The term 'gravel' is relatively new to the UK cycling scene, with new 'gravel' bikes, sometimes referred to as adventure bikes, being released at quite a rate from all the big manufacturers at present, muddying the waters between road and mountain biking. Gravel riding originated in the US and is a well established cycling discipline across the pond. It particularly refers to riding non technical off road terrain, which in the US is ever present, with long stretches of gravel/fire roads across the countryside. Therefore, if you want to ride these roads, you need a bike capable of riding over a rough surface, but you don't need a mountain bike, hence the gravel bike was born; a bike with road-style geometry but with larger tyres and a more robust frame to handle rough roads.
In the UK, and particularly northern England and Scotland, the gravel scene has grown at quite a pace over the last few years, as people realise there is a wealth of gravel forestry roads to explore, taking you to places you could never go on a road bike, but are not technical enough to warrant a mountain bike. Gravel bikes are also perfect for riding canal tow paths, old railway lines and lets be honest, many roads in the UK; they also suit the commuter, the tourer, the bikepacker and the winter roadie. In short, they are very versatile machines.
Listed below are a handful of rides we have chosen that we believe showcase some of the best gravel riding around Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the occasional ride further afield for something a little different. However, there is an almost infinite number of possibilities available across the country when it comes to building a route, therefore, we are more than happy to modify any of these routes to suit a more convenient start location perhaps; or you may wish to have slightly less (or more!!!?) climbing in a route. We are also more than happy to build completely custom routes anywhere in the country.
The routes described below, along with others, can also be found on our Komoot collection.
In the UK, and particularly northern England and Scotland, the gravel scene has grown at quite a pace over the last few years, as people realise there is a wealth of gravel forestry roads to explore, taking you to places you could never go on a road bike, but are not technical enough to warrant a mountain bike. Gravel bikes are also perfect for riding canal tow paths, old railway lines and lets be honest, many roads in the UK; they also suit the commuter, the tourer, the bikepacker and the winter roadie. In short, they are very versatile machines.
Listed below are a handful of rides we have chosen that we believe showcase some of the best gravel riding around Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the occasional ride further afield for something a little different. However, there is an almost infinite number of possibilities available across the country when it comes to building a route, therefore, we are more than happy to modify any of these routes to suit a more convenient start location perhaps; or you may wish to have slightly less (or more!!!?) climbing in a route. We are also more than happy to build completely custom routes anywhere in the country.
The routes described below, along with others, can also be found on our Komoot collection.
Greater Tour de Edinburgh
This ride takes us on a tour of greater Edinburgh and the surrounding area. Starting near the city centre we initially head East to Portobello, with its two mile long beach & promenade, taking in the views of the Firth of Forth. Continuing along the prom we reach the town of Musselburgh where we pick up one of the many old railways in the region which have been repurposed in to cycle paths. This takes us South West towards the Pentland Hills which stand proud over Edinburgh and are clearly visible if you have ever visited the Castle. We make our way through the Pentlands from East to West along one of the many cleughs ('small valley or ravine') to find the source of the Water of Leith, the famous waterway that runs right through Edinburgh, and will act as our guide all the way back in to the city to conclude our ride. |
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Lothian Ranger
Across East- and Midlothian are a myriad of fantastic forest roads, tracks, flowing trails, old railway lines and blissfully quiet back roads to explore, along with stunning scenery and some lovely cycling cafes to enjoy along the way. We have no set route for this day as we aim to build a custom route based on rider ability, desired length, difficulty of route, weather, etc... However, our routes generally vary in length from 30-100km and start at central locations in East- or Midlothian depending on group requirements. Please discuss your requirements at the time of booking so we can build a custom route for you. |
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Safety Information:
- Ideal Bike: Gravel/Adventure, HT mountain bike.
- Please make sure your bike is in good roadworthy condition. Terra Via Adventures reserves the right to deny you participation in the days activity with no refund if your equipment is not safe to take part.
- Group Size: Up to 8
- Although not required by British law, we ask that all participants wear a helmet on our rides.
- All participants must be comfortable riding on roads and be able to clearly use hand signals amongst traffic.
Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Not included in the cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified ride leader,
- Waterproof map and/or GPX file of route for each attendee where possible,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Not included in the cost:
- Food and drink
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.