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.placeholder image
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

Kevin Quinn
By Kevin Quinn

Reporter

Published 15th Jan 2023, 04:45 GMT

Time to get out and about on your bike in Edinburgh and the Lothians

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.

One existing east-west route is North Meadow Walk. This runs from Hope Park Crescent, along the northern edge of the Meadows, to the Tolcross end of Melville Drive. The Meadows is a popular area for cyclists and can get very busy, particularly during the summer months. Photographer Ian Georgeson.

9. The Meadows

One existing east-west route is North Meadow Walk. This runs from Hope Park Crescent, along the northern edge of the Meadows, to the Tolcross end of Melville Drive. The Meadows is a popular area for cyclists and can get very busy, particularly during the summer months. Photographer Ian Georgeson. Photo: Ian Georgeson

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Although most motor traffic now uses the Queensferry Crossing (which was opened in 2017), the old bridge is still open to cyclists and pedestrians. And without the traffic noise, cycling and walking over the bridge is much more pleasant than before. There is a recently constructed path which opened in 2015 linking from Roseburn directly to the bridge. The bridge has wide shared-use cycle lanes on both sides, completely segregated from the carriageways. Photo by Alex Hewitt.

10. Roseburn to Forth Road Bridge

Although most motor traffic now uses the Queensferry Crossing (which was opened in 2017), the old bridge is still open to cyclists and pedestrians. And without the traffic noise, cycling and walking over the bridge is much more pleasant than before. There is a recently constructed path which opened in 2015 linking from Roseburn directly to the bridge. The bridge has wide shared-use cycle lanes on both sides, completely segregated from the carriageways. Photo by Alex Hewitt. Photo: Alex Hewitt

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The Water of Leith Walkway is a lovely route for walking and cycling in Edinburgh. The 12 mile long path follows the river which runs through the heart of the city. It begins in Balerno to the west, leading through many places of interest, all the way to Leith in the north east. Photo of the section between Longstone and Stenhouse by: Malcolm McCurrach.

11. Water of Leith

The Water of Leith Walkway is a lovely route for walking and cycling in Edinburgh. The 12 mile long path follows the river which runs through the heart of the city. It begins in Balerno to the west, leading through many places of interest, all the way to Leith in the north east. Photo of the section between Longstone and Stenhouse by: Malcolm McCurrach. Photo: Malcolm McCurrach

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