Arthur's Seat & Holyrood Park by E-Bike, Edinburgh

Combine history and nature as you pedal around the capital's highest peak and explore castles, lochs, and glens by e-bike.

Overview

Hop on a comfortable e-bike for a 2.5-hour introduction to the natural landscapes and historic landmarks around Edinburgh's Holyrood Park. This relaxed 10-mile ride is ideal for all fitness levels, following a scenic loop through the city's 650-acre green space before skirting the slopes of Arthur's Seat for far-reaching views across the Scottish capital. Along the way, your local guides will share dramatic stories of the city's history as you pedal past landmarks like the Palace of Holyroodhouse, admire the lochside ruins of St Anthony's Chapel, and pause to hear about the royal ties of Craigmillar Castle.

Highlights

  • Escape the crowds of Edinburgh's Old Town with a guided e-bike ride around Holyrood Park
  • Learn about the dramatic history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Craigmillar Castle
  • Pedal past the rocky crags and glassy lochs of the Scottish capital's largest park
  • Cruise along the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat for panoramic views and a scenic photo op

Know before you go

Duration
2h 30m
Recommended for
14 years old & up
Group
Small group, 8 people or less

What you'll do

This 2.5-hour small-group e-bike adventure begins at Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, a 20-minute bus ride (or 15-minute drive) south of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Meet your local guides, buckle on a helmet, and set off on a comfortable e-bike for a scenic, history-rich pedal into the Scottish capital's "green lung." The nature-rich, 10-mile (16 km) loop takes you along paved cycling paths and quiet roads, with a gentle pace that's perfect for all fitness levels (and helped along by your bike's motor, which offers three different speed and power settings). 

Along the way, you'll loop through the 650-acre (260 ha) Holyrood Park, a rugged Highland-like landscape of rocky crags, sweeping glens, and wild gorse set on Edinburgh's doorstep. This protected area is also home to the city's most iconic natural feature: the ancient volcanic peak of Arthur's Seat. Your effortless ride will take you along the lower slopes, where (weather permitting) you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views over the Old Town, the Pentland Hills, and the distant coast. 

You'll also pedal by the Scottish Parliament as your guide explains the 13th-century origins of the modern glass structure, and pause at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to learn about the dramatic intrigues that have played out over its long history as Scotland's official royal residence. Other highlights might include views of St Margaret's Loch, an idyllic lake overlooked by the medieval ruins of St Anthony's Chapel, and a stop at the romantic ruins of the 600-year-old Craigmillar Castle to hear about its ties to Mary, Queen of Scots and its starring role in the TV series Outlander.

Start times

  • Daily
    9:30 am

What's included

  • Professional guides
  • E-bikes
  • Helmets

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Like what you see?

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