Take your cycling game up a notch with the 8 best bike trails in Edinburgh
I’ll never forget the first time I hopped on a bike. I learned to ride much later than most of my mates, but I was determined to keep going.
Everything changed after I completed my first trail without stopping. It sparked a love for cycling and opened my eyes to the sheer number of trails Edinburgh has to offer. My hometown is absolutely packed with them!
To help you explore the city on two wheels, I’ve put together a guide to the best bike trails in Edinburgh, with something for every skill level—even paths perfect for the wee ones in the family!
The Yellow Brick Road (Pentland Hills Regional Park)
– Media from frikfrak74
Starting Point: Flotterstone Information Centre, Penicuik
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trail Length: Around 34 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
Contact Details: +44 131 529 2401
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
The Yellow Brick Road might not lead you to Oz, but it could easily steal your heart with its stunning scenery and cycling thrills. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Pentland Hills Regional Park, this route is a journey into nature you won’t forget.
The park is located a short drive away from the city centre and features a thrilling 2-mile stretch of rugged terrain. You’ll encounter a few slopes and a lot of boulders, but parts of the loop are suitable for beginners as well!
Tips:
- If you need to refuel your energy after making rounds in the loop, you can check out the Pentland Hills Cafe Express for their coffee, tea, drinks, and other snacks. They offer a wide range of pastries as well!
- Note that you will share some parts of the route with pedestrians and dog walkers. Be mindful of where you pass through, and make sure that you don’t block the path for other bikers using the same route as you!
The Hawthornvale Path
– Media from liznylon
Starting Point: Lindsay Road
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trail Length: Around 16 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
The Hawthornvale Path is a route for those looking to explore the city’s west end. Starting at Lindsay Road near the cruise terminal, the path stretches to either Craigleith or the bridge west of Crewe Toll.
A key highlight is the Five Ways Junction, where five different routes branch off, giving you the option to extend your journey and explore more of the area.
If you’re short on time, you can stick to the main path and head straight toward the Ferry Road Path for a quicker ride.
Tips:
- Along the path, you might encounter old rail tracks and even small events. If you have the time, drop by and enjoy the scenery. Lots of locals, usually hikers and dog walkers drop by the area, so keep an eye out for anything interesting you see along the way!
- There’s a small cafe between Craighall Road and Newhaven Road where you can replenish your energy. If you decide to order takeout, make sure to keep your trash and throw it into any of the bins scattered across the path.
The East Lothian Coastal Route
– Media from thescottishcyclist
Starting Point: Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, Princes St
Difficulty Level: Moderate to hard
Trail Length: Around 75 kilometres
Average Time: 3 to 4 hours
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
If you’re up for a longer ride that takes you to one of the most scenic sides of the city, the East Lothian Coastal Route is a cracking choice. Starting at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, this trail winds its way to East Lothian’s charming coastal villages.
Locals love this hidden gem for its golf courses, grand manor houses, and rolling hills—perfect for an adventurous bike route. There’s plenty to soak in along its scenic stretch, though you’re free to tailor your journey and cut it short if you fancy!
Tips:
- Take a pit stop at Haddington. This place has transformed into a bustling market town. It’s the perfect spot to pause and enjoy a bite before returning west to Edinburgh. For a top-notch coffee and cake experience, head to Falko on the High Street. It even has convenient bike racks right outside!
- The ride into Haddington is largely a straight path, finishing with a sweeping curve that leads to a double roundabout. Take care not to overshoot the junction in the excitement of the descent.
The Portobello Route
– Media from edinburghdawnpatrol
Starting Point: 1 Promenade, Portobello
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Trail Length: Around 24 kilometres
Average Time: 1 to 2 hours
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach? If you want coastal views, sea breeze, and a lot of traffic-free cycling, the Portobello route is a must for you!
All of the cycling paths in this area are made of tarmac, so you don’t have to worry about cycling along muddy or sandy areas. It’s also one of the most family-friendly routes you can take near the city.
Plus, the views are amazing and you can also get a peek of the famous Arthur’s Seat along the route.
Tips:
- A short on-road stretch of the route between the Meadows and the bike path west of Haymarket can be quite congested. If you’re cycling with young children, consider walking your bike along the pavement for added safety.
- I highly recommend cycling up north of the beach. The further north you cycle, the quieter the beach becomes. Head north if you want to avoid the crowds (especially since lots of families come up here on weekends!).
