The best cycling routes around Edinburgh

There are over 880 touring cycling routes around Edinburgh listed on komoot, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide range of options, from easy city loops to more challenging climbs in the surrounding hills.

The komoot community highly rates the routes in Edinburgh, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, which combines urban paths with accessible natural environments, and the well-maintained traffic-free sections like the canal towpaths and disused railway lines.

Yes, Edinburgh offers several family-friendly options, particularly along the disused railway lines and canal towpaths. These routes often feature good surfaces and gentle gradients, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. The Braid Burn Path loop from Edinburgh Waverly is an easy 7.8-mile route through urban green spaces that is popular with families.

Edinburgh's touring cycling routes offer a diverse range of terrain. You can find flat, traffic-free paths along the Firth of Forth coastline and the Union Canal towpath, as well as repurposed disused railway lines with gentle gradients. For more challenging rides, the Pentland Hills Regional Park provides significant elevation gain and varied surfaces, from fire roads to technical singletracks.

Yes, many routes around Edinburgh are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Dalmeny Estate loop from Leith offers views along the Firth of Forth, while the Glencorse Reservoir loop from Edinburgh Waverley takes you into the Pentland Hills.

Edinburgh's routes offer stunning views of natural features and iconic landmarks. You can cycle past the Firth of Forth, the iconic Forth Bridges, and through the scenic Pentland Hills Regional Park. Within the city, routes often pass by Arthur's Seat, Scott Monument, and the historic Union Canal. The Colinton Tunnel Mural – Threipmuir Reservoir loop from Haymarket even takes you past a unique art installation.

Absolutely. Beginners can enjoy the many traffic-free paths, such as sections of the Water of Leith Walkway and the Union Canal towpath, which offer mostly flat and easy riding. Disused railway lines also provide accessible routes with gentle gradients, perfect for those new to touring cycling.

Many touring cycling routes in Edinburgh are easily accessible via public transport. The city's extensive bus network and train stations like Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket provide convenient starting points for various trails. Routes often begin or pass through central locations, making it simple to reach them without a car.

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Edinburgh, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer (June-August) is also popular, though routes can be busier. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder, wetter weather and shorter daylight hours.

Yes, several routes offer glimpses of Edinburgh's rich history. The Blackness Castle loop from Dalmeny takes you past the impressive Blackness Castle. Other routes along the Firth of Forth may offer views of the Forth Bridges, and the Union Canal itself is a historic waterway. The Cairns Castle loop from South Queensferry also includes a historic site.

For panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, consider routes that ascend into the Pentland Hills Regional Park. Cycling around Arthur's Seat also provides stunning cityscapes. Additionally, viewpoints like Corstorphine Hill Tower and View from Allermuir Hill are accessible via some cycling paths.

Experienced riders seeking a challenge will find several longer and more difficult routes. The Edinburgh to Hartington via Dalkeith Park route is a challenging 44.7-mile (71.9 km) ride with significant elevation gain. The Pentland Hills also offer routes with substantial climbs and varied terrain for advanced cyclists.