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The professional cyclist Mark Cavendish once said ‘it doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or the sun is shining or whatever. As long as I’m riding a bike I know I’m the luckiest guy in the world’. And he has a point. There is a special kind of freedom to be enjoyed when riding a bike. You can feel the wind in your hair, enjoy the sun on your skin and experience your surroundings in a completely new way.
Edinburgh might not exactly be the first destination that springs to mind if you are thinking about taking a cycling holiday. The thought of its old cobbled roads and hills – and of course the famous Scottish weather – might seem pretty off-putting. But did you know that Edinburgh is home to almost 50 miles of cycling paths? Intrigued? Then here are some top tips for your two-wheeled adventure!
The first step to exploring Edinburgh by bike is of course to make sure you get your hands on a great quality bike. If you don’t already have your own bike with you, we recommend heading to Bike Craft. They are located in the Ocean Terminal area of Edinburgh, a nice scenic spot by the water and a great spot to start your cycling journey. With prices starting at just £25, you can hire a top quality bike that comes complete with a safety helmet, spare inner tube for your tyre and a lock. They will even throw in a free cycle map of Edinburgh to help you on your way.
The thought of cycling in a busy city like Edinburgh can seem a bit overwhelming or scary, especially if you are not a seasoned cyclist. In actual fact, Edinburgh has an expansive network of cycle paths throughout the city. They are completely separate from the roads, so you can enjoy the city at your own pace without worrying about navigating your way through cars and traffic. Many of the cycle paths run along what used to be railway lines. The Innertube map is a super handy tool for planning your route around the city.
Edinburgh is an exciting city with so much to see and do. Whilst the city centre has so much to offer, it is also a nice idea to head away from the throngs of tourists for a while. You could sample the cycling path at the Forth and Clyde Canal, a 35 mile towpath that runs from Edinburgh to Bowling. Being relatively flat and free of traffic, it is suitable for cyclists of all levels. With some beautiful countryside views to enjoy, you’ll experience a whole other side to Edinburgh.
It is wise to get properly clued up on the rules of the road (or the Highway Code as it is officially known) before you set off. This way, you can make sure that your trip will be a safe one. This includes wearing a helmet at all times, making sure you switch on the front and rear lights when cycling after sunset, and remembering to be considerate of other people on the road. And for visitors from overseas, remember to always travel on the left side of the road!
You should also make sure you leave your bike in a proper designated bike parking area and always remember to lock it properly. This might sound pretty basic, but the last thing you want is for your cycling trip to get cut short because your bike got towed away or, even worse, stolen.
After all that cycling and sight-seeing, who could resist a refreshing beer and a bite to eat? And what better place to indulge than in one of Edinburgh’s bike-themed pubs! You can try The Ventoux, which is full of Tour de France memorabilia, or Tourmalet, which is one of The Ventoux’s sister pubs.
So, remember: be safe, have fun and enjoy the ride!