The best road cycling routes in Midlothian

Midlothian offers a diverse landscape for road cyclists, featuring rolling hills, scenic reservoirs like Gladhouse and Rosebery, and expansive parklands such as Dalkeith Country Park. You'll encounter varied terrain, from the dramatic ridges and moorland of the Pentland Hills Regional Park to the more gently rounded Moorfoot Hills and deeply incised gorges along the River Esk.

There are over 140 road cycling routes available in Midlothian, catering to various skill levels. This includes 43 easy routes, 86 moderate routes, and 17 challenging options for experienced cyclists.

The road cycling routes in Midlothian are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, picturesque views, and the network of routes that cater to different abilities.

Yes, Midlothian offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. A popular choice is the Rosebery reservoir loop from Gorebridge, an easy 13.3-mile (21.5 km) path that provides picturesque views around Rosebery Reservoir.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Midlothian has several demanding routes. One notable option is the Moor Road – Scottish Borders – Paddy Slacks Climb loop from Penicuik, a 97.7-mile (157.2 km) trail with significant elevation gain. Another challenging climb is 'The Granites – B7007 Road Climb' which can be found on routes like the loop from Eskbank.

Absolutely. Midlothian's landscape includes beautiful reservoirs that are central to many scenic routes. The Gorebridge, Innerleithen & Peebles loop via Gladhouse Reservoir is a prime example, offering stunning views around Gladhouse Reservoir.

Many of the road cycling routes in Midlothian are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Gladhouse Reservoir – Temple Climb from Carrington loop from Gorebridge is a moderate 45.2 km (28.1 miles) circular route.

Midlothian's routes often pass by or offer views of interesting landmarks. You might encounter historic sites like Roslin Castle or Crichton Castle. For panoramic views, routes in the Pentland Hills can offer sights from peaks such as Allermuir Hill or Castlelaw Hill.

Yes, Midlothian is part of the extensive National Cycle Network. National Cycle Route 1 passes through the region, connecting to the Forth Road Bridge, and National Cycle Route 196 links Haddington to Penicuik, often utilizing traffic-free paths and quiet roads.

Yes, some road cycling routes in Midlothian extend into or offer views of the Scottish Borders. The Moor Road – Scottish Borders – View of the River Tweed loop from Penicuik is a moderate 80 km (49.7 miles) route that provides scenic vistas towards the River Tweed and the wider Borders region.

Yes, 'The Granites – B7007 Road Climb' is a well-known ascent in Midlothian. You can experience this climb on routes such as the loop from Shawfair, which is a difficult 85 km (52.8 miles) ride with significant elevation.

While specific road cycling routes might not go directly through the heart of Dalkeith Country Park, the park itself features woodland paths and cycle routes along the River Esk. Road routes in the vicinity, such as the The Loft – Fisherrow Harbour loop from Gorebridge, may offer access points or views of the park's surroundings.