balloch to Aberfoyle via Drymen and Gartmore on the Friday (20 miles). Saturday's ride will take in Loch Katrine or Gravelfoyle. On the Sunday, the group will head to Dunblane via Duke’s Pass, Callander and Doune. Overnight accommodation will be in Aberfoyle on both nights. Travel: Train to Balloch on the Firday morning (leaving Waverley at 09:00 or 09:30, change at Glasgow Queen Street), returning on the Sunday evening from Dunblane (hourly service). No advance booking needed for these trains. Further information and booking: See also the Mellow Velo website.
Saturday 12th 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: Today's ride will head to the Harlaw Reservoir on the edge of the Pentland Hills. The total distance will be 24 miles, with several fairly steep hills in the morning and a couple of short rough stretches in the afternoon. Note that there are no cafés or pubs at the reservoir so riders should bring their own food and drink for a picnic lunch. 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.
Sunday 20th July : 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 27th 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 Caffè Nero, Lister Square (in the Quartermile). Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Saturday 9th August : 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 destination 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.
Friday 15th August : Tim McKenna memorial ride
A three-week LEJOG ride in memory of Tim McKenna will be passing near Edinburgh on this day, and the organisers invite local cyclists to join them for all or part of the route. Tim McKenna was well known on social media for his cycling; he took his own life in January after losing his battle with mental health. The event is in aid of Mind, Sustrans and Flight Free UK. Today's leg is from Thankerton to Kinross via South Queensferry and the Forth Road Bridge (53 miles). Further information: Ride for Tim website; organisers' email: ; fundraising page.
Sunday 17th August : 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.
Saturday 6th September to Monday 8th September : Mellow Velo Wigtown and Whithorn weekend
Three days of cycling in Dumfries and Galloway. The group will travel by train to Girvan on the Saturday, then cycle 43 miles to Wigtown. Sunday will be a circular ride via Whithorn and Garlieston (30 to 35 miles), followed by a 40-mile ride to Barrhill on the Monday for the train back to Edinburgh. Overnight accomodation will be at the Wigtown Bunkhouse. Further information and booking: Phone 07810-364206. 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 29 April to 26 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 12th July 2025 : 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: £15 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 2nd August to Sunday 24th August : The World at 15 mph
A " life changing story of challenge, determination, travel, cycling and relationships" byNaomi Johnson, who cycled 20,000 miles through 26 countries, with a man she'd met just three times before. This is an Edinburgh Fringe event. Time: 11:05 to 11:55. Venue: Brew Dog, Festival Square. Cost: Free, non-ticketed. Further information: This page on the Fringe website.
Saturday 2nd August to Sunday 24th August : Cadel - Lungs on Legs
The story of Cadel Evans' 2011 Tour de France win, and "all the triumphs, heartaches and sacrifices made along the way", performed by Connor Delves entirely on a bike. This is an Edinburgh Fringe event. Time: 13:00 to 14:00. Venue: Underbelly, 66 Cowgate. Cost: From £12 (£11 concessions). Further information: This page on the Fringe website.
Saturday 9th August : 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: £15 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 30th August : Yoga by Bike
A 12-mile easy-paced bike ride from Portobello to Longniddry, followed by a one-hour Vinyasa yoga class, suitable for all levels. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided. After the class, either cycle back to Edinburgh with the group or return by train (but note that space for bikes on the train is limited). Meet: 10:00 at Portobello Active Travel Hub (PATH) in Pipe Lane. Cost: £30 per person. Further information and booking: This page on Eventbrite.
Evening on the Portobello Prom
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The journey of life is like a man riding a bicycle. We know he got on the bicycle and started to move. We know that at some point he will stop and get off. We know that if he stops moving and does not get off he will fall off.”
William Golding
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.
A midsummer evening on Calton Hill
Photo: ML
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