The Stirling Bike & E-Bike Tour

Children under the age of 13 are not permitted on scheduled tours to ensure the pace and group dynamic work for everyone. However, private tours are a great option for families with younger children who are confident cyclists. If your child is happy riding on roads and can manage a relaxed city route, Stuart can tailor the tour to suit your family’s pace and needs.

It’s important to note that E-bikes can only legally be used by riders aged 14 or over. For younger children, standard bikes are available. Every child’s comfort and confidence is different, so feel free to contact us via the adventuro chat to enquire and discuss any specific requirements in advance.

Not at all. These tours are designed to be relaxed and accessible to most people who are comfortable riding a bike. If you can balance, pedal, turn, and stop a bicycle safely, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience. There’s no racing or technical terrain involved – just a smooth ride around the city with time to take in the surroundings.

That said, it’s important that everyone is confident with the basics of cycling. If it becomes clear during the ride that someone isn’t able to control their bike safely, we may need to stop their participation for their own safety and that of the group. If you’re unsure about your ability, feel free to get in touch and we can chat through what to expect.

Stuart speaks English and is happy to guide people from all over the world. His accent is Scottish but he takes care to speak clearly, and he’s used to working with international guests.

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll still be able to enjoy the tour. Instructions are demonstrated visually where needed, and the relaxed pace means there’s time to ask questions or get clarification throughout.

Light rain is a fairly normal part of Scottish weather, and the tour will usually go ahead unless conditions are severe. Many riders feel that a bit of drizzle adds to the experience of seeing Scotland as it truly is – just make sure to check the forecast and bring a waterproof if it looks changeable.

If the weather is particularly wet or unsafe – such as heavy downpours or poor visibility – then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. If that happens, we’ll offer a full refund or, where possible, move you to another date. Our goal is always to give you a safe and enjoyable day out, whatever the forecast.

Yes – tours are available throughout the year. While summer is the busiest time, winter rides offer a different kind of experience, especially on dry, crisp days when the streets are quieter and the air is fresh.

During colder months, weather forecasts are monitored closely to avoid dangerous conditions like ice or strong winds. Provided it’s safe to do so, tours will continue – just dress warmly and be ready for typical Scottish conditions.

Yes – wearing a helmet is required on all tours. Although it’s not a legal requirement in Scotland, it is strongly encouraged and mandatory on this experience to help reduce the risk of injury in the unlikely event of a fall.

Helmets are provided and fitted before the ride. If you’d rather use your own, you’re welcome to bring it along. Either way, you’ll need to wear a helmet to take part.

Group discounts can be arranged depending on group size, timing, and availability. If you’re planning a ride with multiple people, please contact us via the adventuro chat to enquire.

Larger groups might benefit from booking a private tour, which can be adapted to suit your pace and interests. Whether it’s a corporate day out or a celebration with friends, options are flexible.

Yes – there is a planned stop with public toilets about halfway through the ride. This ensures everyone gets a break and a chance to refresh before continuing.

If your tour includes a café or refreshment stop, toilets will also be available there. If you have any concerns about facilities or need to plan around specific requirements, feel free to contact us beforehand.

If you are able to safely ride a bike in a city environment, you are very welcome on the tour. Accessibility varies person to person, and advance communication is encouraged to make sure the experience is appropriate for your needs.

Carers or support staff are welcome to accompany you at no extra cost. Please contact us via the adventuro chat to enquire if you need to bring someone along for assistance or have specific considerations to talk through.

Absolutely – bringing your own bike is fine. Just let the guide know ahead of time so a rental isn’t prepared unnecessarily.

It’s a good idea to make sure your bike is in good working order before you arrive. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for the tour, feel free to ask for guidance beforehand.

Riders are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the start time so there’s plenty of time to get set up and ready. If you’re running late, please call as soon as possible to let the guide know.

While efforts will be made to accommodate you, the group needs to leave on time to avoid disruption. If you're too late to join, the space cannot be held. However, a reschedule may be possible depending on availability.

The E-bikes used are pedal-assist, which means you still need to pedal but the motor helps take the effort out of hills and longer distances. You can adjust the level of support depending on how much assistance you want at any time.

Before the tour begins, the guide gives a full explanation on how the system works and makes sure everyone feels confident using it. Most people pick it up quickly and find it makes riding far more comfortable.

The bikes have simple gear systems with one shifter to make things easy. Changing gear adjusts the resistance when pedalling – lighter gears help on hills, while heavier gears are better for flat or downhill sections.

Before setting off, the guide will explain how to shift smoothly and when to use each gear for the best ride. After a short practice, most riders feel completely at ease.

Safety is the top priority on every ride. The route uses Stirling’s well-developed network of segregated cycle lanes, quiet residential streets and riverside paths to minimise exposure to traffic. When road sections are necessary, these are carefully chosen to be low-traffic and easy to navigate, with the guide providing clear instructions and leading the group.

All riders are given a safety briefing before setting off, including reminders on group riding etiquette and how to handle junctions or turns. Helmets are mandatory and provided. If at any point a rider feels uncomfortable, the guide is on hand to assist or adjust the pace and route accordingly. This focus on safety allows riders to relax and enjoy the journey.

The ride covers some of Stirling’s most important historical and cultural sites. Highlights include Cambuskenneth Abbey, a medieval ruin rich in Scottish history, the modern and leafy campus of the University of Stirling, and the towering National Wallace Monument offering sweeping views of the Forth Valley. You’ll also cross the iconic Stirling Bridge and explore the King’s Knot royal gardens.

The tour continues into Stirling’s Old Town, where you’ll see the Church of the Holy Rude, Cowane’s Hospital and the Old Town Cemetery. The final stop is the impressive Stirling Castle Esplanade, a place of national significance and architectural beauty. Each location offers a chance to pause, learn local stories, and appreciate the layers of history that shaped the city.