4.4
(436)
22,574
riders
579
rides
Road cycling routes around Marchmont And Sciennes benefit from proximity to Edinburgh's extensive network of cycle paths and green spaces. The area features flat, well-maintained paths through The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, connecting to the traffic-free Union Canal towpath. Cyclists can also find challenging ascents towards natural landmarks such as Arthur's Seat and Corstorphine Hill. This region offers a mix of urban parkland, canal-side routes, and elevated viewpoints, including coastal areas near Portobello Promenade.
Last updated: May 24, 2026
3.6
(7)
244
riders
62.6km
02:45
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.5
(4)
23
riders
15.5km
00:50
250m
250m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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4.3
(4)
14
riders
13.5km
00:38
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.4
(23)
1,034
riders
52.1km
02:10
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.8
(8)
438
riders
64.2km
02:57
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Marchmont And Sciennes
From the top of Blackford Hill
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I recommend an early morning run before the city has started its daily activities.
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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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The best fish and chips around here - and coming from a Yorkshire family I like to think I know about this. Summer evenings I’ll sometimes ride out just to enjoy a meal sitting on the tank trap blocks watching the sun linger low over Arthur’s Seat.
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One of the best, big long drag up to the top, looks intimidating from the bottom but it’s not super steep.
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There are over 590 road cycling routes available around Marchmont and Sciennes, catering to various skill levels. This includes 190 easy routes, 336 moderate routes, and 69 more challenging options.
You can expect a varied terrain, from flat, well-maintained paths through expansive green spaces like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, to serene, traffic-free canal towpaths such as the Union Canal. For those seeking more challenge, there are ascents towards landmarks like Arthur's Seat and Corstorphine Hill, offering rewarding views.
Yes, Marchmont and Sciennes offer many easy routes suitable for beginners and families. Paths through The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links are flat and well-maintained. The Arthur's Seat Climb – Arthur's Seat loop from Southside is an easy 8.7-mile route with scenic views, perfect for a relaxed ride.
Road cycling routes in the area offer access to several notable landmarks and viewpoints. You can cycle around Arthur's Seat for commanding views, or explore routes near Corstorphine Hill Tower for impressive vistas over the city. Other points of interest include St Giles' Cathedral and the Scott Monument.
Absolutely. The area is rich in natural features and green spaces. You can cycle through The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, or along the tranquil Union Canal towpath. Holyrood Park, home to Arthur's Seat, offers scenic cycling. For water features, routes can lead to Glencorse Reservoir or Torduff Reservoir.
The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Marchmont and Sciennes, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of paths, the mix of urban parkland and challenging ascents, and the scenic routes that offer glimpses of Edinburgh's historic architecture and natural beauty.
Edinburgh boasts a terrific network of cycle paths and off-road routes, many of which are accessible from Marchmont and Sciennes. Look for 'QuietRoutes' which are specifically designed for all abilities to help avoid busy main roads. The Union Canal towpath and paths through The Meadows also offer traffic-free cycling.
Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Dugald Stewart Monument – Nelson Monument, Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh is an easy 13.8-mile circular route. Another option is the Bruntsfield Links – Artisan Roast loop from Southside, an easy 8.6-mile ride.
Marchmont and Sciennes are well-served by Edinburgh's public transport network. While policies for bikes on buses and trams can vary, many local services are bike-friendly, especially during off-peak hours. It's advisable to check with specific operators for their current bike carriage policies. The area's central location makes it easily accessible.
Yes, Marchmont and Sciennes are residential areas with various cafes and pubs that are welcoming to cyclists. Many establishments offer outdoor seating, perfect for a break. You'll find options in the immediate vicinity and along connecting routes, particularly in areas like Bruntsfield and the city centre.
Marchmont and Sciennes serve as an excellent starting point for longer excursions. The area connects to broader networks, including National Cycle Network routes like Route 1, which spans the UK. You can also head west along the Union Canal towpath towards towns like Linlithgow and Falkirk, or explore routes leading towards Roslin Glen Country Park, such as the Artisan Roast – Roslin Glen Country Park loop from Southside.
Yes, Marchmont and Sciennes benefit from proximity to Edinburgh's extensive network of cycle paths. Key routes include the Union Canal towpath, which is traffic-free, and the Water of Leith Walkway (accessible via connecting paths). Additionally, Edinburgh has a network of 'QuietRoutes' designed to provide safer cycling away from busy main roads. You can find more information on these routes on the City of Edinburgh Council website.


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