cover page of new Spokes Favourite Bike Rides booklet, with photos of some of the rides inside
A taster page from the booklet - favourite ride from Balerno to Fountainbridge, with photos of the entrant, the colinton tunnel, and a map
3 A Beeline to the City
11 km, 7 miles 40–60 minutes E
This is a straightforward route, suitable for cyclists of all abilities. The surfaces are good, navigation is
simple, there is no traffic to worry about and the going is almost completely level. It’s worth lingering in
the Colinton Tunnel to view the impressive murals.
Start: Balerno End: Fountainbridge
From Bridge Road, take the signposted Water of Leith path
(NCN 75), which starts near Balerno High School. Follow
the path for about 7 km as it meanders alongside the
river. You will pass Spylaw Park (on your right), then go
under the City Bypass and through the Colinton Tunnel.
The path eventually leaves the Water of Leith, crossing
the Lanark Road by a footbridge before dropping down to
the Union Canal towpath.
With the canal on your right, take the towpath (still NCN
75) for a further 4 km to its terminus at Fountainbridge.
(Care is needed when crossing the Slateford Aqueduct.
Cyclists are very strongly advised to dismount on this
narrow section of path; those with a poor head for heights may prefer to avoid it completely.)
Gregor Steele
Gregor came back to cycling after he
retired. He enjoys leisurely rides in
the country, which he says fit in with
his other hobbies: photography and
local history. He is also a writer and
poet, and does a lot of his composing
while riding.
Why this is my favourite ride:
This is a journey
to be enjoyed at
a leisurely pace.
There is beauty
to be found all
along the route,
but for me the
highlight is
the Colinton
Tunnel, with its
famous murals.
I have passed through it many times,
but always find something new.
How to get your copy...
Getting your copy
All Spokes members will be sent a free copy, as a thank-you for being a member. This will be sent out in mid or late April with our annual paper-based mailing. If you’re not a member, join Spokes by the end of March and you will be included!
The Edinburgh Bike Coop and the Water of Leith Visitor Centre sell edition 2 and are being approached about edition 3.
Order direct from Spokes, post free. Email office@spokes.org.uk. We will send you details to make a BACS payment. Prices..
Edition 2 (12 pages) – £2
Edition 3 (16 pages) – £3
Edition 2 and Edition 3 – £4
If you also order one Spokes map, ask for either booklet free
If you also order two or more maps, ask for both booklets free
Important – if you are a Spokes member, you will still receive a free copy of edition 3 in April even if you buy one now. With around 1000 members it would be too complex for us to do otherwise … your second copy could be a lovely present for a friend, relation or colleague!
🚲🚲 #FavouriteBikeRides #Edinburgh/ #Lothians - out now!
HERE-> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/03/favo...
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