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: 15th October
Saturday 20th October 2018 : Sustrans Family Ride
A short family-friendly ride suitable for cyclists of all abilities. As far as possible, these rides, which are led by Sustrans volunteers or staff members, follow easy routes (well-surfaced bike paths with gentle gradients) with a maximum distance of ten miles and plenty of stops along the way. Note that children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Route and destination: Today's ride will go from Victoria Park to King George V Park, returning by a slightly different route, and using off-road paths the whole way. The total distance will be about 2½ miles. Time and place: Meet at Victoria Park (by the children's play area) at 11:00. The ride will finish at about 13:30. Further information: Contact Lisa Morton () or see the event's web page.
Sunday 21st October : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. These rides are organised by CTC Lothians and Borders, which is part of Cycling UK. 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 Marian Rogers ().
Sunday 28th October : 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 4th 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 [map]. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)
Saturday 10th 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 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 18th November : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. These rides are organised by CTC Lothians and Borders, which is part of Cycling UK. 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 Marian Rogers ().
Sunday 25th 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 2nd 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 probably end around dark, so be sure to brings lights. 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)
As well as their frequent Sunday rides (listed in the section above), CTC have longer runs every Wednesday throughout the year. These are moderate-to-fast rides of 50 to 70 miles, aimed at reasonably fit cyclists. The starting times and meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the CTC web site, or email . These rides are organised by CTC Lothians and Borders, which is part of Cycling UK.
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.
Sunday 21st October 2018 : Edinburgh Cycle Fair
An afternoon dedicated to all aspects of cycling, including exhibits, demonstrations, information stalls, films, competitions, a "cycle jumble" and a chance to see "some rare and historic bicycles up close". Suitable for all ages. Refreshments available. Time and place: 12:00 to 17:00, at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Dalmeny Street. Admission: £2 (concessions £1). Further information: Phone 0781 411 2151 or email
Thursday 15th November : Spokes Public Meeting
The theme of this meeting is "Cycling for All – Diversity Rules". Speakers from various organisations will explain how they promote getting about by bike and what needs to be done to make using a bike safe, convenient and fully accessible to all. Organisations represented include Ageing Well, Regional Equality Council, West Lothian Bike Library and Bikes for Refugees.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: , phone 0131 313 2114 (answering machine) or see the Spokes website.
Tuesday 1st January 2019 : Edinburgh Triathlon 2019
The Edinburgh New Years Day Triathlon is a competitive event, but one that's open to everyone: serious triathletes and fun-runners alike (in previous years, half of all participants were taking part in a triathlon for the first time). Relay teams are welcome. Those taking part will face a 400-metre swim (eight lengths of the Commonwealth Pool), an 11-mile cycle ride (three times round Arthur’s Seat), and a 3½-mile run (once round Arthur’s Seat). There is a separate duathlon for 8 – 15 year-olds; this involves two short runs and a two-kilometre bike ride, all on closed roads. The event is open to spectators. Venue: The event starts and finishes at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. The kids' event starts at 11.00, the main race at 12.00. More information: John Whittaker (0131 454 0900), or see the event's web page.
Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 3rd March : Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show
A trade show and exhibition dedicated to cycling, running and other outdoor activities. Attractions include a mini veledrome, an indoor mountain bike track, an under-16s activity zone, a "mystery marathon challenge", a zip line, a climbing wall and a chance to try out a range of accessories and equipment. Venue: SEC, Glasgow. More information: See the event's website.
North Queensferry
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The bicycle had, and still has, a humane, almost classical moderation in the kind of pleasure it offers. It is the kind of machine that a Hellenistic Greek might have invented and ridden.”
J.B. Jackson
Cycling in Edinburgh - Your Questions Answered
Interested in riding a bike in the Scottish capital? This FAQ will give you the information you need to get started.
Edinburgh Bike Paths: A Cyclist's Guide
How to get from A to B on two wheels.
Escape Edinburgh by Bike
These routes will get you out of the city quickly and safely.
I want to go on a bike ride but I haven't got a bike
How to hire a bicycle - or buy one second hand - in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh to St. Andrews (Lepra) bike ride
Everything you need to know about this popular event.
Browse all articles on this site
Recommended for local cyclists:
Bike Scotland Book One: Central Scotland
Forty short and medium rides in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and further afield, with detailed route descriptions, practical information and high-quality colour maps.
Coast and Castles South (Sustrans Cycle Map)
The offial map of the 200-mile NCN route between Edinburgh and Newcastle, plus other routes in East Lothian, the Borders and Northumberland. Fully waterproof in a plastic sleeve.
More Sustrans maps
Also recommended: 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 Lothians
The local branch of the UK-wide cyclists organisation. They organise two to three rides every 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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