The best road cycling routes around Midlothian

Midlothian offers a good selection of road cycling routes, with over 20 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various fitness levels, from easy rides to more moderate and challenging excursions.

Road cycling in Midlothian features a diverse landscape. You'll encounter rolling hills, picturesque river valleys carved by the North and South Esk, and expansive parklands. The region includes the dramatic Pentland Hills and the gentler Moorfoot Hills, along with scenic reservoirs like Gladhouse Reservoir. Routes often combine well-paved surfaces with some unpaved segments, offering varied challenges.

Yes, Midlothian has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride. There are 8 easy tours available, often utilizing dedicated cycleways and quiet roads. The region's network includes sections of National Cycle Network Routes 1 and 196, which are known for being mostly traffic-free or on quiet roads.

Experienced road cyclists will find plenty of challenging options in Midlothian. The region offers 16 moderate routes, with some featuring significant climbs and longer distances. Routes extending into the Scottish Borders can provide additional challenges, such as the 'Wall of Talla' with its 20% gradient, though specific routes with this climb are not detailed here. An example of a moderate route is the Loch Lothian – Watermill Lake loop from Midlothian, which covers nearly 100 km with over 700 meters of elevation gain.

Midlothian's road cycling routes often pass by beautiful natural features and attractions. You might encounter the serene Beaver Lake or the tranquil Gregory's Pond. The region is also home to the extensive Dalkeith Country Park, with its ancient oak woods and Dalkeith Palace, and the dramatic Roslin Glen, known for its deeply incised Carboniferous sandstones and small waterfalls along the River North Esk.

Yes, Midlothian offers family-friendly cycling options, particularly on its dedicated cycleways and shared-use paths. The 16km cycleway extending from Penicuik through Roslin Glen, Rosewell, Bonnyrigg, Eskbank, and Dalkeith provides a mostly off-road experience suitable for families. Vogrie Country Park also offers 11.5 miles of signed paths through woodlands.

The road cycling routes in Midlothian are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes rolling hills and scenic river glens, and the availability of dedicated cycleways and quiet roads that offer options for different ability levels.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Midlothian are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Dock Street Park – UCI World Course (Zwift) loop from Midlothian and the Belle Isle Park – Robert Lee Bridge loop from Midlothian, both offering substantial distances and varied scenery.

Midlothian's road cycling routes are generally accessible, and the region has a growing network of cycle infrastructure. National Cycle Network Route 196, for example, links Haddington in East Lothian to Penicuik in Midlothian, offering a mostly traffic-free route that can be accessed via public transport connections to these towns. For detailed public transport information, it's best to check local bus and train schedules.

Midlothian is part of longer-distance cycling networks. National Cycle Network Route 1, which is part of the Coasts and Castles route, passes through Midlothian, connecting it to the Forth Road Bridge, Edinburgh, and the wider UK network. This allows for extended rides beyond the immediate Midlothian area. An example of a longer route within the region is the Loch Lothian – Watermill Lake loop from Midlothian, which is nearly 100 km long.

The best time for road cycling in Midlothian is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. While cycling is possible year-round, winter can bring colder temperatures, shorter days, and potentially more challenging road conditions. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.

While specific cafes or pubs directly on every route are not detailed here, Midlothian has various towns and villages such as Penicuik, Bonnyrigg, Eskbank, and Dalkeith, which offer amenities for cyclists. Dalkeith Country Park also has facilities. Planning your route to pass through these settlements will provide opportunities for refreshments.