The best cycling routes around West Pilton/West Granton

The area offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes, blending urban landscapes with coastal paths and green spaces. You'll find routes that follow the Firth of Forth coastline, pass through developing urban green spaces like West Pilton Park, and utilize sections of the North Edinburgh Path Network. Many routes feature well-surfaced paths, including those along the Granton Waterfront.

Yes, West Pilton/West Granton has numerous easy routes perfect for beginners and families. Examples include the Five Ways Junction – Portobello Promenade and Beach loop from Granton and the Wardie Bay – Granton Harbour and Wardie Bay loop from Muirhouse. These routes are largely paved and designed for all abilities, offering gentle gradients and scenic views.

Cyclists can enjoy outstanding views across the Firth of Forth, especially along the Granton Waterfront. The area is undergoing significant green space development, including West Pilton Park, which is being transformed with new wetland areas and improved paths. While cycling, you might also encounter interesting murals in tunnels along some paths, such as those on the Colinton Tunnel Mural – Colinton Tunnel Murals loop from Drylaw. For broader views of Edinburgh, nearby highlights include Arthur's Seat and View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, routes like the Wester Cinder Path – Trash Cat_Donaldson's Hospital loop from Blackhall offer a step up in difficulty compared to the easier coastal loops. These routes may feature slightly more varied terrain or longer distances, providing a good option for intermediate cyclists.

There are over 700 touring cycling routes available in West Pilton/West Granton, catering to a wide range of preferences and skill levels. This includes more than 340 easy routes, over 220 moderate routes, and more than 160 difficult routes.

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 accessible coastal paths, the ongoing improvements to green spaces, and the well-connected North Edinburgh Path Network, which makes exploring the varied terrain enjoyable for all.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in West Pilton/West Granton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Old Almond Bridge – Dowie's Mill Lane Bridge loop from Drylaw, which takes you through green spaces, and the coastal loops around Wardie Bay and Granton Harbour.

West Pilton and West Granton are well-connected by public transport within Edinburgh. The ongoing 'North Edinburgh Connections' project aims to further improve active travel links, including better connections to the city centre. For detailed public transport information and route planning, it's best to consult local bus service websites or journey planners.

As an urban area with significant investment in active travel, parking availability can vary. Many routes are accessible from residential areas or parks. While specific parking facilities for each route are not detailed, the focus on public transport and active travel infrastructure suggests that routes are designed to be accessible without necessarily requiring car travel to the trailhead.

Significant investment is enhancing cycling infrastructure. The 'North Edinburgh Active Travel (NEAT) Connections' project, now 'North Edinburgh Connections', is creating safer and easier routes with protected cycle lanes and improved connections on key roads like West Granton Road and Ferry Road. A new walking, wheeling, and cycling route linking Pennywell Roundabout and The Promenade at Gypsy Brae has also opened, featuring a segregated cycle track. More information can be found on the Edinburgh Council website: North Edinburgh Connections.

The Granton Waterfront area is particularly notable for its network of well-surfaced cycle paths, including one along West Harbour Road. This area offers excellent coastal cycling with views across the Firth of Forth and is a key part of the region's active travel development.