Edinburgh: Scenic Bike Tour

Exploring Edinburgh by bike offers a fresh, active way to see the city’s highlights and hidden corners. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what to expect. Designed to escape the hustle of the crowded Old Town, this 3-hour guided bike tour combines scenic views, historical sights, and some enjoyable physical activity.

What we love most about this experience is the blend of stunning vistas from Arthur’s Seat and the chance to discover secret gardens like the one at Duddington Manse. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge shine through, making it both educational and fun. A minor consideration is that some parts involve hills, which could be challenging without an e-bike. Still, this tour suits travelers who enjoy a bit of outdoor activity and want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path perspective of Edinburgh.

This bike tour is especially ideal for those who want to cover a lot of ground in a short time, appreciate scenic beauty, and enjoy lively storytelling. If you’re comfortable on a bike and looking for a memorable, active way to explore the city beyond the usual landmarks, this experience could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Scenic routes and breathtaking views from Arthur’s Seat and the coast
• In-depth local knowledge from enthusiastic guides
• A blend of cycling and walking, with optional e-bike upgrades for hills
• Visits to historic sites like Holyrood Palace and the Oldest Inn
• A peaceful secret garden oasis at Duddington Manse
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Offers: An Overview

This guided bike tour provides a comprehensive taste of Edinburgh’s natural beauty, history, and local secrets—all from the saddle of a bicycle. Over three hours, you’ll pedal through a variety of landscapes, from lively city streets to lush parks and ancient volcanic craters. The route combines urban sightseeing with nature, making it a well-rounded experience suitable for active travelers.

Starting just off the Royal Mile, the tour kicks off by passing the impressive new Scottish Parliament Building, a modern architectural contrast against Edinburgh’s historic skyline. As you cycle along Holyrood Park, you’ll get views that are hard to beat, especially when you reach Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano that offers a panoramic vista of the city and beyond.

From there, the tour combines walking and cycling—climbing to the summit of Arthur’s Seat (or walking to Dunsapie Loch and then ascending from there) for those spectacular views, then cycling back down past the Salisbury Crags to the historic Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle. A highlight for many is the visit to Duddingston Loch and Duddingston Manse’s secret garden, a tranquil spot away from the city’s bustle.

The final stretch takes you back to the city center along the Innocent Railway Path, cycling through Meadows Park and the vibrant Grassmarket, ending where you began. Throughout, your guide’s storytelling brings Edinburgh’s history to life, adding local anecdotes and fun facts that turn a simple bike ride into an engaging cultural experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of around $61 per person, you get a use of a regular trekking bicycle and a helmet, both of which are crucial for a safe and smooth ride. The guide’s expertise is also part of the package, ensuring you learn about Edinburgh’s sights while enjoying the ride.

An optional e-bike upgrade for an extra £15 per person is available, which many reviewers recommend—especially given the city’s hills and the occasional challenging ascent. Multiple reviews praise the e-bikes, noting how they make the experience more accessible and less strenuous, allowing you to focus on the sights and stories rather than the exertion.

Not included are entry fees to attractions, drinks, or additional personal expenses. The tour concludes back at the start point, making it convenient for participants to plan their day afterward.

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour starts at 29 Blackfriars Street, just off the Royal Mile, a central and easily accessible location. It lasts approximately 3 hours, with the flexibility to check availability for different start times. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which simplifies logistics for travelers.

Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

More Great Tours Nearby

Starting Off: Royal Mile and Holyrood

From the meeting point, you’ll head towards the Royal Mile, passing the Scottish Parliament—a striking modern structure that symbolizes Scotland’s devolved government. The guide will mention its design and significance, setting the tone for your city tour.

Next, you cycle past Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and the Holyrood Park, a sprawling natural area that offers expansive views of the city and the coast. Here, the tour smoothly transitions from city streets to green spaces, giving you a taste of Edinburgh’s unique landscape.

Climbing Arthur’s Seat

The most iconic part of the tour is the ascent to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano within Holyrood Park. Depending on your choice, you’ll either walk to the top from Dunsapie Loch or cycle partway and walk the rest. Reviewers praise the ascent, noting that the views from the summit are breathtaking, with some describing it as a highlight of their visit.

