On Yer' Bike - Cycle Routes in Edinburgh

Edinburgh may be built on seven hills. But with so many cycle routes following disused railway lines, the Uunion canal and paths around the foot of the Pentland hills, cycling in





Edinburgh can be a hill-free, traffic free and enjoyable experience for everyone.    - get on that bike!

Cycling in the City

Edinburgh is still in the dark ages when it comes to cycling in the city centre, but improvements are slowly being made.  In recent years Edinburgh City Council has installed more bike lanes and bike boxes at traffic lights along with traffic-calming measures introduced on busy biking commuting areas.

However the network is far from joined up and motorised traffic is still a major deterrent for would-be cyclists.  But don't be put off - there are many ways to enjoy traffic free cycling in Edinburgh.

Cycle Routes within Edinburgh City Centre

The only map of Edinburgh cycle paths we could find was from Spokes.  At £4.95 it seems a worthwhile investment.  Click here to buy online.
 

If you want to cycle within the city centre, why not try the Critical Mass Cycle.  They meet on the last Friday of every monthat the base of the Mound outside the galleries at 5.30pm. The ride starts at 6pm.  Anyone can join it. It's free. You just turn up on your bike or self-propelled machine. All ages take part and importantly it's for all levels of experience.

 Cycle routes within Edinburgh and Midlothian

There are a wide range of interesting and often beautiful cycle routes for all ability levels in and around Edinburgh and Midlothian. Click on the images below to download the route plans.

NOTE: You will need Abode Reader to open the cycle route maps, if you do not have Abobe Reader on your computer or cannot open the files, click here to download a free copy of Abobe Reader

We also have cycle route plans for longer trips into Midlothian that you can download:
 

Click here for the cycle route map of the Penicuik to Dalkeith

Click here for the cycle route map of the Balerno to Bathgate

Click here for the cycle route map of the The Esk Valley 

Click here for the cycle route map for the Pentland hills

Cycling in the Pentland Hills

The Pentland Hills Regional Park is a great place to enjoy your bike, with many routes available for cyclists to enjoy.

Whether you're out with your family or looking for a more gruelling challenge there are routes for all levels of fitness and ability.  Most of the 100km of paths in the Pentlands are suitable for cycling.  Click here to access the Pentland Hills website
 

For more cycle routes in Edinburgh

The excellent Spokes website posts user cycle routes for you to try. Click here to visit the Spokes online cycle routes.

If you have a favourite cycle route in Edinburgh or some tips for getting around town safely, leave a quick comment below....