Edinburgh: Arthur's Seat E-Bike Tour & Holyrood Palace

Cycle an Extinct Volcano Without the Climb

You ride an e-bike around an extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh, stopping at Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament, and Craigmillar Castle, with a qualified guide explaining the history and views. The e-bikes handle the hills, the group stays small, and the whole loop takes 2.5 hours from Bridgend, returning the same way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Scottish Parliament10m
2. Arthur's Seat30m

E-bike tour of Arthur's Seat

• Ride to Craigmillar Castle
• Cycle through Victorian railway tunnel
• Enter Holyrood Park
• Stop for photo of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle
• Downhill ride to Holyrood Palace and Scottish Parliament
• Visit Holyrood Palace
• See Scottish Parliament building
• Cycle round Arthur’s Seat volcano
• Stop at St Margaret's Loch and view St Anthony's ruin
• Return ride to Bridgend

The experience

Arthur's Seat rises 251 meters above Edinburgh, and most people hike it. You'll ride an e-bike around it instead, which changes what you see and how long you have to look. The route starts at Bridgend and heads first to Craigmillar Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots stayed after James I was born. A detail your guide will explain as you pedal, not as you catch your breath. From there you move onto the cycle path, through a Victorian railway tunnel, and into Holyrood Park itself.

The e-bikes are built for all heights and do the work on the inclines, which is why this tour works for people who wouldn't manage the walk. You'll stop for photos of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags with Edinburgh Castle in the distance, then take a sweeping downhill run toward Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament building: the one locals still argue about. The whole loop takes 2.5 hours, and because the group stays under ten riders, your guide has time to point out St Margaret's Loch (where curling started) and the 11th-century ruin of St Anthony's Chapel above it. The views of Edinburgh and East Lothian open up as you circle the volcano, and you see angles of the city that don't exist from street level.

All guides are qualified and know the history and Scottish culture they're talking about. The tour runs rain or shine. Bring a waterproof and the weather becomes part of it, not a reason to skip. You need to ride a bike safely and confidently. The operator won't take you on if you can't, and there's no refund in that case, so be honest about your ability before you book.

What’s included

• E-bike suited to your height.
• safety helmet.
• qualified guide with knowledge of Scottish history and culture.
• stops at Craigmillar Castle, Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament, St Margaret's Loch, and viewpoints around Arthur's Seat.
• 2.5-hour guided cycle route avoiding main roads.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by A wee pedal

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Arthur's Seat and Holyrood from angles you can't reach on foot, and you'd rather not arrange your own transport or navigation: the e-bikes and small group size mean you cover more ground and hear the stories without the effort of a long walk.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I have to be fit to do this tour?

You need to ride a bike safely and confidently, and moderate fitness helps, but the e-bikes do the work on inclines. The tour is 2.5 hours at a steady pace with stops for photos and history.

What's the minimum age?

Age 14 is the minimum to ride an e-bike under UK regulations.

How many people are in the group?

Maximum 10 riders per tour, so the guide can talk and the pace stays manageable.

What's included?

The e-bike, helmet, and a qualified guide are all included. You just bring yourself and weather-appropriate clothes.

Can I do this if I'm coming off a cruise ship?

It's unlikely you'll make the standard start time. Contact the operator directly to arrange a private tour that fits your ship's schedule.

Do I need to have cycled before?

You need to be able to ride a bike safely and confidently. If you can't, you won't be allowed to join for safety reasons.

How long is the tour?

2.5 hours round trip from Bridgend, including stops at Craigmillar Castle, Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament, and viewpoints around Arthur's Seat.