The Union Canal
Image Credit: Visitscotland Kenny Lam

Cycling city guide

Edinburgh has many safe and interesting cycling routes which can be enjoyed by all ages. From off-street paths, former railway lines and sea view esplanades, there are cycling routes to suit most abilities. 

Let’s explore some of the city’s most popular trails.

Cycle Path in Holyrood Park
1.

Holyrood Park

At the foot of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park offers spectacular cityscape views and a well surfaced road for cyclists.

You can follow the road west and then north from the roundabout at the Holyrood Park Road entrance passing Dynamic Earth, The Scottish Parliament and The Palace of Holyroodhouse. The route ends at St Margaret’s Loch which is an excellent spot to catch your breath (there are some steep hills) and admire the swans.

Discover more about Holyrood Park

Edinburgh North

Cycling routes to the north of the city are made up from the many disused railway lines which once traversed the area running from Granton and Leith to Haymarket and the city centre. The majority of these paths have good surfaces, lighting and a gentle gradient.

2.

Leith and Portobello

Starting at the wide grasslands of Leith Links, take the cycle path along the north edge and across the modern bridge at Seafield Place. This popular cycle route has, in recent years, been upgraded and widened along a section of Seafield Road, making it suitable for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists leading on to the Portobello Promenade.

 

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3.

Roseburn and Blackhall

The Roseburn Path which links Edinburgh to the north of the city is one of the most popular cycling routes in Edinburgh.

Connecting with the Telford Path, it provides access to the high street stores and supermarket at Craigleith and the nearby Western General Hospital. If you continue south it passes under Queensferry Road and along the Ravelston Dykes area before concluding at Haymarket Yards at Haymarket Station. Alternatively you can head north west at Craigleith junction and travel on to Davidson Mains. The path ends in Cramond Road South, but why not explore the quieter residential roads of Barnton and Cramond Brig?

Discover more about Roseburn and Blackhall cycle path
Cramond Island, Cyclist
4.

Silverknowes and Cramond

The esplanade at Silverknowes is wide and smooth with superb views over the Firth of Forth and a popular spot for cyclists, dog walkers and rollerbladers.

The esplanade can be quite busy in summer as many residents and visitors enjoy a stroll and an ice cream as they walk along the esplanade to the old fishing village of Cramond with its pretty, white-washed houses. Overlooking a picturesque harbour dotted with small, colourful sailing boats you can park your bike and enjoy a refreshment in the local coffee shop. On a fine day, a walk along the causeway to Cramond Island is a popular choice for many people. Just be aware of the tide times.

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Edinburgh South

Image Credit: Visitscotland, Kenny Lam
The Innocent Railway tunnel in Edinburgh, part of National Cycle Networks Route 1
5.

The Innocent Railway Path

Originally a horse-drawn tramway constructed in 1831, the Innocent Railway Path was used to transport agricultural produce and coal from the Lothian mines to St Leonards.

Nowadays, it’s the longest cycle route in the south east of the capital and part of the UK-wide, National Cycle Network’s Route 1 (NCN1). Starting at St. Leonard’s Tunnel in the East Parkside Estate off Holyrood Park Road, you can enter the cool, but dimly-lit tunnel, before exiting on to the majestic surroundings of Holyrood Park. This green cycle path travels on to Duddingston, Niddrie Mains and onwards to Brunstane.

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Image Credit: Visitscotland Kenny Lam
The Union Canal, Edinburgh
6.

The Union Canal

Running south and west of the capital, the Union Canal is a popular choice for cyclists as it is flat and completely traffic free. You will, however, have to share the path with anglers, dog walkers, runners and families out for a quiet stroll. Starting at the Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge it travels all the way from the city to Ratho and beyond.

Discover more about the Union Canal
7.

The Water of Leith

Starting in Leith, this popular (and primarily a walkway) route stretches 12 miles to Balerno.

The initial riverside stage of The Water of Leith is probably best suited to walkers. You can cycle and once you reach Roseburn Place near Murrayfield, cycling improves and the route continues across Balgreen Road and Gorgie Road before ending at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre. The next section of this route is quite narrow and can be steep and difficult to navigate in places. As an alternative, you could take the Lanark Road and rejoin the route at Redhall Bank Road. A less taxing route is offered from here to Colinton and Balerno.

Discover more about the Water of Leith

Useful Resources

Below are links to some other Edinburgh cycling websites which may be of interest for further exploration.

Why not see more of the city with a guided cycling tour.

Explore cycling tours in Edinburgh
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