The best cycling routes around Wester Hailes

Touring cycling around Wester Hailes offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll find extensive traffic-free routes, including the flat, pollution-free Union Canal towpath, which is ideal for leisurely rides. The Water of Leith Walkway also provides mixed-use trails. For those seeking more challenge, routes extend towards the Pentland Hills Regional Park, offering varied terrain with hills and lochs. Some sections of towpath can be tarmac, while others might be narrower, bumpy, or cobbled, requiring caution.

There are over 25 touring cycling routes available around Wester Hailes, catering to various skill levels. These include 7 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 8 more difficult options, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

Yes, Wester Hailes offers several easy touring cycling routes suitable for families. The flat, traffic-free sections of the Union Canal towpath are particularly well-suited for leisurely rides with children. An example of an easy route is the Colinton Tunnel Mural – Colinton Tunnel Murals loop from Kingsknowe, which is 15.2 km long and features minimal elevation.

The routes around Wester Hailes connect you to several interesting landmarks and natural features. You can explore the Arthur's Seat, a prominent ancient volcano, or visit the St Giles' Cathedral. For scenic views, consider routes that pass by Corstorphine Hill Tower or offer views from Allermuir Hill. The Bruntsfield Links – Colinton Tunnel Murals loop from Wester Hailes specifically highlights the impressive Colinton Tunnel Murals.

Many of the paths around Wester Hailes, especially the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith Walkway, are popular with dog walkers and cyclists. While dogs are generally welcome, it's important to keep them on a lead, especially in busier sections or near wildlife, and to be mindful of other path users. Always check specific route guidelines if available.

The routes vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter, easy rides like the Colinton Tunnel Mural – Colinton Tunnel Murals loop from Kingsknowe at 15.2 km (approx. 1 hour), up to longer, more challenging tours such as the Colinton Tunnel Mural – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Kingsknowe, which is 53.9 km and can take over 4 hours to complete.

Wester Hailes is well-connected within Edinburgh's public transport network. Buses serve the area, providing access points to various parts of the city and nearby cycling routes. The presence of National Cycle Route 75 (NCN 75) and NCN 754 also indicates good integration with broader cycling infrastructure, often utilizing repurposed railway paths that are accessible from urban centers.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Wester Hailes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Balerno Hill Summit – Water of Leith Walkway loop from Wester Hailes and the Water of Leith Walkway – Colinton Tunnel Murals loop from Wester Hailes, offering convenient round trips.

The best time for touring cycling in Wester Hailes is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. During these months, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty along the Union Canal and Water of Leith, and the trails in the Pentland Hills are more accessible. While cycling is possible year-round, winter can bring colder temperatures and potentially icy or muddy conditions on some paths.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Wester Hailes, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the extensive traffic-free routes, the blend of urban green spaces with tranquil canal and riverside paths, and the accessibility to more challenging terrain in the nearby Pentland Hills. The variety of routes catering to different abilities is also a frequently appreciated aspect.

While Wester Hailes itself has urban amenities, the broader network of cycling paths connects to areas where you can find cafes and pubs. The Union Canal towpath, for instance, passes through various communities, and the Water of Leith Walkway also has points of interest where refreshments might be available. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes.