4.5
(430)
5,490
riders
310
rides
Touring cycling around Mayfield / Easthouses offers diverse landscapes in Midlothian, Scotland. The region features routes with views of the Pentland Hills and trails that follow the Esk River. Coastal areas provide rides along Fisherrow Harbour and Portobello Promenade, while greenspaces and old railway lines offer additional cycling opportunities. The terrain varies from paved paths to gravel tracks, catering to different cycling preferences.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.4
(5)
38
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
43
riders
26.6km
01:33
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
29
riders
54.5km
03:17
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
34
riders
25.7km
01:43
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
27
riders
41.6km
02:42
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Excellent surface however the tar is very narrow so be careful with the walkers and doggie brigade. The far end is closed for the building of the DC link to Engerlind ….
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Absolutely gorgeous reservoir, great to cycle by, or to stop and enjoy your ride-food while looking at the water.
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Gladhouse Reservoir is just a short drive from Edinburgh and just to the west of the Moorfoot Hills. This peaceful wildlife haven offers visitors great hiking and cycling opportunities. This back-lane road section is no exception. This is a good connecting section between the Gladhouse Plantation on the west side of the reservoir and Rosebery Reservoir a few miles to the north. The road goes past the northern wooded shores of Gladhouse Reservoir, around the bottom of the dam, where just after you turn left or north for Rosebery Reservoir. It is a scenic, tranquil section that is a delight for the eyes and soul.
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Quiet little harbour with free parking. Good for starting/ending point. Cute at sunset
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A welcome bench to rest up and soak in the views.
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Delightful views. Just watch out for the sharp shells.
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There has been fishing at Fisherrow and Musselburgh since Roman times, and the present 17th-century harbour is very close to the Roman harbour at the mouth of the River Esk that served the Inveresk Roman Fort on the high ground east of the Esk upriver. The Fisherrow fishermen used to fish for herring, and later for white fish, prawns and sprats. The harbour was home to a large fishing fleet.
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There are over 300 touring cycling routes around Mayfield / Easthouses, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 5000 touring cycling tours in the area.
The terrain varies significantly, from paved paths along coastal areas and riverside trails to gravel tracks, especially on routes utilizing old railway lines like sections of the Pencaitland Railway Walk. You'll find a mix of surfaces catering to different cycling preferences.
Yes, there are over 110 easy touring cycling routes in the area. An excellent option for families or beginners is the Fisherrow Harbour – Portobello Promenade and Beach loop from Dalkeith, which is an easy 16.4-mile path offering a coastal ride. Routes along the Esk River also tend to be pleasant and often paved.
You can explore a variety of landmarks and natural features. Routes often pass historical sites like Newbattle Abbey and Dalkeith Palace. For natural beauty, you'll find views of the Pentland Hills, riverside paths along the Esk River, and coastal attractions such as Fisherrow Harbour and Portobello Promenade and Beach. The area also features greenspaces and woodlands.
Yes, several routes provide scenic views of the Pentland Hills. A popular choice is the View of the Pentland Hills – Carrington to Temple Road loop from Newtongrange, which offers expansive vistas of this picturesque range.
Many of the touring cycling routes around Mayfield / Easthouses are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Newbattle Abbey – Esk River Bridge loop from Newtongrange and the Esk River Bridge – Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo loop from Newtongrange.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the diverse landscapes can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet rides, though some paths might be affected by weather conditions.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from views of the Pentland Hills to coastal rides, and the variety of routes that cater to different ability levels.
Yes, the Esk River is a prominent feature in many touring cycling routes. The Newbattle Abbey – Esk River Bridge loop from Newtongrange is one such route that leads alongside the Esk River, offering pleasant riverside cycling.
Mayfield / Easthouses and nearby towns like Dalkeith and Newtongrange offer various parking options, often near trailheads or town centers. The region is also connected to national cycle routes, suggesting good accessibility. For specific public transport information, it's advisable to check local bus or train schedules depending on your starting point.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are over 60 difficult touring cycling routes. The View of the Pentland Hills – Carrington to Temple Road loop from Newtongrange, for example, is a 30.1-mile route with significant elevation gain, classified as difficult.
While specific cafes and pubs directly on every route are not listed, the proximity of routes to towns like Dalkeith, Newtongrange, and coastal areas like Portobello Promenade means you'll find various establishments for refreshments. Portobello, in particular, is known for its cafes and shops along the promenade.
Absolutely. The area is rich in history. The Newbattle Abbey – Esk River Bridge loop from Newtongrange takes you past Newbattle Abbey, and the Esk River Bridge – Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo loop from Newtongrange includes Dalkeith Palace, adding a cultural dimension to your ride.


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