Circuit Ride to North-West Coast of Edinburgh from The Meadows (Winter Weekday Rerun)

{Refer to the route map for a visual presentation, with possibly on-site adjustments}

Start at 11:00 am from the east end of The Meadows - outside the Public Toilet and Cafe Refresh (Google Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AQUgGD5dp3zh4CQXA )
--> First 20-25 minutes along busier sections in town, including Canongate, Calton Road and the well-paved cycle lanes along Leith Walk (beware of pedestrians, though, who may walk on or suddenly cross cycle lanes)
--> King George V Park Playground
--> Long cycle path from Warriston Path/ NCN 75 to Victoria Path
--> Victoria Park
--> Hawthorvale Path, Trinity Path (Quiet route 15), coastal path along Lower Granton Road
--> Granton Harbour and Gasholder 1
--> Forthquarter Park
--> Silverknowes Beach
--> Cramond Beach
--> Fair-a-Far Mill (historical landmark) and Cramond Falls (River Almond Walkway), which is the farthest point of the ride
--> Coffee break
--> Silverknowes Road
--> NCN 1: Blackhall Path and Roseburn Path
--> Roseburn-Union Canal route up to Union Canal
--> Back to The Meadows, hopefully within 3.5 hours in total (actual cycling time about 2.5 hours)

Be prepared with going uphill in certain legs, despite not very challenging.

A rerun of the scenic route last summer combining both the bustling urban and traffic-free parts of the city, with slightly improved changes

ROAD TYPES you'll be riding on: More than 80% of cycle paths or cycle lanes, and small sections of roads. SURFACES: Mostly tarmac or well paved, with small sections being a little rough or bumpy.

STOPS: 1/ Toilet stops: Public toilets at the start/end point at the Meadows and Cramond Beach in the middle of the ride. 2/ Coffee break at Cramond Bistro/ The Harbour with outdoor seats (or bring your own snacks and drinks), or Maxines Cafe with indoor tables (weather dependent)

BRING WITH YOU: Helmet highly advised, at least one spare inner tube suitable for your bike tyres and relevant tools for mechanics, appropriate clothing for the weather, snacks and drinking water, cash/ card if you fancy buying food at cafes. A roadworthy bike with good brakes is certainly a must. Front and rear bike lights in case needed (est. sunset time: 16:37)

First-timers welcome!