Explore Edinburgh and beyond on your bike this spring, with inspiration from Jackery
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The days are longer, the weather is warmer and there is an abundance of woodland wildlife and beautiful blooms to be seen. Spring is here and there’s no better way to take it all in than on a bike.
Get set for spring
If your cycle or e-bike has been locked away in the shed or garage, now is the time to clean it up and get exploring. Make sure you test tyre pressures and brakes, and give your chain some lubrication to ensure it is fit for the new year.
Pack a pannier with some of life’s essentials … puncture repair kits, energy snacks, bottled water and a map, to make exploring fun all the way. It is Scotland after all, so make room for waterproofs alongside a picnic blanket, ready for whatever the season throws at you. Don’t forget battery back-ups for any electricals you have with you.
Health benefits
Cycling is great for you in terms of exercise but it can also improve your mental health, reducing stress and helping you to feel revitalised. Being out in the sunshine also helps to give your mood a natural boost.
And whether you are a Strava legend who tracks every mile and split speed, or a pootler who likes to stop for cake along the way and to enjoy the view, Edinburgh is the perfect starting point.
Top routes
With a huge choice National Cycle Network routes across Edinburgh and further afield, there’s an exciting world to explore.
For those who are traffic-shy, we would recommend Union Canal route, as it meanders from the city centre right out to the Falkirk Wheel, where it joins the Forth and Clyde Canal. Surfaces are pretty good in most places, and there are ample spots for coming off the towpaths and exploring the towns and villages. If you get as far as Falkirk, there’s a fabulous playpark at the Wheel for younger family members, and the Kelpies are just a few miles further out, and well worth a visit.
Top tip: Don’t forget bike lights/a torch, as there are a couple of long, dark tunnels along the route.
Heritage lovers will adore National Route 76, which starts down in Musselburgh and Haddington, heads up through the city, then r follows the River Forth, from the imposing three bridges, out past Dalmeny Estate, Blackness Castle and on towards Stirling.
Top tip: Don’t forget your camera! This route is absolutely loaded with opportunities, from the deer at Hopetoun to the steam trains at Bo’ness. And of course, the bluebells are taking over from the daffodils this month, making it picture perfect.
For those who love Scotland’s original national drink, route 196 follows leafy paths and traffic-light roads through East Lothian and Midlothian, with Roslyn Chapel and Glenkinchie Distillery en route.
Top tip: Don’t forget to ask for a driver’s dram if you pop into the visitor centre, and take your sample home to enjoy after the cycling is done for the day.
Cycling with kids
The Easter holidays are the ideal time to take the children away for a cycling break, making the most of the bank holidays.
And, if your children are not great at long journeys, you don’t need to venture too far from Edinburgh to find a secluded off-grid camping spot, making an overnight adventure. You could get your camping gear and head to The Pentland Hills, East Lothian’s pretty towns or somewhere along the famous Fife coastal path.
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Jackery can keep you powered up on your spring cycle adventures
Jackery, a pioneer in portable power solutions, has the gadgets to make your spring cycling adventures and getaways run smoothly.
Whether you need to charge your e-bike, keep your phone or camera powered up or you want to make warm food and drinks when you pitch up for the night, Jackery has the answers.
The new Explorer 2000 v2 could be just what you need for your scenic cycling trip. With a capacity of 2,042Wh and 2,200W of continuous power (with a surge of 4,400W), this portable powerhouse can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Weighing only 17.5 kg and featuring compact dimensions of 33.5 × 26.4 × 29.2 cm, the Explorer 2000 v2 is also easy to carry, store, and take with you on any adventure.
The Explorer 2000 v2 fully charges in just 1.7 hours via AC power. Users in a hurry can activate flash charging via the Jackery app, achieving an 80% charge in just 52 minutes. When used as a solar generator with Jackery's mobile SolarSaga modules, the new power station is quickly full of energy again. It can also be charged via a 12V car connection.
Take advantage of Jackery’s amazing Easter sale on Amazon and get £400 off the E2000v2 or save £700 when buying together with the solar generator E2000 v2+200W Panel.