The best traffic-free bike rides around Edinburgh
4.4
(486)
22,754
riders
74
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Edinburgh benefit from the city's unique topography, which combines urban areas with accessible natural landscapes. The region features ancient volcanoes, rolling hills, and a diverse coastline, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Repurposed railway lines and canal towpaths offer extensive traffic-free options, connecting urban green spaces with the surrounding countryside. This blend of features makes Edinburgh a compelling destination for road cycling.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Edinburgh
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Arthur's Seat Climb – Arthur's Seat loop from Southside, an easy 8.7 miles (14.0 km) trail that takes 40 minutes to complete. This route circles the iconic extinct volcano, offering views within Holyrood Park.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Roseburn Path Stone Bridge – North Edinburgh Cycle Network loop from South Gyle, an easy 20.6 miles (33.1 km) path. This route utilizes repurposed railway lines, providing a largely traffic-free experience through urban green corridors.
- Local road cyclists also love the Cramond Brig – Forth Bridge loop from Slateford, a 32.0 miles (51.5 km) trail leading through coastal areas and offering views of the Forth Bridges, often completed in about 2 hours 34 minutes.
- Road cycling around Edinburgh is defined by ancient volcanoes, coastal paths, and canal towpaths. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy urban loops to more challenging routes with elevation gain.
- The routes in Edinburgh are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 22,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Edinburgh's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
4.7
(9)
441
riders
63.8km
02:57
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.7
(11)
345
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.4
(10)
306
riders
51.5km
02:23
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
265
riders
31.2km
01:54
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(4)
185
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
A little bumpy underwheel, probably fine on bigger tyres but a slightly sloggy way to enter or exit Edinburgh. Better entering as its slightly downhill all the way from Balerno
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Also a seriously fast descent, particularly with a tailwind. A bit narrow, but pretty straight and good sight lines, so no surprises. You get plenty of warning for slowing down as some buildings start to pop up before you hit the intersecting B-road.
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N/S section of mixed-use trail connecting Ferry Road to the Granton / Wardie Bay shore, with connections on the south end to all directions. Passes under some atmospheric arched stone bridges. Good tarmac, but note that this path can be heavily used and crowded.
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Cycle-friendly segment of the Water of Leith walkway. It's a nice cruise through the woods despite being directly in the city. Be sure to check out the Colinson Tunnel murals on the south end.
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My plotted John Muir Way route took me to the Aquaduct, as the route to the Water of Leith Visitor centre is below, but to get there on this route you have to go down a long step section of steps. If your bike is loaded like mine was, 500m before this point there is a badly waymarked variation avoiding the steps, that goes through a street to the centre to rejoin the route.
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that place is creepy as fuk at night but all down hill if going north so thats sick, its actually really nice, if my bike wasn't a bastard id enjoy that ride
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Cheeky little hill with the confluence of River Almond and the Forth / Cramond Beach at the bottom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Edinburgh?
There are over 70 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Edinburgh listed on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 45 easy, 30 moderate, and 1 difficult option, ensuring there's something for every cyclist looking for a peaceful ride.
What are the best seasons for no-traffic road cycling in Edinburgh?
The best seasons for no-traffic road cycling in Edinburgh and The Lothians are generally spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these times, the weather is typically milder and more conducive to enjoyable rides, allowing you to fully appreciate the region's diverse landscapes.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic road cycling routes in Edinburgh?
Yes, Edinburgh offers several easy, family-friendly no-traffic routes. The Arthur's Seat Climb – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh is a great option, offering a relatively short 10.9 km ride with gentle elevation through Holyrood Park. The Water of Leith Walkway and Union Canal also provide peaceful, traffic-free paths suitable for families.
Can I find circular no-traffic road cycling routes around Edinburgh?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Edinburgh are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Arthur's Seat Climb – Arthur's Seat loop from Southside offers a scenic 14 km circular ride within Holyrood Park.
What kind of scenery can I expect on no-traffic road cycling routes near Edinburgh?
Edinburgh's no-traffic road cycling routes offer a diverse range of scenery. You can expect urban green spaces, coastal views along the Firth of Forth, and tranquil countryside. Routes often pass through areas like Holyrood Park, offering views of Arthur's Seat, or along the coastline with glimpses of the iconic Forth Bridges.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a longer, moderate challenge, the Bass Rock – Arthur's Seat Climb loop from Haymarket is an excellent choice. This route covers over 100 km with significant elevation, taking you through varied landscapes and offering a rewarding ride.
What do other road cyclists say about the no-traffic routes in Edinburgh?
The no-traffic road cycling routes in Edinburgh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 400 ratings. Cyclists often praise the peacefulness of these routes, the stunning views, and the accessibility to nature right on the city's doorstep.
Are there any routes that offer views of the Forth Bridges?
Yes, you can enjoy spectacular views of the iconic Forth Bridges on several routes. The Cramond Brig – Forth Bridge loop from Slateford is a moderate 51.5 km route that takes you along the Firth of Forth coastline, providing excellent vantage points of these impressive structures.
Can I find routes that connect to Edinburgh's wider cycle network?
Many no-traffic routes integrate with Edinburgh's extensive cycle network. For instance, the Roseburn Path Stone Bridge – North Edinburgh Cycle Network loop from South Gyle utilizes parts of the city's dedicated cycle paths, allowing for seamless connections and longer rides through various neighborhoods.
What natural landmarks can I see along the no-traffic road cycling routes?
You'll encounter several natural landmarks. Many routes pass through Holyrood Park, offering views of Arthur's Seat and Dunsapie Loch. Other routes might take you past viewpoints like View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill or along the coast near Granton Harbour and Wardie Bay.
Are there any routes that explore the Pentland Hills?
While the Pentland Hills offer fantastic cycling, many of the dedicated 'no-traffic' road cycling routes focus on the city's immediate surroundings and coastal paths. However, the Pentland Hills Regional Park is easily accessible from Edinburgh and provides an immersive experience with challenging ascents and descents on quieter roads, though not always entirely traffic-free.
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