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.

 

Thursday
	12°	20 mph

Friday
	11°	10 mph

Saturday
	10°	13 mph

Sunset today: 20:41

Last updated: 24th April

Forthcoming rides

Friday 27th April 2018 to Monday 30th April 2018 : Mellow Velo Oban Weekend
A weekend of cycling around Oban and on Mull and Lismore. On the Saturday, the group will take the ferry from Oban to Craignure, then cycle to Lochbuie, returning by the same route (about 30 miles of cycling, with one steep climb). The Sunday will offer several options for exploring Lismore, with 28 to 40 miles of cycling, depending on the chosen route. Travel: Travel by train from Edinburgh to Oban on the Friday (five trains during the day; journey time approx. four hours), returning by train either late on the Sunday evening (two trains) or any time on the Monday (four trains). Accommodation: This will be in 4-bunk rooms at the SYHA hostel in Oban. Further information and booking: Those taking part should book their own trains, but are asked to liaise with the organiser before booking the hostel. See also the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 29th April : 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 (0131 466 6156, ), or see the EasyCycle website.

Tuesday 1st May : CTC Evening Ride
The first of this summer's CTC Tuesday evening runs. These are sociable rides of 20 to 25 miles which go at a moderate pace, usually with an optional pub stop on the way home. Most rides end around 22:00 or shortly after dark if earlier (be sure to bring lights). These rides will take place every Tuesday evening until 28th August. Meet: Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map] in time for an 18:30 departure. Cost and booking: The ride is free and open to all, but those attending more than a few CTC rides will be asked to join; membership information will be available on the night. Further information: Contact Alastair Sim (, 0777 898 2265), or see the CTC Lothians website. 

Thursday 3rd May : Jim's Evening Ride
The first of a series of weekly rides that will take place every Thursday evening until late August. Tonight's ride will be about 15 miles, taken at a moderate pace (10 - 12 mph). There will be no meal break but the ride will finish at or near a pub, at around 21:00. Be sure to bring lights (with plenty of spare battery power). Time and place: Meet at 18:30, in front of the Victor Hugo café on the corner of Melville Terrace and Livingstone Place. Cost and booking: The ride is free, with no need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (0131 466 6156, ) or see the rides' blog.

Saturday 5th May : Edinburgh 20-Milers Extra
The first of the group's Extra rides for this year. At about 30 - 35 miles, these are longer than the usual 20-Milers runs, and go at a slightly faster pace. Today's ride will head out to South Queensferry, then follow the John Muir Way to Blackness, returning to town by an inland route. Much of the route will be on paths, and these may be rough and muddy in places. There will also be a couple of stretches on busy main roads and one very steep hill. Food and drink: Unlike most of the group's rides, there will be no café or pub stop at lunch time, so riders should bring food for a picnic, which will be at Blackness Castle (toilets available nearby). Meet: 10:15 sharp, at the Sustrans marker in Craigleith (if you don't know where that is, see this blog post). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 6th May : 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. Today's 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 12th May : 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.

Saturday 12th May to Sunday 13th May : Mellow Velo Howgill Fells Weekend
A weekend of cycling in the North Pennines, with travel by train to and from Oxenholme. On the Saturday, the group will ride to Kirkby Stephen via the Lune Valley and Orton (about 32 miles with at least two steep hills). The Sunday leg will return to Oxenholme via the Eden Valley and either Dentdale or Sedbergh (35 - 40 miles, depending on the chosen route). Accommodation: This will be in the Kirkby Stephen Hostel (£20 per person). Further information and booking: Those intended to come are asked to contact the organiser as early as possible so that the hostel can be booked. See also the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 20th May : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. Meet: The meeting point for these rides varies, and is only confirmed a few days in advance, on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Sunday 27th 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 (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 3rd June : 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. Today's 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 9th 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 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.

Saturday 16th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2018
The annual charity run to St Andrews in aid of leprosy relief. This is a demanding 68-mile ride through the Fife countryside, with more than a few hills to climb en route. But there's a great atmosphere, and you'll get a wonderful sense of achievement when you finish. You ride at your own pace, either alone or in the company of others, enjoying excellent scenery and superb refreshment stops along the way. A repair van and first-aiders accompany the ride. Time and place: The ride starts at 08.45 from the west gate of Inverleith Park. Cost and booking: Advanced registration required. £20 per person (£10 concessions). Transport back to Edinburgh is £17 for a rider and bike.  Further information: Click here for full details of the St. Andrews ride, including an overview of the route, how to register, and the organisers' contact details.

Saturday 23rd June to Sunday 24th June : 'Ride to the Sun' - Carlisle to Cramond
An informal overnight ride to (approximately) coincide with the summer solstice. Riders will leave Carlisle between 20:00 and 22:00 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 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.

Sunday 9th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow- Edinburgh/Ingliston)
The date has been fixed for this year's event. Full details will appear here as they become available.

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Other bike-related events

Saturday 28th April 2018 : Pedal on Parliament 2018
Now in its seventh year, this is a highly popular (and fun) event, in which thousands of cyclists demonstrate to politicians that we need safer roads and better facilities for cycling. This is a light-hearted family-friendly event, not a confrontational-style demo. Walkers and scooter-riders are also welcome. Route: The ride will start from Middle Meadow Walk and will go via George IV Bridge and the Royal Mile to Holyrood. Most of the route will be closed to motor vehicles for the event. The distance is about one and half miles, which will be taken at a leisurely pace ("slow enough for even the littlest legs"). Feeder rides: These are planned to start from Fairmilehead, Harrison Park, Leith, Kircaldy, Livingston, North Queensferry and several other places. Details are on the PoP website (seee below). Timetable: Cyclists will start to arrive at the Meadows at 11:30. The ride will start at noon with a mass bell-ringing, with the first riders arriving at the Parliament about 20 minutes later. At 12:45, there will be a one-minute silence to remember victims of road accidents, followed by a rally with speeches. The event will end at about 13.15. There will be a guided ride back to the Meadows at 13:30 for those who need  it. What to bring: A bell, hooter or other noisy device, as well as placards, signs, balloons, flags, pennants, or anything else to draw attention to the ride and make the day more colourful. Outwith Edinburgh: This year there will also be PoP rides in Inverness (on the same day) and Aberdeen (on the 29th). Further information: Visit the Pedal on Parliament website, which has lots of practical information for the day, including full details of feeder rides and of PoP rides outwith Edinburgh, as well as the organisers' 'manifesto'.

Wednesday 13th June : Spokes Public Meeting - City Transformation
Presentations and a discussion on Edinburgh's far-reaching City Centre Transformation project and especially its aim to "prioritise access for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users" in central Edinburgh. Speakers include Daisy Narayanan (the project's leader), David Begg (leader of Glasgow's Connectivity Commission) and Cllr Adam McVey (Leader, City of Edinburgh Council). 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 0131 313 2114 (answering machine) or see the Spokes website. For information about the City Centre Transformation project, including Spokes' initial views, see this page. The meeting is an Edinburgh Festival of Cycling event.

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