What we’re about
Who we are
Belles on Bikes Edinburgh is an inclusive social cycling group for women, and anyone with female lived experience, over the age of 16, of varying cycling experience and abilities, from beginner cyclists to the more experienced. Belles on Bikes aims to support women to get cycling together in a friendly, inclusive and relaxed environment. All abilities are welcome (so long as you can pedal ;)). We cycle as a group and don't leave anyone behind.
Our volunteer ride leaders organise regular routes with plenty of cake stops, so come along for a ride! Whether you want to start commuting by bike, cycle with family and friends at the weekend, build up experience and confidence, or just meet like-minded people, Belles on Bikes is for you.
Who supports Belles?
Belles on Bikes Edinburgh is an affiliate group of Cycling UK, but we have also received support from Sustrans, Spokes Lothian and others, as well as donations from members. Our costs are generally quite low, but we do need around £400 a year to pay insurance and meetup fees, as well as occasional additional amounts for ride leader training, first aid, and basic mechanical training for our ride leaders. If you would like to make a donation you can donate straight to our bank account:
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509
Or through this link -
ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
How does Belles work?
Join the group, keep an eye on rides as they are posted, join the ones you are interested in. Simples :)
However.....
Please keep the following in mind before coming on ride:
- When you RSVP to a ride, put it in your diary and update your RSVP in good time if you can no longer attend. Our rides are often oversubscribed and as we are a completely volunteer-led group it's a real shame when folk do not turn up. If you no show or cancel at the last minute, we will consider removing you from the group after the 3rd occasion.
- Be respectful to both ride leaders and other members. Our ride leaders are volunteers, their time is valuable and they freely choose to give it so the Belles can enjoy cycling.
- Consider the route and the level of difficulty before attempting a ride. If you are unsure try one of the shorter, easier rides before coming on a longer, more difficult ride. You can also message the ride leaders to check details if you aren't sure - we are happy to discuss the level of difficulty and concerns you have to help you make a decision.
- It is our policy not to meet participants part-way through Belles rides. Please meet us at the start point - this is to ensure consistency, fairness and an easier logistical undertaking for our ride leader volunteers.
- Bring a snack and water with you and tell someone where you are going and who with. Bring your mobile phone and make sure you give an emergency contact number to ride leaders before setting off. You may also want to bring some money as there is often a much needed cake/lunch stop built in (this is optional).
- All rides are pre-planned by the leaders but you are responsible for your own safety at all times.
- Make sure your bike is in good working order (complete with spare inner tube) and you have proper clothing for cycling. If in doubt drop us a line and we'll do our best to help.
- If you don't visit the Meetup site for a long time we will remove you from the group. This is to keep our member numbers active and accurate. You're welcome to rejoin to attend rides.
We hope to see you on a ride soon!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Autumn Explorer to Auchendinny NOTE CHANGED DESTINATION & START TIMEIn front of the Commonwealth Pool (corner Dalkeith Road/Holyrood Park Road), Edinburgh
Join Stella and Emma as we explore a lovely new tarmac path to Auchendinny and a new way back from Loanhead.
DISTANCE : around 25miles
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
TYPE OF BIKE : Hybrid/Gravel/ Mountain
SURFACE: Mostly Tarmac, one very gravelly section
WHAT TO BRING:
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres) and tools to remove your wheels if they are not quick-release
• Lock, water, snacks and cash/card if you want to buy anything when we stop at The Steading cafe in Rosewell.DESCRIPTION
From the Commonwealth Pool we will head to Esbank using a combination of Dalkeith Rd, Inch park, short section of Gilmerton Road, Ellen’s Glen Road, QR 66, the Shawfair Path (Lasswade to Gilmerton zigzags), shared paths past Dobbies towards Melville Drive, then a busier on-road section towards Eskbank station.Here we join the Dalkeith to Penicuik newly tarmacked path all the way to Auchendinny with a brief stop along the way at in a new Community cafe in Rosewell ( hopefully sitting outside).
At Auchendinny we will tackle a steep hill as we cycle towards the Roslin path, leaving at Straiton Pond. We are using a new route, avoiding the busy Burdiehouse Rd then joining Howdenhall and Alnwickhill Roads to reach the Mortonhall Estate via Stanedykehead.
We exit from the Mortonhall estate and use the quiet streets of the Braid Estate, the Astley Ainslie grounds the Grange to return to The Commonwealth pool.
RSVPs
Please update your RSVP if you can't come and arrive at 9.50 for the briefing.
Donations
Belles is a completely volunteer run group, but we do have running costs of approximately £400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account.
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509
Or through this link - ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Thank you! - Blackness CastleCraigleith junction, Roseburn/Telford/Blackhall cycle paths, Edinburgh
Join Aba-Sah on a loop to visit Blackness Castle. Please turn up at 09:50 for a briefing before the start at 10:00 prompt. Route summary below👇
DIFFICULTY/DISTANCE Intermediate, for cyclists with good handling skills and looking to build confidence for long rides. Distance just over 32 mi.
ROUTE - We'll start at Craigleith Junction (on the Edinburgh North cycle network), head out toward Dalmeny, cycle under the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing, and on past the White Lodge at the Dundas Estate. We'll continue on a very quiet B road to Duntarvie Castle, where we'll join the new shared path into the new estates at Winchburgh. We'll descend to the canal and cycle to Philpstoun, where we'll join another B road, then link to Mannerstons Cafe & Farm Shop - access along the A904 for a very short stretch. Depending on the weather we'll have a light lunch here or take a shorter break for coffee or to browse the garden centre or shop.
