Get ready to cycle from Edinburgh city centre to the sea and back on a looped route packed with variety—city landmarks, scenic trails and a stop at the coast. This 13-mile guided ride is relaxed, sociable and ideal for anyone looking to see the capital from a different perspective.
The ride begins at the West End of Princes Street near Edinburgh Castle and follows a circular route using bike paths, canal trails and quiet streets. You’ll set off through Harrison Park and follow the Union Canal or Innocent Railway Path depending on the day’s route, weaving through urban areas, hidden green spaces, and traffic-free paths. Your guide will keep things flexible, adjusting the route based on group preference and conditions—whether that means a detour through Dean Village or a longer stop at Portobello Beach.
Along the way, you’ll uncover secret spots, local landmarks, and unexpected views of the city, with highlights including the Water of Leith, the Shore of Leith, and historic areas like New Town. Around halfway, you’ll take a short break at a cosy café in Leith or Portobello, depending on the chosen route. With plenty of time to stop, chat and soak it all in, the focus is on making the experience enjoyable and informative rather than rushed. Bikes and helmets are included unless you're bringing your own, and you can choose from standard hybrid bikes or pedal-assisted e-bikes for extra comfort.
Your meeting point is right in the city centre—outside The Caledonian Hotel, 11 Rutland Street, EH1 2AB—within easy reach of shops, public transport and local landmarks. The ride quickly leaves behind the main roads, switching to Edinburgh’s impressive network of cycle paths that link parks, canals, neighbourhoods and the shoreline in a continuous loop.
The full route covers 13 miles over 2.5 to 3 hours (or 3.5 to 4 hours including transfer time if needed), and it’s designed to show you both the well-known parts of the city and the off-the-radar highlights that make cycling in Edinburgh so rewarding. Expect a mixture of city buzz, peaceful canalside stretches, sea views and a few surprises along the way.
This ride is suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness and confidence on a bike. It’s mostly flat, with gentle slopes and varied terrain, and the route avoids busy roads in favour of calmer paths and trails. E-bikes are available for anyone who prefers a bit of extra assistance, and helmets are mandatory (provided unless you bring your own).
The minimum age is 13, unless you’re booking a private tour, in which case younger children can be accommodated. For legal reasons, anyone using an e-bike must be at least 14. Whether you're using your own bike or hiring one on-site, your guide will make sure everyone is comfortable before setting off.
The tours are run by a small, passionate team led by Riccardo—a professional cycling guide with years of experience riding and guiding in both the Alps and across Scotland. Having spent the last five years exploring Edinburgh and its surroundings by bike, Riccardo brings deep local knowledge and a genuine love for sharing the outdoors with others. He’s fully qualified in MTB leadership, outdoor first aid and child protection, and takes pride in making each ride enjoyable, safe and welcoming.
The team’s mission is to inspire people to explore Scotland by bike, whether it’s a relaxed city loop or a more challenging ride through wild countryside. They cater to a full range of experience levels, and each ride is carefully planned to make the most of the scenery, history and fun that cycling can offer. With flexible routes, small groups and knowledgeable guidance, you'll discover parts of the city most visitors never see—and have a great time doing it.
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