Road cycling is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with people getting on bikes for a variety of reasons, from making the commute easier or making an environmental choice, through to improving fitness, maybe even taking up racing. At Terra Via Adventures we love all forms of bikes, but when it comes to the classic road bike, it's hard to beat riding quiet country lanes, high mountain roads or meandering along the coast with the sea for company; and lets not forget finding the all important gem of a cafe tucked away in a rural village.
Listed below are a handful of rides we have chosen that we believe showcase some of the best riding around Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the occasional ride further afield for something extra special. However, there is an almost infinite number of possibilities available 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 and guide completely custom routes anywhere in the country. If it involves exploring on a bike, count us in to help!
The routes described below, along with others, can also be found on our Komoot collection.
Listed below are a handful of rides we have chosen that we believe showcase some of the best riding around Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the occasional ride further afield for something extra special. However, there is an almost infinite number of possibilities available 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 and guide completely custom routes anywhere in the country. If it involves exploring on a bike, count us in to help!
The routes described below, along with others, can also be found on our Komoot collection.
Seaside and Railways
This route takes us on a loop of northern Edinburgh, utilising some of the fantastic cycling infrastructure around the capital. Starting in the large Meadows public park, we head North West along sections of the Union Canal and the Roseburn Railway path to reach the 2 mile long Cramond waterfront Promenade and our first views of the Firth of Forth. After a lovely cycle along the prom we return to the myriad of old railway lines that crisscross northern Edinburgh, eventually re-emerge by the Forth at Portobello Beach, Edinburgh's other major waterfront and a seaside destination for generations. After taking in the sea air at Portobello we head back towards the city via the Innocent Railway and the iconic Arthur's Seat, before returning to our start location in the Meadows. |
|
Edinburgh and the Golf Coast
Starting in the Scottish capital, this route takes us along the Edinburgh waterfront of Portobello before heading out in to East Lothian and through the various towns and villages along the so-called Golf Coast towards North Berwick. This area of East Lothian contains over 20 golf courses and is one of the sunniest[!] regions of Scotland. With almost constant views of the Firth of Forth to the North and the Lothian hills to the South, this a lovely out and back route along one of the most popular areas for locals to ride. All being well our tour takes us all the way to North Berwick, however, the route length can easily be varied to suit group ability. There is also the option to extend the route further along the coast if desired, with a potential visit to Tantallon Castle and onward to Dunbar, before returning to Edinburgh via train. |
|
A run for the Border.
For this ride we head South of Edinburgh in to the rolling countryside of Midlothian, and onward towards the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders, a mecca for all types of two wheels, from gnarly downhill mountain biking to road racing. We commonly start this ride at one of the railway stations along the new Borders Railway, allowing you to escape the city with fresh legs. There is no set route for this day as we will build you a custom route based on your ability and desired length of ride, but we can guarantee some lovely quiet back roads, fantastic views, the occasional castle, a nice cafe (or several), and plenty of happy [s]miles. |
|
The 'Alps' of East Lothian
If you're in to climbing, this is the day for you; tackling some of the very best of the Lammermuir Hills in the Scottish county of East Lothian. Starting our day in the historic coastal town of Dunbar, we begin with a gentle leg warmer along the rolling countryside of East Lothian to the picturesque village of Gifford, where we can enjoy a wee pitstop at one of the fantastic local cafes. From Gifford, our route heads to the hamlet of Garvald where the first major climb rears its head. As we climb the flanks of the Lammermuir Hills, the views across East Lothian and out to the Firth of Forth are simply amazing. Over the summit we have several kilometres of rolling valleys before our second major climb of Crichness Law appears, closely followed by the short punchy climbs of Tripslaw and The Brunt to round off the major ascent of the day before returning to Dunbar and a well deserved victory drink/nap (delete as appropriate!) |
|
The Five Ferries Challenge Ride
Quickly becoming a modern classic, this ride offers an incredible day out around the Firth of Clyde, one of the largest, and deepest, estuaries in the UK, with miles of stunning coastal scenery, good roads and relaxing ferry journeys to enjoy. Starting in Ardrossan, ferry #1 takes us to the beautiful Isle of Arran, where we initially ride along the flat coastal road heading North from Broddick, the main town on the island, before turning inland and tackling the first climb of the day to Boguillie, and the exhilarating descent in to the village of Lochranza, where we catch ferry #2 to the Kintyre Peninsula. Here we have a lovely 10 mile section of road to the small town of Tarbert, where we can refill our tanks at the wonderful harbour-side cafes before catching ferry #3 to the Cowal Peninsula. This is a 19 mile section and contains the second major climb of the day, the Tighnabruaich. However, the views from the top are truly spectacular and worth all the effort. Continuing around the Cowal we reach ferry #4 at Colintraive. After a short 5min hop we are on the Isle of Bute, the second major island of the Firth of Clyde, and we have a fantastic coastal road taking us to the town of Rothesay and ferry #5 back to the mainland at Weymss Bay. It is possible to end your ride here and access the trains to return home, however, if you wish to make the day a full circuit, we can complete the final 18 miles back along the coast to Ardrossan. Please note, this final section is on relatively large roads and requires good road confidence on your bike. Ferry Transportation:
Please note there is an additional charge for this ride to cover the ferries costs. This varies a little based on the time of year but is usually £15-20pp. |
Alternatives:
The Three Ferries Ride, taking in the Isle of Bute and the Cowal Peninsula in a looped route of ~55km, starting and finishing at Weymss Bay. There is also the option to visit the small picturesque Isle of Cumbrae, which lists cycling as its 'national' sport! The island has a stunning 10 mile coastal road and a short punchy climb to the highest point, giving a stunning 360 degree panorama of the Firth of Clyde. |
Safety Information:
- Ideal Bike: Road, Hybrid, Gravel/Adventure
- 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:
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
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.