Water of Leith Cycle Path
– Media from victoriamagazine
Starting Point: Damside
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Trail Length: Around 19 kilometres
Average Time: 2 to 3 hours
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
The Water of Leith Cycle Path, a moderately lengthy route for cyclists, is one of my favourite ways to explore. It stretches from Balerno right into the city, offering a mix of tranquillity and iconic sights along the way.
The trail is mostly flat, which makes it an easy ride. Along the way, you’ll pass gems like Dean Village, a quaint spot that feels like a step back in time, and the colourful Colinton Tunnel, with its incredible psychedelic mural.
My personal highlight? The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. It’s impossible not to pop in and admire works by Van Gogh and Dali.
Tips:
- Note that while the trail offers a bit of greenery and wilderness, it’s still located in the middle of the city, so expect a bit of noise and pedestrian traffic. I highly recommend dropping by early in the morning to avoid the dense crowds in the afternoon. I also sometimes like to visit on a Sunday evening, as this time is usually quiet.
- Dean Village is the busiest spot along the path, so if you really want to just cycle your way through the route without stopping, consider skipping this area and just straight towards Colinton Tunnel.
Holyrood Park
– Media from thisisedinburgh
Starting Point: Queen’s Dr
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trail Length: Around 5 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Holyrood Park is a cyclist’s delight, offering stunning city views and a shared-use path along Queen’s Drive. It’s not the widest and lacks lighting, but the smooth surface makes for an enjoyable ride.
I started my route near the Holyrood Park Road entrance, close to familiar spots like the Commonwealth Pool, Pollock Halls, and the Innocent Railway.
You’ll also cycle past iconic landmarks the Scottish Parliament, and the Palace of Holyrood House. It all wraps up at St. Margaret’s Loch, where I like to take a breather and soak in the peaceful surroundings before heading back.
Tips:
- Weekends are especially great for cycling here, as the park roads close down to motor traffic during the day, usually until late afternoon. Plus, the steep one-way section of Queen’s Drive behind Arthur’s Seat is currently closed to vehicles on Mondays and Fridays, giving you more space to enjoy the climb.
- If you want to truly immerse yourself in the rich history of the park, you can download the Holyrood Park Audio Guide for Android or Apple devices and listen to it while you roam on two wheels. You’ll learn about the prehistoric takes and abundant wildlife spotted in the area—all free of charge!
The Union Canal
– Media from thisisedinburgh
Starting Point: Union Canal Towpath
Difficulty Level: Moderate to hard
Trail Length: Around 49 kilometres
Average Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
The Union Canal Towpath is hands down one of the most convenient cycling routes in the city’s southwest. It’s flat, free of traffic, and ideal whether you’re on a mountain bike, hybrid, or even that posh city cruiser you bought to feel a bit fancy.
You start at Lochrin Basin and you pass through Harrison Park, Slateford, Wester Hailes, and even as far as Glasgow (if you’re up for it!). It’s a proper gateway to the countryside while still keeping you tethered to Edinburgh.
It’s got some quirks: some bits are a wee bit narrow, and on sunny days, it’s bustling with joggers, dog walkers, and bairns on scooters.
Tips:
- I highly recommend cycling here during the daytime. There is no lighting along the path, so evening rides will be difficult and dangerous if you’re bringing family or friends along with you. Wear reflective lights in case it gets dark before you head home. You don’t want to get lost along the way!
- If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to cycle this route is on a weekday morning. I like riding during sunrise to beat the pedestrians and also because the views are stunning at this hour!
Innocent Railway Path
– Media from frikfrak74
Starting Point: Innocent Railway
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Trail Length: Around 10 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
If you’re looking for a bike trail that’s short but packs a lot of scenery and thrill, I highly recommend trying the Innocent Railway Path. This 10-kilometre stretch features a railway that’s flat and well-maintained, so you can ride virtually any sort of bike here.
The trail starts inside the spooky and cool Innocent Railway Tunnel (which gives off major period-drama vibes) and leads you down south to Brunstane Station. If you want, you can also ride from the station and end at the tunnel (it’s also an easier ride).
Tips:
- I highly recommend starting from Brunstane Station and ending at the tunnel since the path becomes steeper southwards. This way, you can enjoy gentle downward slopes without breaking too much of a sweat.
- The tunnel tends to be quite dim, so if your bike lights are more for show than utility, it’s best to tackle this route during daylight hours. It’s also a lovely spot for some bird watching if that’s your thing!