How to Plan Your Edinburgh: Cycle Tour to the Coast

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Edinburgh, why not try a cycle tour to the coast? With stunning views and exciting landmarks, this tour promises to be both fun and enriching. In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to plan your Edinburgh cycle tour to the coast.

Experience

This tour is provided by Wee Pedal, Visit Scotland’s award-winning “Best Outdoor Experience 2022/23.” The tour lasts for 4 hours and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Highlights

During this tour, you’ll get to experience the following highlights:

1. Holyrood Park

Your tour will begin at Bridgend Farmhouse, located just a short 10-minute car/uber ride from the Royal Mile. From there, you’ll be taken into Holyrood Park, one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. Here, you’ll get the chance to take some stunning photos with the backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano.

2. The Sheep’s Heid Inn

After leaving Holyrood Park, you’ll enjoy a long sweeping downhill ride that will take you to Duddingston Village, the home of The Sheep’s Heid Inn. This is the oldest surviving pub in Scotland, built back in 1360. Take a break here and enjoy some refreshments.

3. Innocent Railway Tunnel

Next, you’ll ride through the Innocent Railway Tunnel. This was a pathway for horse-drawn wagons that used to transport coal to the port of Leith back in the 18th century. Today, it’s a unique feature of the John Muir Way cycle path.

4. Portobello Beach

The final stop on your tour will be Portobello Beach. Take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the stunning panoramic scenery from this sandy beach. Grab a refreshment here before beginning your return journey.

Full Description

Once you’ve booked your tour on this website, you’re all set to begin your adventure. Make sure to arrive at Bridgend Farmhouse with plenty of time to spare before your tour’s scheduled departure time.

Your tour guide will meet you and your group at the farmhouse, where you’ll have a short meet and greet session. Once everyone’s present, you’ll set off along cycle paths into Holyrood Park, where you’ll soak up the stunning views of Arthur’s Seat. Take a moment here to snap some photos before moving on to your next destination.

From Holyrood Park, you’ll enjoy a long sweeping downhill ride that will take you to Duddingston Village, the home of The Sheep’s Heid Inn – can you believe it was built in 1360? Take a break here and enjoy some refreshments while you learn about this historic landmark.

Next, you’ll ride through the Innocent Railway Tunnel. This unique feature of the John Muir Way cycle path used to serve as a pathway for horse-drawn wagons that transported coal to the port of Leith. Nowadays, it’s a fun little detour for cyclists.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Portobello Beach, where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy some downtime while taking in the stunning panoramic scenery. Grab a refreshment here before beginning your return journey.

How to Prepare for Your Tour

Before embarking on your Edinburgh cycle tour, it’s essential to make sure you’re prepared both physically and mentally. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1. Check the weather forecast

Make sure to check the weather forecast before scheduling your tour. Ideally, you’ll want to pick a day that’s mild and dry to ensure maximum enjoyment.

2. Dress appropriately

Dress comfortably in clothes that are suitable for cycling. Wear layers to accommodate changing temperatures and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain.

3. Bring water and snacks

It’s essential to stay hydrated and nourished during your tour, so make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks to keep you going.

4. Follow the guide’s instructions

Your tour guide will provide you with important information and directions throughout the tour, so make sure to pay attention and follow their instructions.

5. Stay safe

Make sure to wear a helmet and follow all road rules and regulations while cycling. If you’re not confident on a bike, let your guide know so they can provide you with extra support.

Conclusion

An Edinburgh cycle tour to the coast is a fun and unique way to experience the stunning Scottish scenery. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your tour and ready to enjoy all the exciting highlights it has to offer. Remember to book your tour on this website and prepare yourself both physically and mentally before setting off on your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, known for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. Every year, thousands of tourists come from all over the world to explore this beautiful city. If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh or considering moving there, you might have some questions about the city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about Edinburgh.

1. What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh depends on what you want to do and see. If you want to experience the festivals and events, the best time to visit is during the summer months of July and August, when the city hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year. If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, you should visit during the off-season, between November and March. The winter months can be cold and rainy, but you can still enjoy indoor attractions like museums, galleries, and theatres.

2. What are the must-visit attractions in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is full of must-visit attractions, including:

The Edinburgh Castle:

Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the city, the Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. It offers stunning views of the city and houses a museum, a chapel, and the Scottish Crown Jewels.

The Royal Mile:

Stretching from the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is a historic street lined with shops, pubs, and restaurants. It is also home to some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, including St Giles’ Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament.

The National Museum of Scotland:

This museum showcases the art, culture, and history of Scotland, from the prehistoric times to the present day. It features interactive exhibits and artefacts like the Lewis Chessmen, a group of 12th-century chess pieces made of walrus ivory.

The Arthur’s Seat:

This extinct volcano rises 251 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views of the city. It is a popular spot for walking and hiking.

3. How can I get around Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The city is also quite walkable, with many attractions within walking distance from each other. If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from one of the many bike-sharing schemes. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available.

4. What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has several neighbourhoods that offer unique experiences for visitors. Some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in include:

The Old Town:

Located at the heart of the city, the Old Town is a medieval labyrinth of narrow alleys and historic buildings. It is home to many of Edinburgh’s top attractions, but it can be quite noisy and crowded.

The New Town:

Built in the 18th century, the New Town is a contrast to the Old Town. It features wide streets, elegant Georgian townhouses, and leafy parks. It is a quieter and more upscale neighbourhood, with many boutique shops and trendy restaurants.

Leith:

Located on the shore of the Firth of Forth, Leith is a former port town that has been revitalised in recent years. It has a vibrant food and drink scene, with many bars, cafes, and restaurants.

5. What are the traditional Scottish dishes that I must try in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a rich culinary culture, with many traditional Scottish dishes that you must try. Some of the most popular dishes include:

Haggis:

This is Scotland’s national dish, made of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats, spices, and onions and encased in a sheep’s stomach. It is often served with neeps and tatties, which are turnips and potatoes mashed together.

Cullen skink:

This is a hearty soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream. It is a popular dish in coastal towns like Cullen in the northeast of Scotland.

Cranachan:

This is a dessert made of whipped cream, toasted oats, raspberries, and honey. It is often served at special occasions like weddings and Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

In conclusion, Edinburgh is a vibrant and historic city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty to do in this beautiful city. By using the information in this blog post, you’ll be able to plan and enjoy your trip to Edinburgh to the fullest.