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City Centre, Holyrood Park, Portobello Guided Tour

City Centre, New Town, Old Town, Holyrood Park, Portobello

This guided cycle ride (2.5 to 3 hours, 18 km) lets you sample the rich diversity which Edinburgh has to offer and which is best experienced on a bike: picturesque cycle paths, a few of the iconic sites in the heart of the city, verdant Holyrood Park and a coastal promenade.

We start by heading west from our office along a designated cycle path and then emerge in the New Town area, just ½ mile from the city centre. After a short, steep climb through residential streets in this UNESCO World Heritage Site we cross Princes Street (from where you can see Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens) and head down the lower section of The Royal Mile, experiencing some of the history of the Old Town, towards Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. The scenery then changes as we enter Holyrood Park and pass Arthur’s Seat on the way to another quiet cycle path, which follows the route of a disused railway line back down towards the coastline. We finish with a spin along Portobello Promenade and then back to Leith.

There’s simply no better way to see the dramatic and contrasting cityscape of Edinburgh, capital of Scotland.

Category: 
Half day guided tours
Distance: 
11 miles; 18 km
Total time: 
2.5 to 3 hours total with stops
Price: 
£39 per adult.
Child price: 
Not suitable for under 16s, child seats or tagalong bikes.
Helmet included?: 
Yes
Bike included?: 
Yes
Guide included?: 
Yes
Excluded: 

Drinks and snacks en route

Start and finish place: 
Starts and finishes at our office in Leith
Start and finish time: 
Starts at 10:00 and finishes at 13:00 approximately
Grade: 
Easy/Moderate
Terrain: 
There are two short steep climbs on this tour, both of which can be walked in just a few minutes if you prefer to get off the bike. Otherwise flat and downhill.
Traffic: 
Cycle track and some road also. Mostly off-road on cycle paths but please note this tour does take us through the heart of the city and some busy roads are unavoidable. We walk some of this as we tell you about the places we are seeing, and no one should feel worried about this section as we can go as slowly and carefully as necessary. If you have already seen the city centre you might be more interested in our coast and bridges trip which doesn't involve going through the city at all. Don't hesitate to call us if you need advice. We can also offer a shorter version of the coast and bridges trip, only going as far as Crammond and back.
Child friendly?: 

This route mainly uses cycle paths, but has some sections on roads.

NOT suitable for children under 16 years old.

This route is suitable for teenagers, 16 or over, who are confident handling a bike, fit and able to ride for three hours. We recommend our Family Friendly Tour for families with kids under the age of 16, or a Private Tour. Please ask for details.