Cycling Historical Scotland Edinburgh and Fife

This circular cycle route begins and ends in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh, famous for its castle and splendid architecture. The tour gives you a chance to experience many of Scotland’s historical sites, while cycling through the beautiful rolling countryside of Fife. Leaving Edinburgh the route takes you across the impressive Forth Road Bridge at Queensferry into the Kingdom of Fife. Using minor roads and traffic free cycle ways the route follows the coast before heading inland through stunning scenery and pretty towns and villages with many places of interest to view. Most impressive is the village of Falkland, home to Falkland Palace, where you will spend 2 nights. There is a choice of route back to Edinburgh; you can return the same easy route you arrived, or by a more challenging hilly route passing Kinrose and Loch Leven. On the final day you return to Edinburgh where you can return the bikes and continue your journey or stay another night.

ARRIVAL DAY: At Edinburgh you will be fitted out with your bike. Your 1st night's accommodation is in Edinburgh in the shadow of the famous castle near the start and finish of the tour. Edinburgh is Scotland’s political capital with so many national monuments, impressive buildings and museums for you to visit, but don’t worry should you require more time you will be returning here after the tour. There are also many places to eat in this vibrant city from traditional pubs to a large variety of cafes and restaurants. Overnight: Edinburgh, Scotland.

DAY ONE: Edinburgh to Burntisland. Distance approx. 23 miles (37 km). After breakfast you will pick-up your bikes from the hire shop and begin the ride through Edinburgh on cycle lanes alongside the busy city roads. The route starts out very flat giving you plenty of time to get used to the bikes and to take in the sights as you go. Heading out of the city centre on a traffic-free cycle route the scenery becomes dominated by the dramatic structures of two bridges that span the Firth of Forth. A cycle lane takes you over the road bridge which is quite an experience, providing great views before reaching Inverkeithing.  Now in the Kingdom of Fife the route follows the coast to your next overnight stop. Overnight: Burntisland, Fife.

DAY TWO: Burntisland to Falkland. Distance approx. 24 miles (39 km). Continuing along the coast through Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy the route then heads inland passing Glenrothes, all offering a chance for refreshments or lunch. Riding through beautiful green countryside this is the agricultural heart of Fife known as the Howe. Within these peaceful surroundings is the picturesque village of Falkland, home to Falkland Palace. Built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland, this renaissance architectural styled superb building is well worth spending some time visiting. Overnight: Falkland, Fife.

DAY THREE: In Falkland. Enjoy a whole day and night in this quaint little village to visit Falkland Palace and other tourist attractions. The palace and its gardens are open to the public (check their website for opening times). If you are feeling energetic you could also explore the surrounding area on bike or foot. Overnight: Falkland, Fife.

FINAL DAY: Dunfirmerline to Edinburgh. Distance approx. 19 miles (31 km). This final section is very short and flat, giving you plenty of time to explore any places you missed on day one. Crossing the Forth Bridge again you enter the outskirts of Edinburgh with optional alternative routes into the city centre. You can use the bikes to visit more of this impressive city’s attractions or return the bikes and continue your journey. We can also arrange another night stay here if required.