Edinburgh Bike Tours

This 13 mile/20 km (3 hour) tour is one of our flatter tours with few hills. The tour takes you along the scenic southern shore of the Firth of Forth to the picturesque village of Cramond at the mouth of the river Almond. Along the way, we stop to look at the abundant birdlife, sandy beaches, sheltered harbours, offshore islands, wildflower meadows and fossil sites that make this coast so special.

We explore Cramond’s history and industrial heritage, passing the site of a Roman fort, the lovely 15th century kirk and the atmospheric ruins of an 18th century mill on the river. We return to Leith on quiet roads and tree-lined cycle paths, passing the millionaire mansions of Barnton and Lauriston Castle, a magnificent tower house with tranquil gardens overlooking the sea.

Beautiful scenery, nature, rich history and peaceful places: this tour has it all. We think you will love coasting to Cramond!

Gentle terrain, dedicated cycle paths Most of this route is flat or gently undulating with just one short steep section and 75% of it is on cycle paths, the rest on quiet roads.

This guided cycle ride (2.5 to 3 hours, 18 km) lets you sample the rich diversity which Edinburgh has to offer and which is best experienced on a bike: picturesque cycle paths, a few of the iconic sites in the heart of the city, verdant Holyrood Park and a coastal promenade.

We start by heading west from our office along a designated cycle path and then emerge in the New Town area, just ½ mile from the city centre. After a short, steep climb through residential streets in this UNESCO World Heritage Site we cross Princes Street (from where you can see Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens) and head down the lower section of The Royal Mile, experiencing some of the history of the Old Town, towards Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.

The scenery then changes as we enter Holyrood Park and pass Arthur’s Seat on the way to another quiet cycle path, which follows the route of a disused railway line back down towards the coastline. We finish with a spin along Portobello Promenade and then back to Leith.

There’s simply no better way to see the dramatic and contrasting cityscape of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

Cycle track and some road also. Mostly off-road on cycle paths but please note this tour does take us through the heart of the city and some busy roads are unavoidable. We walk some of this as we tell you about the places we are seeing, and no one should feel worried about this section as we can go as slowly and carefully as necessary.

On this 4 – 5 hour tour we ride beyond Edinburgh, cycling along quiet cycle paths through woodlands and country parks and taking in several fabulous historic buildings. The tour travels at a medium pace, has a stop for a coffee or snack lunch and a total maximum distance of around 20 miles (32 km) It requires a good level of cycling fitness.

We set off from our Leith office and cycle along the coast to the historic fishing harbour of Newhaven. Then we head to the city centre via cycle paths taking in the classic new town and old town architecture of Edinburgh.

Next we ride south out of the city cycling past Edinburgh’s extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, and off road to Craigmillar castle where Mary Queen of Scots fled in 1566. From here we continue on a mix of quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths to Newhailes House reminiscent of “Downton Abbey”. This grand Palladian country house was originally built in the 17th century, owned by the influential Dalrymple family it featured prominently during the Scottish Enlightenment.

We then re-join the coast at Musselburgh visiting Fisherrow harbour and stop for something to eat at a suitable venue depending on the weather. After a break we cycle along the coast to the promenade at Portobello beach – Edinburgh’s sea side – and then return to our starting point in Leith.

This tour is mostly on cycle paths, with some sections on minor roads.

A two to two a half hour bike tour (12 km) through the heart of historic Edinburgh with wide views across the city’s dramatic skyline: a gentle cycle along cobbled streets and through leafy parks with frequent stops to hear about the history, culture and people of Scotland’s capital city.

The tour begins on the waterfront in the Port of Leith. From there we follow Edinburgh’s river, the Water of Leith, on a tree-lined cycleway that leads into the heart of the city, a UNESCO world heritage site. A gentle climb through the streets of Edinburgh’s historic New Town brings us to St Andrew’s Square in the city centre. From here we wheel our bikes along Princes Street, enjoying spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the medieval Old Town.

Next there’s a slow roll down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Queen Elizabeth’s official residence in Scotland. From the Scottish Parliament building we cycle through the Queen’s Park and past the picturesque ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

We push the bikes up Abbeymount then spin through Royal Terrace Gardens on a high path with views out across the city. From there quiet lanes and backstreets lead back towards Leith. Finally we pick up the cycleway again and follow the Water of Leith through St Mark’s Park back to our starting point. We think it’s a great way to see one of the most dramatic cities in the world: perfect for your first day in Edinburgh.

There are a couple of short climbs on this tour. Mostly off-road on cycle paths but please note this tour does take us through the heart of the city and busy roads are unavoidable.

This 5 hour, 42 km / 26 mile cycle tour starts in the heart of Edinburgh’s port, the vibrant and buzzing Leith on the east coast of Scotland. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants for a pre or post ride snack.

We are heading on a beautiful route out of town to the north west, following the shore line of the Firth of Forth towards the iconic Forth Road and Forth Railway bridges and the picturesque town of South Queensferry. There were ferries at South Queensferry until 1964 when the Forth Road Bridge was opened.

In addition to the bridges we pass by Lauriston Castle, a sensitively restored Edwardian stately home, cycle along the seaside promenade of Crammond, into the Dalmeny Estate and right past Dalmeny House, a gothic mansion set in wooded parkland, housing a collection of 16th to 19th century art.

Enjoy a superb view of the Forth Rail Bridge and one of the best views of Edinburgh as you look back along the waterline. We’ll stop at South Queensferry for a lunch break (not included) then head back to town.

Several hills, almost totally off road on cycle paths.

We cycle on designated cycleways and pavements and there are no hills!

The tour does not go into the city centre and we avoid cycling on roads with traffic. Safety is our top concern on tours with young children. We go at a gentle pace with lots of chances to stop and have fun!

We set off from the Port of Leith, Edinburgh’s historic harbour area with a stop to look at a harpoon gun from a whaling ship and a view of the royal yacht Brittania. From here it’s an easy pedal along to picturesque Newhaven Harbour with its lighthouse followed by an exciting cycle out along the Western Harbour Breakwater of Leith Docks with dramatic views of the sea and the world famous Forth Bridges. After a stop for a coke ‘n’ crisps outside the Old Chain Pier, one of Leith’s most famous pubs, we pedal on along an old railway line and through a spooky tunnel to reach Victoria Park with its swings and playpark. We can stop here for a bit of entertainment for kids. From here we follow Edinburgh’s river, the Water of Leith, looking out for swans, ducks and gulls, with time for a bike race or two before we make our way back to the Port of Leith.

Please note: it is important you let us know ages, cycling experience and ability of your children so we can arrange a suitable tour – the route is flexible depending on ages and ability.