Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities in the UK, but for those looking to experience its vibrant streets and scenic outskirts on a different level, a bike tour is hard to beat. Unlike bus tours, cycling allows you to access tight corners, quieter neighborhoods, and spectacular views that buses just can’t reach. We love tours that combine city highlights with outdoor escapes, like the Edinburgh City Bike Tour which whisks you out of the crowded center and into secret spots around Arthur’s Seat and Portobello Beach. It’s a great way to see the city’s diverse sides at your own pace.
When choosing a bike tour in Edinburgh, consider your fitness level, the kind of scenery you prefer, and how much time you want to spend riding. Whether you’re after a quick taste of the city or a more leisurely exploration, Edinburgh offers options that suit different interests and schedules.
Quick Overview
Our list features five top-rated bike tours in Edinburgh, each with a unique focus. From the 2.5-hour Edinburgh City Bike Tour that balances city sights with coastal views, to the 4.5-hour ‘A Wee Pedal’ Circular Tour ideal for those craving a deeper dive into the neighborhoods and countryside, there’s something for every cyclist. For family-friendly adventures, the Family Friendly Cycle Tour to Edinburgh’s Coast offers a safe, gentle ride suitable for all ages. Meanwhile, the Edinburgh: E-Bike Tour with Scenic Views gives you a glide through some of the city’s most famous landmarks with minimal effort. Read on for detailed descriptions of each.
1. Edinburgh City Bike Tour – Choice of E-Bike or Manual
At number 1, this tour offers a fantastic blend of accessibility and adventure. For just under $87, you get a 2.5-hour small-group ride (maximum 15 people) that takes you off the beaten tourist track. You can choose between a traditional bike or an electric bike, which is especially helpful if you want to tackle some hills without breaking a sweat.
The tour begins by exploring Edinburgh Quay along the Union Canal, then heads to Bruntsfield Links, a historic golf course with views of the Royal Infirmary. From there, you’ll visit The Meadows, Edinburgh’s largest park, before cycling to the edge of Holyrood Park to get close to Arthur’s Seat. The route continues to Portobello Beach, where you’ll enjoy a stretch of sandy shoreline with views over Fife. Leith, with its lively harbor and history, completes the journey. The guide shares fascinating facts about each site, keeping the experience lively and informative. Reviews highlight the flexible pacing, safety focus, and the ability to see areas buses can’t reach. If hills are a concern, the e-bike option is well worth the extra cost.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick yet comprehensive taste of Edinburgh’s city and seaside, especially if you prefer a small group and personalized attention.
2. ‘A Wee Pedal’s’ Award-Winning Circular Cycle Tour of Edinburgh!
Ranking second, this 4.5-hour tour takes you farther afield, exploring lesser-known neighborhoods and scenic spots. Starting at Bridgend Farmhouse Café, you’ll cycle along mostly traffic-free paths on about 20 miles of trail, making it suitable for most riders. For an additional £20 per person, you can request an e-bike, making the more challenging sections easier.
Highlights include cruising along the Union Canal, passing canal boats and historic bridges, then onto the Water of Leith walkway, which takes you past Saughton Park and the original Murrayfield Stadium. The tour’s pièce de résistance is exploring Dean Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site with picturesque streets and historic buildings. The guide is highly knowledgeable, offering insights into Edinburgh’s past as you pedal past landmarks like Thomas Telfer’s bridge.
This tour appeals to those who want a comprehensive city experience with a focus on hidden corners and local life. Reviewers love the mix of scenery and storytelling, praising the friendly guides and the manageable pace. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a more immersive ride that’s a little longer than the city center options.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded cycling adventure suited for active travelers eager to see Edinburgh beyond the main attractions.
3. ‘A Wee Pedal’s’ Family Friendly Cycle Tour to Edinburgh’s Coast
At number 3, this family-friendly tour is designed for all ages and abilities, lasting about 3 hours. The route covers approximately 12 miles on traffic-free paths, perfect for a relaxed day out. The tour begins at Bridgend Farmhouse Café, and the highlight is riding through Craigmillar Park and the Victorian Railway tunnel into Holyrood Park. Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing Arthur’s Seat from a distance while cruising along the scenic coastline.
The tour includes safety gear and offers manual bikes with the option to upgrade to an e-bike for an additional £20. The focus is on a gentle ride that introduces children and beginners to Edinburgh’s sights without overwhelming them. Stops at historic sites and opportunities for ice cream or coffee make this a fun and light outing.
Reviewers commend the guide’s patience and the pace, noting it’s ideal for families or those seeking a relaxed exploration. The ride’s mix of city sights, parks, and seaside makes it memorable without being strenuous.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for families or casual cyclists wanting a scenic, low-pressure day exploring Edinburgh and its coast.
4. Edinburgh: Cycle Tour to the Coast (family friendly)
Number 4 on our list, this 3-hour family-friendly tour emphasizes historic landmarks and coastal scenery. Starting at Bridgend Farmhouse Café, you’ll visit Holyrood Park and ride through the Innocent Railway Tunnel before reaching Portobello Beach. Along the way, the tour offers stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.
This tour is designed with safety and comfort in mind, featuring mainly traffic-free paths and manageable distances. It’s ideal for families or casual riders who want to combine history with seaside relaxation. The route is straightforward, making it accessible for children and newcomers.
Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and the opportunity to enjoy Edinburgh’s less touristy areas. It’s a good option if you want to combine sightseeing with a leisurely ride along the coast.
Bottom Line: A family-friendly, scenic ride that combines city landmarks with seaside fun, suitable for all ages.
5. Edinburgh: E-Bike Tour with Scenic Views
Rounding out the list, this 2-hour e-bike tour offers a quick yet scenic overview of Edinburgh’s most famous sights. For around $115, you get a guided ride that covers Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament, Dean Village, and Leith’s historic harbor.
What sets this tour apart is the ease of riding an e-bike, allowing you to ascend Arthur’s Seat and explore hilly areas without fatigue. Reviewers mention feeling like they saw more in less time, thanks to the power-assisted pedaling. The city views from Holyrood Park and the Shore area are particularly stunning.
This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a shorter, high-impact experience or those with mobility concerns. It offers excellent value given the scenic variety and the convenience of e-biking.
Bottom Line: Ideal for short on time but wanting to see Edinburgh’s top landmarks with minimal effort.
How to Choose the Right Bike Tour in Edinburgh
When selecting a bike tour, consider your fitness level, interests, and available time. Families with children or casual riders will appreciate the family-friendly tours, while those seeking a deeper dive into Edinburgh’s neighborhoods might prefer the Award-winning Circular Tour. For travelers wanting hills and scenic viewpoints without the physical strain, the E-Bike Tour offers great flexibility.
Budget-wise, the city tour delivers excellent value at around $86, especially with the e-bike option, while the longer tours justify their higher prices through extended exploration and personalized guides. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh’s cycling options range from quick city highlights to extended scenic journeys that reveal parts of the city few visitors see. For a compact city tour, the Edinburgh City Bike Tour offers a balanced experience. If you want a deeper, more personalized exploration, the Award-winning Circular Tour is a standout choice. Families and those seeking a relaxed day will enjoy the Family Friendly Coast Tour.
Whatever your cycling style, Edinburgh’s mix of urban charm and coastal beauty makes for memorable riding. Book early, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy discovering this lively city on two wheels.