The best gravel rides around New Town/Broughton

There are nearly 70 gravel bike trails around New Town/Broughton, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. These routes extend from urban green corridors to more challenging regional parks.

Yes, while many routes are moderate to difficult, there are 9 easy gravel bike trails available. For a more relaxed ride, consider exploring sections of the Union Canal Towpath or the North Edinburgh Path Network, which offer mostly traffic-free and flatter terrain.

The terrain is quite diverse. You'll find urban green corridors, canal towpaths, and former railway lines offering smoother, flatter rides. For more challenging experiences, routes venture into hilly regional parks like the Pentland Hills, featuring fire roads, lumpy singletrack, and significant climbs.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For example, the difficult route Colinton Tunnel Mural – Threipmuir Reservoir loop from Edinburgh Waverley offers a comprehensive circular journey connecting urban paths with natural areas, including a reservoir.

You can encounter several natural features and landmarks. While riding, you might spot Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering commanding views. Other points of interest include Corstorphine Hill Tower for panoramic city views, and various lochs like Dunsapie Loch.

New Town/Broughton is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to reach various starting points for gravel routes. The city's extensive bus network and train stations (like Edinburgh Waverley) provide good access to areas like the Union Canal Towpath or the North Edinburgh Path Network, which are excellent for gravel biking.

For families, the flatter, traffic-free sections of the Union Canal Towpath or routes along the North Edinburgh Path Network are ideal. These paths often utilize former railway lines, providing easy gradients and a safe environment for riders of all ages.

The gravel biking routes around New Town/Broughton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 67 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from urban green corridors to challenging regional parks, and the excellent connectivity to natural landscapes.

Yes, routes like Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo – The Innocent Railway loop from Edinburgh Waverley lead through historical paths and green corridors, offering a blend of cultural interest and natural beauty.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park, located southwest of the city, is a prime destination for gravel biking. Routes like Auld Reekie ride out from Edinburgh offer a comprehensive exploration of this region's varied and challenging terrain.

While New Town/Broughton is inland, its connectivity allows access to coastal areas. Sections of the East Coast Trail near North Berwick or Dunbar offer rugged cliff-top paths with breathtaking coastal vistas, suitable for gravel adventures.

For a quieter experience, consider exploring routes within the Dalmeny Estate to the north, which offers good paths along the water with a mix of single-track, gravel, and road sections. The Water of Leith Walkway also provides a pleasant, often traffic-free route through the city.