4.4
(392)
21,441
riders
557
rides
Road cycling around Colinton features a diverse landscape, transitioning from urban fringes to the rolling countryside leading towards the Scottish Borders. Routes often follow river valleys, such as the Water of Leith, and pass through local parklands like Roslin Glen Country Park. The terrain includes gentle ascents and descents, with some routes offering moderate elevation gains suitable for varied fitness levels. This area provides a mix of paved roads and quiet country lanes, ideal for road cyclists seeking both accessible…
Last updated: April 22, 2026
3.6
(5)
165
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
29
riders
19.3km
01:09
200m
200m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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3.0
(1)
25
riders
20.9km
00:57
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
38
riders
23.4km
01:04
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
17
riders
21.1km
00:56
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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A super nice tunnel that makes for a good photo stop. A great addition to your cycle journey through Edinburgh.
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This is a super photo stop. The tunnel is beautifully decorated with striking murals and is illuminated too so it sheds a bit more light on the topic!
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Small chapel at the exit of the village perched on a rocky spur, magnificent!
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And it is always windy up on the moor road and most of the times it is a brisk head wind, regardless of if you go south or north. The wind always knows you are coming and switches direction to greet you in the face. 😉😳☺️😰
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This monument commemorates the historic Battle of Roslin. The battle took place in 1303 and was a part of the ongoing Wars of Scottish Independence that saw the Scots successfully repel an English invasion.
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Colinton offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 560 options available on komoot. These range from easy rides to more challenging excursions, catering to various fitness levels.
Yes, Colinton features many easy road cycling routes, with nearly 200 options available. An excellent choice for a more relaxed ride is the Battle of Roslin Monument – Rosslyn Chapel loop from Oxgangs, which is 13.1 miles (21.0 km) long and offers gentle terrain.
For those seeking longer distances, Colinton offers routes extending into the Scottish Borders. The Colinton Tunnel Murals – Moor Road – Scottish Borders loop from Kingsknowe is a popular moderate route, covering 40.7 miles (65.6 km) with significant elevation gain.
Yes, Colinton and its surrounding areas offer challenging road cycling routes, with 58 difficult options available on komoot. These routes typically feature more substantial climbs and longer distances, providing a good test for experienced cyclists.
Road cycling around Colinton offers diverse scenery, transitioning from urban fringes to rolling countryside leading towards the Scottish Borders. Routes often follow river valleys like the Water of Leith and pass through parklands such as Roslin Glen Country Park. You'll encounter a mix of paved roads and quiet country lanes.
Many routes offer scenic views and pass by interesting attractions. You might encounter historical sites like Holyrood Palace or natural landmarks such as Arthur's Seat. The Water of Leith Walkway – Threipmuir Reservoir loop from Wester Hailes, for example, provides views of the reservoir and river.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Colinton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride and transport logistics more convenient.
The best time for road cycling in Colinton is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. While cycling is possible year-round, winter can bring colder temperatures and a higher chance of wet conditions.
The road cycling routes in Colinton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 380 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the mix of urban and rural landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that cater to different ability levels.
Colinton and its surrounding villages offer various cafes and pubs where you can take a break. While specific establishments aren't listed for each route, many routes pass through or near communities where you can find refreshments. It's always a good idea to check local listings for opening times.
To find less crowded routes, consider exploring some of the lesser-known options or riding during off-peak hours, such as weekdays. Routes that venture further into the countryside, away from the immediate urban areas, tend to be quieter. The Linfoy Loop – Machina Espresso loop from Wester Hailes is an easy option that offers a pleasant ride.


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