The best cycling routes around Leith Links

There are over 700 touring cycling routes available around Leith Links, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Leith Links offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners and families. Over 350 routes are graded as easy, providing gentle rides through urban green spaces and along well-maintained paths. For example, the Trash Cat_Roseburn Bridge – Five Ways Junction loop from Edinburgh is an easy path that takes you along the Water of Leith.

The touring cycling routes from Leith Links feature diverse terrain. You'll find well-maintained pathways, shared-use paths, and sections along old railway lines, offering generally gentle gradients. Many routes provide refreshing coastal cycling along the Firth of Forth, while others lead through urban green spaces and connect to historic port areas like The Shore.

Cycling around Leith Links offers access to various natural features and landmarks. You can enjoy coastal vistas towards the Firth of Forth, explore the expansive green spaces of Leith Links itself, or cycle towards iconic Edinburgh landmarks like Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park. The Water of Leith Walkway also provides a scenic route past the Royal Botanic Gardens. You might also encounter viewpoints like View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth or Granton Harbour and Wardie Bay.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Leith Links are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same area. An example is the Dalmeny Estate loop from Leith, which offers a challenging ride through varied landscapes, or the easier Fisherrow Harbour – Portobello Promenade and Beach loop from Edinburgh for a coastal experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the comprehensive network of well-maintained pathways, the refreshing coastal vistas, and the convenient connections to both urban attractions and natural green spaces.

Leith Links is well-connected by Edinburgh's public transport network, making it easy to reach the starting points of many cycling routes. Local bus services frequently operate to and from the Leith Links area, providing convenient access for cyclists looking to explore the surrounding trails.

Yes, the Leith Links area and its connected routes offer numerous opportunities for refreshment. The historic port area of The Shore, easily accessible from Leith Links, boasts award-winning restaurants and stylish bars. Cycling towards Portobello also provides access to various cafes and pubs along the promenade, perfect for a break during your ride.

While cycling is enjoyable year-round, spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling around Leith Links, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as coastal conditions can change rapidly.

For those looking to avoid busier areas, consider routes that venture slightly further afield or explore the extensive network of off-road paths. The Avoid the crowds in Porty – Portobello Promenade and Beach loop from Leith is specifically designed to offer a quieter coastal experience. Exploring sections of the North Edinburgh Cycle Network or the Water of Leith Walkway during off-peak hours can also provide a more tranquil ride.

Absolutely. Leith Links serves as an excellent hub for connecting to wider cycling networks. You can access the North Edinburgh Cycle Network, which utilizes many off-road paths, or connect to routes leading to Edinburgh's city centre, including sections of the National Cycle Network's Route 75 (NCN 75). Longer rides, such as the Forth Bridge loop or routes incorporating the Union Canal, can also be easily accessed from Leith.