Beyond Edinburgh bike tour

On this 4 – 5 hour tour we ride beyond Edinburgh, cycling along quiet cycle paths through woodlands and country parks and taking in several fabulous historic buildings. The tour travels at a medium pace, has a stop for a coffee or snack lunch and a total maximum distance of around 20 miles (32 km) It requires a good level of cycling fitness.

We set off from our Leith office and cycle along the coast to the historic fishing harbour of Newhaven. Then we head to the city centre via cycle paths taking in the classic new town and old town architecture of Edinburgh.

Next we ride south out of the city cycling past Edinburgh’s extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, and off road to Craigmillar castle where Mary Queen of Scots fled in 1566. From here we continue on a mix of quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths to Newhailes House reminiscent of “Downton Abbey”. This grand Palladian country house was originally built in the 17th century, owned by the influential Dalrymple family it featured prominently during the Scottish Enlightenment.

We then re-join the coast at Musselburgh visiting Fisherrow harbour and stop for something to eat at a suitable venue depending on the weather. After a break we cycle along the coast to the promenade at Portobello beach – Edinburgh’s sea side – and then return to our starting point in Leith.

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VARIATIONS / PRIVATE TOURS

If you prefer a private tour (ask about prices) we can plan a route tailored to suit you to include Rosslyn chapel. Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and services continue to be held here weekly.

The Chapel has also been a popular destination for visitors for generations. By the late 18th-century, it was starting to appear on itineraries and its profile greatly increased after the publication of Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, in 2003, and the subsequent film.

There may be time to take a guided tour here if you wish (GBP 9 not included) and have a short lunch break (lunch not included).

Private tours can also include Dalkeith Country Park which has been in the Buccleuch family for over 300 years. The oak woodlands are hundreds of years old and now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with some trees over 900 years of age. The architecture and designed landscape you see today are the result of changes by different generations of the Buccleuch family.