‘A Wee Pedal’s’ Family Friendly Cycle Tour to Edinburgh’s Coast

The ‘A Wee Pedal’s’ Family Friendly Cycle Tour to Edinburgh’s Coast offers an inviting way to see Edinburgh from a different perspective—by bike! Priced at $80.05 per person, this three-hour adventure is led by a local guide and is designed with families in mind. With all safety gear included and a route that covers about 12 miles, it’s ideal for those wanting a gentle, engaging outing that combines city history with seaside scenery. The tour departs from Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe at 9:30 am, making it a convenient morning activity.

This tour has earned a perfect rating of 5.0 from 47 reviews, with 100% recommending it. It’s booked on average 57 days in advance, showcasing its popularity. While the route is mostly traffic-free and suitable for most riders, confident cycling skills are necessary. Visitors should also bring £20 if they wish to hire an E-bike. The experience appeals especially to families and those who prefer a leisurely ride with plenty of opportunities to stop, relax, and enjoy Edinburgh’s scenic outskirts.

Key Points

• Family-friendly route suitable for all ages and cycling abilities
• Three-hour tour with all safety gear included
• 12 miles on mostly traffic-free cycle paths and scenic routes
• Highlights include Craigmillar Castle, Holyrood Park, and Arthur’s Seat
• Optional E-bike hire available at £20 per person
• Stops at the seaside for ice cream or coffee (not included)

Edinburgh’s Historic Sights from the Bicycle

This cycling tour takes you through some of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks, all while enjoying the comfort of a relaxed, family-friendly pace. The guide leads you along quiet, traffic-free paths, making it suitable for riders of most confidence levels. From the start at Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, the route winds through Craigmillar Park, home to Craigmillar Castle, a medieval fortress with stories to tell.

The tour then crosses into Holyrood Park via a 19th-century Victorian railway tunnel—a highlight for its historical charm and the chance to see Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views. The route continues along dedicated cycle paths, making the journey smooth and accessible. The focus remains on providing a safe, enjoyable experience with many opportunities to learn about Edinburgh’s history and landscape.

Exploring Craigmillar Castle and Holyrood Park

One of the most memorable parts of this tour is passing by Craigmillar Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that provides a tangible connection to Scotland’s past. The guides share interesting insights into the castle’s history, making it engaging for all ages.

Later, the route enters Holyrood Park, where you’ll pass by Arthur’s Seat—a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. The park’s landscape includes an extinct volcano, offering striking scenery. The combination of historical sites and natural beauty makes this a scenic journey that balances culture and nature seamlessly.

Riding Towards the Scottish Coast

After exploring Holyrood Park, the tour pushes out of the city along dedicated cycle paths, heading toward Edinburgh’s seaside. The ride culminates with a stop at a seaside location where you can enjoy ice cream or a coffee (own expense). This final segment offers refreshing views of the coast, providing a satisfying conclusion to the ride.

Traveling out of the urban environment to reach the coast highlights a different side of Edinburgh—one that features calming sea views and casual beachside stops. It’s perfect for families or those who want a gentle, scenic ride without strenuous climbs or busy traffic.

Practical Details: Bikes, Route, and Group Size

The tour uses manual hybrid bikes, which are suitable for most riders. If an E-bike is preferred, it must be requested at the time of booking; the rental cost is £20 per person. No extra charge applies for using a manual bike.

The route covers mostly traffic-free cycle paths over 12 miles, making it a manageable distance for most. The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience. The tour is led by a qualified guide, who provides helmet safety gear and shares informative commentary along the way.

Pacing and Physical Requirements

The three-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for stops and sightseeing. The tour is described as easy cycling, ideal for families or those who enjoy a moderate ride. Participants should be able to ride a bike confidently; children who cannot ride can still participate if they are between ages 4-8, using a tag-a-long bike provided by the guides.

Since the route is mostly on traffic-free paths, it offers a safe environment for riders of various ages and skill levels. The guides are attentive to the group’s pace, ensuring everyone feels comfortable throughout.

The Scenic Highlights: From City to Seaside

The route provides a wonderful blend of urban historic sights and natural scenery. Starting in Craigmillar Park, the landscape transitions from city suburbs to parklands, culminating in open coastal views. The ride past Arthur’s Seat offers a glimpse of Edinburgh’s volcanic terrain, while the final seaside stop provides a relaxing break with views of the ocean.

The experience combines stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes for an engaging morning out. It’s a great way to explore Edinburgh without the usual hustle of city streets.

Value and Booking Flexibility

At $80.05 per person, the tour offers good value for a guided, scenic experience that includes all safety gear and a qualified guide. The booking window averages 57 days in advance, indicating its popularity among visitors planning ahead.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind. Additional costs include coffee or ice cream at the seaside, but there are no hidden fees.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This cycling experience works best for families with children aged 4-8 using a tag-a-long bike, and for anyone seeking a gentle, scenic ride through Edinburgh’s outskirts. Those who appreciate historic sites and coastal views will find plenty to enjoy.

Since the route is mostly traffic-free and designed for comfort, it’s suitable for people with confident riding skills but not necessarily advanced cyclists. The small group size and personalized guidance make it a warm, engaging way to explore Edinburgh’s lesser-known coastal areas.

‘A Wee Pedal’s’ Family Friendly Cycle Tour to Edinburgh’s Coast: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a relaxed, engaging way to see Edinburgh’s historic and scenic highlights without the hustle of city traffic. The expert guidance, comfortable bikes, and beautiful route make it an attractive choice for families and casual cyclists alike.

While the ride is gentle, it still covers enough ground to provide a satisfying overview of areas like Craigmillar Castle, Holyrood Park, and the Scottish coast. The ice cream stop adds a fun, casual touch, and the flexibility of E-bike hire gives riders options to suit their comfort level.

In short, this is a friendly, scenic, and well-organized cycling tour that balances history, nature, and family fun—perfect for those wanting to explore Edinburgh’s outskirts at a gentle pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-8 can participate using a tag-a-long bike. The route is designed to be family-friendly and mostly traffic-free.

Can I hire an E-bike?
Yes, E-bike rentals are available at £20 per person if requested at booking. Be sure to reserve in advance.

What do I need to bring?
Participants should bring £20 if hiring an E-bike, and wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for cycling.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends at Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, 41 Old Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is the route traffic-free?
Most of the route is on traffic-free cycle paths, providing a safe environment for riders.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

What is the pace of the ride?
The ride is led at a relaxed pace, suitable for families and casual cyclists.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, coffee and ice cream at the seaside are not included. These are optional stops.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.

Is physical fitness required?
Participants should be able to ride a bike confidently, but the route is easy and well-suited for most levels.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of historic landmarks, scenic coastline, and the family-friendly pace makes this a delightful way to explore Edinburgh’s outskirts with loved ones.