Ride 20 miles of mostly traffic-free paths from Craigmillar Castle through Union Canal and Water of Leith to Leith and Portobello. This guided circular tour blends industrial history, canal-side scenes and coastal finish with a moderate, all-ages ride.
Ride 20 miles of mostly traffic-free paths from Craigmillar Castle through Union Canal and Water of Leith to Leith and Portobello. This guided circular tour blends industrial history, canal-side scenes and coastal finish with a moderate, all-ages ride.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by A wee pedal · Edinburgh, Scotland
You push off from Craigmillar Castle grounds as the city exhales—stone, canal water and early-morning gull calls. The group threads onto a traffic-free towpath, wheels whispering past nineteenth-century canal bridges and moored narrowboats, then slides down a leafy ramp to the Water of Leith where aqueducts arch overhead.
moderate.
4–5 hours.
Moderate cycling fitness required; able to ride 20 miles and handle short bursts of urban maneuvering.
Yes—e-bikes are available for an additional £20 per person payable in cash on the day; request when booking to reserve one.
The ride starts in Craigmillar Castle grounds near the cycle path; there is free on-site parking and the start is accessible by bus, taxi or on foot from central Edinburgh.
You should be able to ride confidently for 20 miles and have a moderate fitness level; guides set a steady pace with stops for breaks and sights.
The operator may cancel for severe weather; for a full refund cancel at least 24 hours before departure—check booking terms for specifics.
The Union Canal and Water of Leith fueled Edinburgh’s 19th-century industry; the route threads canal engineering and dockland trade that shaped modern Leith.
The operator emphasizes low-carbon travel and stays on established paths—respect canal wildlife, avoid littering, and keep noise low around nesting birds.
A wee pedal operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




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