The best gravel rides around Longstone

Longstone offers a wide selection of gravel biking opportunities, with over 65 routes available. These range from easy, beginner-friendly paths to more challenging, longer rides.

Yes, Longstone has several easy gravel routes perfect for beginners or family outings. These routes often feature gentle gradients and utilize disused railway paths or urban greenways. An example is the Torduff Reservoir – Torduff Reservoir loop from Currie, which is a moderate 5.6-mile (9.1 km) trail.

The gravel bike trails around Longstone are known for their diverse terrain. You'll encounter a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including disused railway paths, scenic reservoir loops, and urban greenways. This variety offers both smooth sections and more rugged parts, providing a varied experience for gravel cyclists.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Longstone offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. A notable option is the Colinton Tunnel Mural – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Haymarket, a demanding 86.3-mile (138.9 km) path with over 1100 meters of elevation gain.

Many routes in Longstone pass by beautiful natural and historical landmarks. You can enjoy views of reservoirs like Glencorse Reservoir and Torduff Reservoir. Some trails also incorporate urban art installations, such as the Colinton Tunnel Murals, or offer panoramic views like the View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Longstone are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Colinton Tunnel Murals – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop from Kingsknowe and the Threipmuir Reservoir – The Innocent Railway loop from Kingsknowe.

Gravel biking in Longstone is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be ridden, though some paths might be muddier or require more appropriate gear due to colder, wetter conditions. Always check local weather before heading out.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking in Longstone, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders frequently praise the region's diverse landscape, the combination of natural beauty with local points of interest, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various skill levels.

Yes, Longstone's gravel biking network prominently features routes along historic railway lines. These disused paths often provide flat, well-surfaced sections ideal for gravel bikes. The Kirkliston Railway Path – Ratho Marina loop from Haymarket is a great example, offering a moderate 44.7-mile (72 km) ride along such a path.

For gravel biking in Longstone, it's advisable to bring a repair kit, plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing layers for changing weather conditions. Given the mix of surfaces, a gravel-specific bike or a mountain bike with suitable tires is recommended. A charged phone with GPS navigation is also helpful, especially on longer routes.

While popular routes can see more traffic, exploring some of the longer or more challenging routes, or riding during off-peak hours (weekdays, early mornings), can offer a more secluded experience. The region has many trails, so venturing slightly off the most well-known paths can lead to quieter rides.