Colinton Dell is a good spot to get out and about on your bike with the kids. The cycle path through the Dell from part of the Water of Leith pathway and includes the bright and colourful 140m long Colinton Tunnel, which was built in the 1800s as part of the Balerno branch railway line from Slateford to Balerno until it was closed in 1967. Photo by Neil Hanna.Colinton Dell is a good spot to get out and about on your bike with the kids. The cycle path through the Dell from part of the Water of Leith pathway and includes the bright and colourful 140m long Colinton Tunnel, which was built in the 1800s as part of the Balerno branch railway line from Slateford to Balerno until it was closed in 1967. Photo by Neil Hanna.
Colinton Dell is a good spot to get out and about on your bike with the kids. The cycle path through the Dell from part of the Water of Leith pathway and includes the bright and colourful 140m long Colinton Tunnel, which was built in the 1800s as part of the Balerno branch railway line from Slateford to Balerno until it was closed in 1967. Photo by Neil Hanna.

Edinburgh cycling: 11 places to cycle in Edinburgh and the Lothians - from Holyrood Park to Portobello

Time to get out and about on your bike in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Kevin Quinn
By Kevin Quinn
Published 15th Jan 2023, 04:45 BST

It’s that time of year again, when everyone is looking to get fit and burn off the Christmas excesses. So why not dig out your bike and get out and about in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

The Capital has so many places to visit on your bike, with miles of cycle paths linking all parts of the city, as well as skate parks and increasingly popular pump tracks.

By UK standards, Edinburgh is a very cycle-friendly city. It has many off-road bike paths, on-road cycle lanes, forward stop lines at traffic lights, and other bike priority measures. And the Capital has lowered the speed limit on most of its roads.

We take a look at some of the best local spots to go on your bike to feel the fresh January air in your face, get fit and enjoy some stunning views while out on two wheels.

By UK standards, Edinburgh is a very cycle-friendly city. It has many off-road bike paths, on-road cycle lanes, forward stop lines at traffic lights, and other bike priority measures. And the Capital has lowered the speed limit on most of its roads.

Saughton Park's good-sized skate park is very popular with cyclists as well as skateboarders, with some coming from miles away to challenge themselves. Handcyclists like this gentleman pictured can also enjoy the park, which itself is part of the Water of Leith cycle path.

5. Saughton Park

Saughton Park's good-sized skate park is very popular with cyclists as well as skateboarders, with some coming from miles away to challenge themselves. Handcyclists like this gentleman pictured can also enjoy the park, which itself is part of the Water of Leith cycle path. Photo: Andy Catlin

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For cyclists looking for a challenge, look no further than one of the city's main landmarks, Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. You can take on the steep climb on the roadway that goes up and around the city centre hill, with a full loop coming in at around 5km. Or you can go 'off-road' and take on the tougher terrain available at Arthur's Seat. All while enjoying stunning views of Edinburgh and further afield. Photo by Phil Wilkinson.

6. Arthur's Seat

For cyclists looking for a challenge, look no further than one of the city's main landmarks, Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. You can take on the steep climb on the roadway that goes up and around the city centre hill, with a full loop coming in at around 5km. Or you can go 'off-road' and take on the tougher terrain available at Arthur's Seat. All while enjoying stunning views of Edinburgh and further afield. Photo by Phil Wilkinson. Photo: PHIL WILKINSON / jp liscence

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Just to the south of Edinburgh, the Danderhall to Loanhead cycle path is a 3km traffic-free extension opened in 2018, built along a disused railway which links Lasswade, Danderhall and Shawfair. This route allows Midlothian residents to cycle into the Capital perhaps for work, and city residents can more easily access what Midlothian has to offer.

7. Loanhead railway path

Just to the south of Edinburgh, the Danderhall to Loanhead cycle path is a 3km traffic-free extension opened in 2018, built along a disused railway which links Lasswade, Danderhall and Shawfair. This route allows Midlothian residents to cycle into the Capital perhaps for work, and city residents can more easily access what Midlothian has to offer. Photo: submitted

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The Roseburn Path is probably the best-known of the North Edinburgh routes, connecting the area to the Telford Path at Craigleith, from where you can get to the large Sainsbury's supermarket and the Western General Hospital. Pic - Greg Macvean.

8. Roseburn to Crewe Toll

The Roseburn Path is probably the best-known of the North Edinburgh routes, connecting the area to the Telford Path at Craigleith, from where you can get to the large Sainsbury's supermarket and the Western General Hospital. Pic - Greg Macvean. Photo: Greg Macvean

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