The best cycling routes around Northfield/Willowbrae

There are over 30 touring cycling routes around Northfield/Willowbrae, offering diverse experiences for cyclists. These routes range from easy to moderate difficulty, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Northfield/Willowbrae offers many easy touring cycling routes, with 19 routes suitable for less experienced cyclists or families. Many of these utilize former railway lines, providing gentle gradients and traffic-free paths. For example, the Dr Neil's Garden – Innocent Railway Tunnel loop from Duddingston is an easy option that follows part of the historic Innocent Railway Path.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Northfield/Willowbrae are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the popular Fisherrow Harbour – Portobello Promenade and Beach loop from Edinburgh, which offers scenic coastal views.

Touring cycling routes around Northfield/Willowbrae offer a mix of urban green spaces, coastal paths along the Firth of Forth, and converted railway lines. You'll also encounter views of prominent hills like Arthur's Seat and historical landmarks, blending city exploration with natural scenery.

Many routes offer views of significant landmarks. You might pass by Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering commanding views, or cycle near Dunsapie Loch. Coastal routes provide glimpses of Granton Harbour and Wardie Bay, and some longer rides may even take you near Dalkeith Palace.

The broader Edinburgh area, including Northfield/Willowbrae, is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is typically milder and daylight hours are longer, making for more enjoyable touring. Winter cycling is possible but can be colder and wetter.

Yes, there are longer routes for those seeking a more extensive touring experience. For instance, the Fisherrow Harbour – Portobello Promenade and Beach loop from Edinburgh covers nearly 50 km, and other routes like the 'Colinton Tunnel Mural – Threipmuir Reservoir loop' can extend to nearly 60 km.

The touring cycling routes in Northfield/Willowbrae are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 12,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic coastal paths and well-maintained converted railway lines.

Yes, Edinburgh boasts a comprehensive network of cycle paths and off-road routes, many of which are accessible from Northfield/Willowbrae. These include 'QuietRoutes' designed for walking and cycling, and numerous former railway lines converted into cycle paths, such as the Innocent Railway Path, which forms part of the UK-wide National Cycle Network's Route 1 (NCN1).

Northfield/Willowbrae is well-integrated into Edinburgh's public transport network. Many routes are accessible from various points within the city, including those starting near Edinburgh Waverley or Duddingston, which are well-served by buses and trains. This makes it convenient to reach starting points without a car.

While many routes are easy to moderate, some offer more challenge, particularly those involving gravel sections or significant elevation gains. For example, the 'Auld Reekie ride out from Edinburgh' is a challenging 51.1 km gravel ride with 750 meters of elevation gain, suitable for experienced cyclists.

The QuietRoutes are a network of paths in Edinburgh specifically designed for walking and cycling, aiming to provide peaceful and safer ways to explore the city away from busy main roads. These routes often utilize parks, converted railway lines, and quieter streets, making them ideal for touring cyclists.