Barnton to Duddingston Cycling?

Drea

I have a problem, there is a bike on ebay that I want to buy, I have been after a bike for ages because I would eventually like to cycle to work. Thing is, I haven't actually been on a bike for years. Although I did have a go on my ex's bike which was far too big for me and I was wobbling all over the place!

I would have to pick the bike up from Barnton and somehow get it to Duddingston, I have been told that there is a cycle route from Barton to town which takes 25 mins but then I have to get to Duddingston and I am scared of the roads!

I'm basically wondering if there is any way to do this without hitting major roads or is it impossible? I'd also probably need a longish break in between...

I know I could get a taxi but I really don't have the extra money to do that and buses don't let bikes on. I don't know anyone with a car either

The auction ends in around 3 hours, I don't know whether to just forget it or not

Thanks in advance

Lima

Drea, if I was you I would cycle along by the waterfront, although it is a main road the majority of the stretch of road is probably the quietest route to travel, other options are to arrange pick up on a sunday when the roads are statitically quieter and you will be able to cycle through the gardens which will be closed to cars.

Good luck

orangeslimes

try and get hold of a cycle route map (not sure where from - tourist info perhaps?) it will show if there are any routes to Duddingston...and also where to go for the Barton to town bit- e.g. i don't think its that obvious where to go once you get to Haymarket

scotsgirl_3

You can cycle offroad from barnton to Haymarket - this website has a few maps that show the path, I've cycled a lot of it and its great, wide and flat!

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/transport/walking_and_cycling/cycling/cec_cycling_around_edinburgh_1.htm

after you get to haymarket, could you maybe cycle or walk up to the meadows and then cut across to Arthur Seat and around that way? Even if you only followed the cycle path into town then hopped in a taxi for the last bit?

caileag

Try
http://www.cyclestreets.net/

Enter start and end of journey, select how fast you cycle, then it will work out 3 routes for you - the fastest, the shortest (not necessarily the same!) and the quietest. It knows about cycle routes, quiet roads and places to avoid. It will even work out the time you should take.

It has worked out some good routes for me, hope it is useful for you!