Commuting Route into Edinburgh

ShavenLegs

I'm starting a new job in Edinburgh soon and I'm considering what options I've got for commuting by bike. Does anyone know of any routes from the Forth Bridge to South Gyle that avoid busy roads?

thecrofter

I don't see how you can avoid the A90/Maybury or the A8 at some stage.

You could go through Dalmeny then along the cycle path beside the A90. The Maybury Road has a pavement or there is the back road up past Braehead quarry, but even then you will have to get across the A8 at the Maybury to get into the Gyle.

Like this

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/130345293

ShavenLegs

Thanks for that. It's pretty much the conclusion I came to after looking through Google maps. I'll probably give it a try and see how it goes.

Teddy Westside

Alternatively, come off the Forth Bridge and cycle under it to South Queensferry and cycle up Morison Gardens, turn left down Kirkliston Rd into the Co-Op and join the cycle path in the corner of the car park. That will bring you out at Dalmeny. When you reach the Main St/B924 you have the option of going straight over the road into the Dalmeny Estate.

You can either exit at Cramond Brig (via a pot-holed and gravelly track) or further north-west of that, both of which avoid the worst section of the A90 path with it's narrow, tree root-damaged tarmac (very bad for narrow wheels). The Estate route does involve one short, sharp 10% climb but it's a small price to pay for keeping your wheels round!

Give it a try and see if it suits you.

bsc8180

What about going down to kirkliston then to newbridge and along the cycle path along the a8 to south gyle?
Not too hot on the part from the bridge to kirkliston - may be the old a8000?

MrGrumpy

my route in http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/umr2FZdmpnE

or via REY http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/rVquLN4WF34

you can also go straight down through Kirkliston and along by the A8000 but the path is rubbish and the road is like a race track.

FJJ

I cycle in from the west so can't offer any specific advice on route, but have a look at http://www.cyclestreets.net/ if you pop your start / end point in it will give you the choice of shortest / balanced / quietest routes. I use it a lot and if on balanced / quiet it prefers cycle paths etc.

They also have a smartphone app to keep you right when you are on the road.

anton1r

I'd second Mr Grumpys routes. Also that bit about the a8000 is probably true. I was going to suggest giving it a try but probably not worth it.