A short circular ride to Ratho

A circular ride to Ratho along cycleways and quiet roads.

From our start point we'll make our way westward to cross the A8 over the RBS bridge.

Following Gogarstone Road then Freelands Road and passing Ratho Byres Forge, we reach Ratho Marina where we'll stop for refreshments at the Bridge Inn. There are bike racks here and a covered outdoor terrace overlooking the canal. Alternatively there are picnic tables beside the bridge if you would prefer to bring your own refreshments.

Our route home starts with a pretty section of the canal towpath with minimal tree roots (sadly we can't avoid them all) and which doesn't involve bridges, A short woodland track takes us away from the canal to join Gogarmuir Road then we make our way to Edinburgh Park, Loch Ross, past the Gyle Centre and back to our start point.

The terrain is mostly tarmac and hardpacked surfaces, There is a short gravel section where we cross over the railway and under the city bypass to reach Edinburgh Park.

Helmets are recommended. If possible please bring a bike lock, a spare inner tube to fit your bike and have a strategy for getting home with your bike if you are unable to complete the ride for any reason. (eg friend/taxi)

We never leave anyone behind!