We'll then continue along the Strip to NCN76, which will take us into Blackness. Please bring a picnic lunch with you (or buy at Mannerston's) - if warm(ish) we'll take a longer break at Blackness Castle. There is the option to pay to enter the castle, or wander round the grounds (open at no cost to the public), and sit and have lunch while enjoying the views across the Forth.
We'll return through the woods, Hopetoun Estate and along the Forth into South Queensferry. We'll take the railway path to its end and head toward Whitelees to take a diversion above the A90, before descending to join the shared path along it. We'll then retrace our steps to Craigleith Junction.
The ride is on a mixture of shared, segregated pavements, traffic free paths and quiet B roads. This is the route.
TYPE OF BIKE NEEDED Gravel or hybrid. No road/ skinny tyres.
SURFACE The route has a mixture of paved roads and pavement, packed dirt and gravel, mud if recent rain - which is why skinny tyres will not be suitable.
TOILETS At the Forth Road Bridge visitor centre and Blackness Castle. A defib is also available in Blackness.
OTHER STUFF We recommend not having anything on directly afterwards, just in case we’re held up for any reason.
RSVPs will open on Sun, 21st Sep. If there is a forecast for atrocious weather, the ride will be cancelled, postponed or amended. Please check the Meetup site before setting off in the morning!
If you have a place or are on the waiting list, PLEASE do update your RSVP to let us know if you can no longer make it, and so others on the waiting list get reasonable notice.
WHAT TO BRING ON THE RIDE
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres)
• Water (plus extra)
• Snacks for the ride, a packed lunch and money / card
• Waterproofs, gloves and layers
• Sun screen/sunglasses
• Any medication you might need (e.g. an inhaler or epi-pen), if you wish to let the ride leaders know by DM or on the day See you there 👋DONATIONS
Belles is a completely volunteer-run group, but we do have running costs of approximately £400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account:
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509Or through this link - ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
- Port Edgar & Charlestown to Alloa (with Inner Forth Bus Hop-on Hop-off)Craigleith junction, Roseburn/Telford/Blackhall cycle paths, Edinburgh
Join Aba-Sah on a ride to Port Edgar (South Queensferry) to catch the Inner Forth Bike Bus to Charlestown. Following a brief visit to Charlestown Harbour and the limekilns, the ride will be one way to Alloa, via Tulliallan Castle and Gartmorn Dam, completing the southern section of the inner Forth loop on the bus.
Please turn up at 08:00 for a briefing before the start at 08:05 prompt - the bus departs Port Edgar at 09:25.DIFFICULTY/DISTANCE Intermediate, predominantly traffic free paths and cycle-friendly B roads. While a relatively relaxed ride, less experienced cyclists will need also good handling skills or experience cycling on trails and through woodland. Distance ~20-22mi Charlestown - Alloa; ~8mi each way Edinburgh - Port Edgar.
Route map Charlestown to Alloa to be provided closer to the date.ROUTE - Note that you may join at the start - Craigleith Junction on the Edinburgh North cycle network (08:00), at Borrowman Sq (near Dalmeny Train St ~08:45) or at Port Edgar (09:10). Please indicate your choice when signing up.
You may also catch the train back from Alloa if you want a shorter return journey home.Once off the bus we'll cycle down to Charlestown Harbour for a brief visit to the limekilns, then join the Fife Coastal Path heading west. We'll take another brief stop at Culross, with the option to walk to the end of Culross Pier if the tide is out. We'll then continue on the FCP to Kincardine, where we'll divert to Tulliallan Castle to explore its garden and grounds.
We'll then carry on along the Round the Forth route toward Alloa, where we'll branch off to Gartmorn Dam for our lunch stop. You can either relax along its shore or circumnavigate the loch. Please bring a picnic lunch with you, the café may be open.
We'll return to Alloa via a woodland path and reconnect with the Round the Forth route toward Alloa Tower. If we've time we'll visit Alloa Dock before heading to the train station, where'll we'll hop back onto the bus to complete the anti-clockwise loop back to Port Edgar, then cycle back to Craigleith Junction.Please sign up ONLY if you are certain you will attend. While the bus service itself is free, taking a group on the bus needs extra coordination and notification so they're ready for a group. Late cancellations and no shows will be a bigger problem than usual.
Please note also, a group booking will be made for everyone signed up by end 12th Oct. You must book a place on the bus yourself if you sign up after that, or risk not getting on if it's busy.TYPE OF BIKE NEEDED Gravel or hybrid. No road/ skinny tyres.
SURFACE The route has a mixture of paved roads and shared pavement, packed dirt and gravel, mud if recent rain - which is why skinny tyres will not be suitable.
TOILETS At Port Edgar, Charlestown and Alloa.
OTHER STUFF We recommend not having anything on directly afterwards, just in case we’re held up for any reason.
RSVPs will open on Sun, 05 Oct. If there is a forecast for atrocious weather, the ride will be cancelled or amended. Please check the Meetup site the evening before!
If you have a place or are on the waiting list, PLEASE do update your RSVP to let us know if you can no longer make it, and so others on the waiting list get reasonable notice.
WHAT TO BRING ON THE RIDE
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres)
• Water (plus extra)
• Snacks for the ride, a packed lunch and money / card
• Waterproofs, gloves and layers
• Sun screen/sunglasses
• Any medication you might need (e.g. an inhaler or epi-pen), if you wish to let the ride leaders know by DM or on the day See you there 👋DONATIONS
Belles is a completely volunteer-run group, but we do have running costs of approximately £400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account:
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509Or through this link - ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