While the climb involves some hills, many mention that e-bikes make this part easy—a tip worth considering if hills are a concern. The guide’s commentary here adds depth, sharing stories about the volcano’s geological past and its place in Edinburgh’s landscape.

Descending and Exploring Duddingston

After reaching the top, you’ll descend past Salisbury Crags, where the views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town are spectacular. The route continues to Duddingston Loch, a lovely, peaceful spot away from the city center. Here, you’ll discover Duddingston Manse’s secret garden, an unexpected oasis that many reviews highlight as a hidden treasure.

Final Stretch: The Innocent Railway Path and City Center

Returning via the Innocent Railway Path, you’ll cycle through Meadows Park and the lively Grassmarket area, known for its pubs and historic atmosphere. The ride offers a final dose of Edinburgh’s vibrant street life, ending back near the Royal Mile.

Throughout, the guide shares stories and historical tidbits, making each stop more meaningful. Reviewers often comment on the engaging storytelling and the enthusiasm of guides like Turlough and Frodo, who bring the city’s history to life with humor and passion.

The Value of the Tour

At $61, this tour offers an impressive mix of sightseeing, outdoor activity, and cultural storytelling. The inclusion of high-quality bikes and helmets adds value, and the optional e-bike upgrade is a smart investment for a more relaxed experience.

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and humor, which turns a simple bike ride into a fun and educational adventure. The fact that travelers have raved about the views and the hidden gardens shows that this activity delivers more than just standard city sights—it offers a personal, authentic glimpse of Edinburgh’s outdoors and history.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits active travelers who enjoy cycling, nature, and discovering lesser-known parts of a city. It’s ideal for those who want a more dynamic, engaging way to explore Edinburgh rather than static sightseeing from buses or walking tours.

However, some hills and the duration mean it’s best for those comfortable on a bike, especially if opting for the standard bike rather than the e-bike. The tour is also suitable for anyone interested in outdoor scenery, historic sites, and a lively guide who can share stories and humor along the way.

The Sum Up

This Edinburgh scenic bike tour offers an excellent way to see a broad swath of the city, combining breathtaking views, historic landmarks, and peaceful gardens. For around $61, you’ll get a well-rounded experience that emphasizes authenticity and outdoor adventure, guided by knowledgeable and entertaining locals.

The tour’s structure, covering both urban sights and natural landscapes, makes it especially appealing to those who want to get their exercise while learning about Edinburgh’s layered history. The inclusion of e-bike options ensures that hills aren’t a barrier for most, making it accessible to a wider range of travelers.

Overall, if you’re seeking a fun, active, and informative way to explore Edinburgh, this bike tour stands out as a highly valuable choice. It’s particularly perfect for those who want to see the city from a local’s perspective, enjoy scenic vistas, and discover some of Edinburgh’s best-kept secrets.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Many reviewers mention that the route can be challenging without an e-bike, especially due to hills. If you’re comfortable riding a bike and confident with some uphill climbs, you’ll likely enjoy it. E-bikes are available and highly recommended for ease.

What is included in the price? The tour price covers a regular trekking bicycle, helmet, and the guides’ services. No entry fees or drinks are included, but the bike and guide are.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change? Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Where does the tour start and end? The activity begins and finishes at 29 Blackfriars Street, conveniently located just off the Royal Mile.

How long is the tour? The guided experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with different start times depending on availability.

Is there an option for an electric bike? Yes, for an extra £15 per person, you can upgrade to an e-bike, which many find makes the ride more comfortable, especially on hilly parts.

Are there any age or fitness restrictions? The tour is best suited for those capable of cycling for a few hours and navigating some hills. E-bikes help make the experience accessible to more fitness levels.

What sights will I see? Expect to visit Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, Duddingston Loch, Salisbury Crags, the Grassmarket, and Edinburgh Castle, among others.

Is this a good way to beat the crowds? Absolutely. Cycling allows you to explore parts of the city and countryside away from the busiest tourist spots, often with fewer people around. Plus, the guide shares lesser-known secrets that you won’t find in typical itineraries.

By choosing this bike tour, you’re opting for an active, scenic, and deeply engaging way to enjoy Edinburgh—perfect for travelers who love a mix of adventure, history, and stunning views.

You can check availability for your dates here: