Which are the best cycle routes around Edinburgh?

Currently, times are tight and a trip outside the country is increasingly more expensive. Not to mention that many of Europe’s cities are experiencing serious problems with crime, disruptive behaviour and crumbling infrastructure; suddenly, in the last 5 years, some cities have been taken off many people’s wish list.

Other city’s loss is another’s gain; Edinburgh has become one of the most sought-after ‘stay-cation’ destinations, and is visited by people all over the world. One thing the city offers is some fantastic hikes, cycle routes and opportunities for outdoor adventure without needing to travel into the Scottish highlands.

So – if you’re coming to Edinburgh, its very easy to rent a bike and travel at least one of Edinburgh’s best cycle routes.

The Yellow Brick Road (Pentland Hills Regional Park)

The Pentland Hills are a slice of the Scottish Highlands, without needing to travel too far outside of the city. It is possible to explore what seems like the absolute wilderness within an hour. With spectacular views over the city, hidden waterfalls and vistas of rolling hills, it has everything Scotland can offer in mini form. Whether you want to stop to enjoy the view, or a dip in one of the reservoirs (this should be done with extreme caution), the Yellow Brick Road is absolutely one of the best cycle routes in Lothian.

Start: Flotterstone Info Centre, Penicuik
Length: 34 km
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: Mixed -rugged, hilly, some gravel roads and smoother access roads.
Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Tips:
- Grab a coffee and snack at Clubbideans Cafe
- Watch for walkers and shared sections
- Bus links are easy to find: 37 to Penicuik or 10 to Bonally.

The Hawthornvale Path to Roseburn

The Hawthornevale Path is part of what used to be Edinburgh’s old railway network that has been turned into walkways and cycle paths through the city. We suggest that you take the route through Hawthronevale and onwards towards Roseburn. The path is very popular with cyclists and walkers. At points, it is beautiful. In others, not so much. The charm of this path is that it gives you access to almost every corner of the city by bike, without the need to ride on the roads in the city.

Start: Lindsay Road, Leith.
Length: 16 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat, tarmac, former railway path.
Time: 1.5 hrs
Tips:
- Enjoy pop-up events and small cafes
- This route is busy, so watch out for other walkers and cyclists.
- Use the cycle paths to ride anywhere.

The East Lothian Coastal Route, John Muir Way & John Muri Link

We’ve combined all of these together because they make up one of the most amazing routes for cycling in Edinburgh. For those who love an extremely long ride, it is possible to follow a cycle route from the centre of town that follows the coast until you get to Dunbar. The route is one for those who love the fresh sea air and rolling Sand beaches. With views of Bass Rock and plenty of stops along the way, this is one not to avoid. An additional plus – if you get tired, you can get the train back!

Start: Waverley Station, Princes St
Length: 75 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Terrain: Mixed with road, coastal paths, and countryside
Time: 3 – 5 hrs
Tips:
- Stop at Falko café in Haddington
- Watch your speed at end-of-descent junctions
- Get the train back rather than cycle.

The Portobello Circular Route

Start: 1 Promenade, Portobello
Length: ~24 km
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Terrain: Fully tarmacked, flat most of the way and views across the sea.
Time: 1 – 2 hrs
Highlights: Sea breeze, family-friendly, Arthur’s Seat views
Tips:
- Walk your bike in busy areas
- Head north to avoid beach crowds
- Pint at Scotland’s oldest pub? The Sheep’s Heid in Duddingston.

Water of Leith to the Union Canal – Dean’s Village to Fountain Bridge.

A stunning cycle that starts in Dean’s village until you reach the Craiglockhart Aquaduct – and back into the City via the Union Canal. It’s flat, very soothing and surrounded by water and nature. There is one big problem – this route is always busy, and the path can be quite thin. If you go early in the morning, you’ll see this route at its best.

Start: Deans Village
Length: 19 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Mostly flat with some narrow and cobbled sections.
Time: 2- 3 hrs
Tips:
- Ride early or late to dodge foot traffic
- Skip Dean Village if you want to keep moving
Map: View Route Map

Holyrood Park

This is the cycle path that everybody should do in Edinburgh. It’s the most iconic and the most accessible from the city centre. While this may be a challenging ride for those who hate hills, it is on paths all the way around and has loads of views of the city.

Start: Queen’s Drive.
Length: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Terrain: Smooth tarmac roads, some hill climbs
Time: 40 mins – 1 hour
Highlights: Arthur’s Seat, Scottish Parliament, lochs
Tips:
- Weekends = car-free roads
- Try the free audio guide for history buffs

The Union Canal

The Union Canal is what used to be Edinburgh’s trade link to Glasgow. Fountainbridge used to be the site of industry (and breweries) who’d use the canal to transport goods across the country. These days, it is used as a cycle path and walkway for commuters and adventurers alike. The canal does head all the way to Glasgow, but we’d recommend breaking off the path at the Colinton Dell, and heading towards the historical village of Colinton. If you choose this path, you can thank us later.

Start: Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge.
Length: 15 – 25km km
Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
Terrain: Flat towpath, gravel/tarmac mix, narrow at points
Time: 2.5 – 4 hrs
Highlights: Connects to the countryside, canal views
Tips:
- No lights—ride during the day
- Weekday mornings are best to avoid crowds

Innocent Railway Path

Start: Innocent Railway Tunnel
Length: ~10 km
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Terrain: Flat, paved with slight inclines
Time: 1.5–2 hrs
Highlights: Historic tunnel, quiet route to Brunstane
Tips:
- Start or end at the tunnel for a different experience
- Suitable for all bike types