Edinburgh: 20-Mile Cycle Tour (Mostly Traffic Free)

Explore Edinburgh’s stunning landscapes on a captivating 20-mile cycle tour. Glide through mostly traffic-free paths, taking in scenic parks, tranquil canals, and picturesque beaches. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll discover hidden gems and gain local insights, promising an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a confident cyclist or seeking an active adventure, this tour offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the city’s natural beauty.

Key Points

• This 20-mile cycle tour around Edinburgh lasts approximately 4.5 hours and departs from the Craigmillar Castle grounds.
• The route features scenic parks, canals, and beaches, with photo stops and refreshments along the way.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides insights and ensures a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience.
• The tour is suitable for confident cyclists aged 12 and above, with a maximum group size of 10 participants.
• Participants can expect an exceptional sightseeing experience showcasing parts of the city not easily accessible by foot or car.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The 20-mile cycle tour around Edinburgh offers participants a largely traffic-free experience, lasting approximately 4.5 hours.

The tour departs from the Craigmillar Castle grounds, easily accessible from the city center. Priced from £86.00 per person, the tour includes a manual bike with gears and a helmet.

Groups are limited to 10 participants, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The route showcases Edinburgh’s scenic parks, canals, and beaches, with opportunities for photo stops and refreshments along the way.

Route Highlights

Scenic ride through Craigmillar Park and Innocent Railway Tunnel showcases the city’s natural beauty.

The tour also explores:

• The Meadows, a lush urban park perfect for relaxing

• Union Canal and Water of Leith, offering tranquil waterfront cycling

• Historic Dean Village and vibrant Stockbridge neighborhood

• Picturesque Portobello Beach, where participants can stop for refreshments and photos

Key landmarks like Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat provide stunning backdrops throughout the journey.

Participants can look forward to an engaging and diverse cycling experience, allowing them to discover hidden gems and iconic sights of Edinburgh.

Tour Experience and Guide

Providing insights in English, the live tour guide leads participants on this award-winning experience, recognized by Visit Scotland for Best Outdoor Experience.

The focus is on safety, fun, and attention to detail throughout the ride. Participants feel like riding with a friend, thanks to the guide’s local knowledge.

The guide ensures a positive experience by adjusting the pace to suit the group’s abilities. With their expertise, riders can explore Edinburgh’s hidden gems without worrying about navigation or safety, allowing them to fully enjoy the scenic tour.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Overall, customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the 20-mile cycle tour around Edinburgh. The tour has earned an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 18 reviews.

Key highlights include:

• The exceptional route, allowing participants to see parts of the city not accessible by foot or car

• The guide’s focus on safety, fun, and attention to detail throughout the ride

• The enjoyable experiences at the Sunday market, cycling along the canal, and taking in the coastal views

• The tour guide’s local knowledge, making participants feel like they’re riding with a friend.

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Participant Requirements and Recommendations

The 20-mile cycle tour around Edinburgh isn’t suitable for children under 12 years or those unable to ride a bike. Participants must be confident cyclists to fully enjoy the experience.

It’s recommended to bring rain gear and water, as the weather can be unpredictable. Arriving 15 minutes early for bike fitting ensures a smooth start to the tour.

The route covers a variety of terrain, so being comfortable on a bicycle is essential. The guide will provide an exceptional tour, but participants need to be able to pedal the distance and navigate the cycling paths.

Scenic Ride Through Craigmillar Park and Innocent Railway Tunnel

As the tour sets off from the Craigmillar Castle grounds, cyclists embark on a scenic ride through the lush greenery of Craigmillar Park.

The peaceful route winds through the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Riders then cycle through the historic Innocent Railway Tunnel, a former railroad line converted into a pedestrian and cycling path.

The tunnel’s atmospheric ambiance creates a unique experience, transporting participants back in time.

The tour’s focus on traffic-free routes allows cyclists to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Edinburgh’s landscapes.

• Peaceful ride through Craigmillar Park

• Historic Innocent Railway Tunnel

• Atmospheric ambiance in the tunnel

• Traffic-free routes for immersive experience

Exploring The Meadows, Union Canal, Water of Leith, Dean Village, Stockbridge, and Portobello Beach

After exploring the serene Craigmillar Park and the atmospheric Innocent Railway Tunnel, the tour then leads cyclists through The Meadows, a large public park in the heart of Edinburgh. From there, the route continues along the scenic Union Canal, offering a peaceful respite from the city streets. Riders then follow the Water of Leith, passing through the quaint neighborhoods of Dean Village and Stockbridge before reaching the charming seaside town of Portobello Beach. Along the way, participants can stop for refreshments and photograph notable landmarks like Arthur’s Seat.

| Route Highlights | Experiences | Photo Opportunities | Refreshment Stops |

| — | — | — | — |

| The Meadows | Cycling along Union Canal | Holyrood Park | Portobello Beach |

| Water of Leith | Exploring Dean Village | Arthur’s Seat | – |

| Stockbridge | Reaching Portobello Beach | – | – |

| Portobello Beach | – | – | – |

Key Landmarks: Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat stand as iconic landmarks that captivate visitors to Edinburgh.

This majestic 650-acre royal park offers a stunning natural backdrop, featuring:

• Dramatic volcanic crags and rolling hills, including the famous Arthur’s Seat, which provides panoramic views of the city.

• Lochs and valleys, perfect for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes.

• Historic sites like the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland.

• A diverse array of wildlife, from red deer to rare plant species.

The tour’s route allows cyclists to explore these landmarks up close, seeing Edinburgh’s natural and cultural splendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Stops Are There During the Tour?

The tour features multiple photo stops and refreshment opportunities, including at Portobello Beach. The exact number of stops is not specified, but the route highlights key landmarks and scenic areas throughout the 20-mile cycle tour.

Can the Tour Be Booked on the Same Day?

No, the tour cannot be booked on the same day. The tour overview states that there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, indicating participants must book the tour in advance to secure their spot.

Are There Any Discounts for Group Bookings?

For group bookings, there are discounts available. Customers can save on the per-person rate when booking for 4 or more participants. The exact group discount percentage is not specified in the provided information.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Bikes?

Participants can’t bring their own bikes on the tour. The tour provides manual bikes with gears and helmets as part of the package. This ensures a consistent experience and safety for all participants.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old. Children under 12 are not permitted to participate in the 20-mile cycling tour, as it’s not suitable for them.

The Sum Up

This guided 20-mile cycle tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s scenic landscapes. Traversing traffic-free paths, the tour immerses participants in the city’s natural beauty, from the serene Craigmillar Park to the picturesque Portobello Beach. Led by an expert guide, the personalized experience promises unforgettable sights and local insights, making it a must-do activity for confident cyclists seeking an exceptional way to discover the enchanting city of Edinburgh.

You can check availability for your dates here: