Conquer the Best Cycle Routes in East Lothian
Plan your next adventure to conquer some of the best cycle routes in East Lothian.
The excitement is building as Scotland gears up to welcome the UCI Cycling World Championships, the biggest cycling event ever to be staged in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3rd-13th August.
If you’re a keen cycling enthusiast seeking an adventurous experience, you might like to know that East Lothian offers an array of thrilling cycle routes. Discover diverse landscapes, tranquil countryside, panoramic views and secluded paths as you embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure. Here are just some of East Lothian’s routes to whet your appetite.
This route starts and finishes at Musselburgh Fisherrow Harbour and offers a multiday gravel adventure that combines the remoteness and solitude of the Lammermuir Hills with the stunning East Lothian coastline. Over a distance of 169km (105m), enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as you pedal past golden beaches, grassy dunes and beautiful countryside with lots of places to stop and explore.
Find out more about this route.
A longer gravel adventure over 53.5km (33.24m), connecting the popular seaside town of North Berwick with Haddington, combining some of the best gravel tracks East Lothian has to offer. The route starts at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick joining onto the John Muir Way and then follows the River Tyne through Haddington connecting with the Longniddry Railway walk, through the pretty village of Aberlady then back to North Berwick.
Find out more about this route.
A distance of 105km (65.24m) and just a few kilometres short of the official Gran Fondo distance, this route starts and finishes in Prestonpans and offers a road bike adventure exploring many of the stunning castles and big houses along some of the most beautiful roads in East Lothian.
Find out more about this route.
Cycling can build up quite an appetite, and East Lothian offers an array of fantastic food stops to refuel and recharge. For the perfect energy boost before hitting the road, stop at Steampunk Coffee in North Berwick and enjoy their range of speciality coffees, teas and delicious baked goodies. If you’re planning to venture into the Lammermuirs, stop off in the village of Gifford and visit Lanterne Rouge named after the award given to the last place cyclist in the Tour De France. The Loft Café & Bakery in Haddington is popular with cyclists, you can sit outside in the courtyard with your bike or you can use their click and collect service.
Taking your bike on public transport to East Lothian couldn’t be easier, the towns of Musselburgh, Prestonpans, North Berwick and Dunbar are all served by trains from Edinburgh and bikes are free! Borders Buses operate a number of bike friendly buses and you can track which bus is bike friendly the day before your visit using their app.
Before setting off on a bike ride, know the code before you go - Scottish Outdoor Access Code and please respect the beautiful countryside and love East Lothian responsibly.
East Lothian does have cycling routes for all abilities especially if you’re a bit of a notice or want to go out on a leisurely cycle with the family. Find out more.
Images: Markus Stitz & Tom Duffin
Information correct at the time of publication.
Author: Jackie Gardiner
Visit East Lothian
