I got to take part in the circular Edinburgh tour as a part of a wellness class I'm taking, and it…read morewas an amazing experience. Our group leader, Richard, was very friendly, made sure we were all enjoying ourselves, and had lots of historical information to provide as well at each of our stops! As for the physical aspect of it, it is a long ride, but we had enough stops to where I never felt exhausted or that it was ever too much. There was only one uphill section toward the end that definitely worked my calves, but nothing unmanageable. I'm in pretty decent shape which I'm sure helped, but many of my friends who aren't into fitness used the e-bikes and had a splendid time. The areas we rode through were so peaceful and beautiful that I wasn't even paying attention to the time. Overall, if you're looking for a bit of exercise, some beautiful sights that you probably won't see on other tours, and good company, I would highly recommend A wee Pedal!!

I had a great time on the cycling tour. We biked a circular route around Edinburgh passing through…read morethe old town, Leith and Portobello. Leanne was very warm and welcoming throughout and provided interesting commentary about the history of the parts of Edinburgh we biked through. I am not the best biker so went at a moderate pace throughout and Leanne was very conscientious.

If you do cycling of any sort in Edinburgh, you will probably be familiar with Edinburgh Bicycle…read moreCooperative. They're located on Alvanley Terrace, near to the Bruntsfield Links. I've been in a few times - once to get some new inner tubes, another time to get some cycling mitts (fingerless gloves) and finally to replace a light. The shop has such a great range of everything, along with staff who are passionate about the subject matter. Whatever I was looking for, there was always a great range of that item, across a variety of prices. This shop thus caters for the casual and hardcore cyclist alike. It's the sort of place that you'll wonder round, and see something that you don't really need, but do want, and then try to justify whether or not you need it. The selection of complete bikes for sale is also great to look at, with that 'if money was no object' glint in your eye. Apart from sales, the shop also does repairs in a small workshop that is part of the shop. It's pretty much a one-stop shop for your cycling needs, and in a city like Edinburgh where cycling is the quickest way to get around, it is a very useful place. Well worth a visit if you live nearby, or even if you don't!

If you want a new bike this is the place to come because they cover the complete range of bikes and…read morethey're all quality bikes which are good value for money. The cheapest you get is about £200 so perhaps they miss out the very cheapest bikes, but they may be forgiven for their level of quality. Should you want cheaper than this I would recommend picking up a second hand bike from Bike Station which are of good quality but second hand. The next step up is the standard £300 commuter bikes you get sold throughout town and from here the more you spend the more you get with many different types and styles of bikes. My advice would be to tell the staff what you want, what you need it for and they will do their best to find whatever suits you. A great bike shop.

Highly recommend. If…read moreyou are a Scotch/Whiskey enjoyer, you definitely should check this tour out. Recently me and my friends went and luckily because we rented an air bnb close by, we were able to walk to it. But just fyi when we went, the street that it is on was closed off for the public to walk. So just keep that in mind when thinking about parking. Highlights of the tour were some of the art and presentations they have on the history and making of Scotch. I also really enjoyed how they gave you a sheet that shows examples of some common tasting notes you can expect from each region. I learned that Islay Whiskey was my favorite region to sip from just because of how smoky their Whiskey can be. I had a great time. After the tour they give you an example of each region so you can compare and contrast. On top of everything, the people working there were very enthusiastic and friendly. If we ever came back to Edinburgh I might even want to go again just because of the fun experience.

Great experience learning about Scotch. We had a great guide and got to taste some good whiskey.read more

My wife and I were looking forward to riding bikes when we visited Edinburgh. We were very glad to…read morefind Sean at Pedal Forth. Just make sure you follow the sign around behind the "horse carriage" to find the entrance to the shop. Sean was knowledgable and helpful offering a range of well maintained bikes, free maps and lots of local knowledge. The shop's location offers a range of riding options. We could have ridden into the city center, along the shore of the "Firth of Forth" but chose to ride the trail along the "Water of Leith." We had a great time. Returning the bikes was easy.

The only thing I can say against the place is that they need better signage to direct the tourists…read morefrom Waverley Station. Or if they have a kiosk located in the station, it needs to be better posted. Once you find the place, expect to be extremely pleased. Courteous service from a clerk who probably deals with tourists like me (unlikely they can be even more clueless than me) all day but was patient in explaining the day ticket deal (£3 all day) and how the tickets work (just scratch off today's date and go) and providing me with a map of the bus routes. Five minutes later, I was at the bus stop. And five minutes later than that, I was taking a front row seat in the double-decker that brought me to the hotel. The day pass is probably the best method if you're planning on riding at least three buses in a day, otherwise you can pay on board. Exact change only. Or if you're in Edinburgh for more than a few days, consider one of the weekly/monthly/annual passes. Yes, they accept credit cards. Even the swipe and sign ones we Americans carry. And yes, they spoke English that was clear enough for me, a Yank, to understand. :)

One of my favourite things about Edinburgh is Lothian Buses. The bus services that they run across…read morethe city are unmatched, and it is one of the best bus providers that I have come across in the UK. They have three city centre travel shops, which provide information about all of the services that they offer, and I visited the one on Waverley Bridge. I went in as I needed to purchase a Ridacard - a card which you can pay for a period of time, whether it is a week, month, or year and get unlimited travel on their buses during this period. Staff were quick and efficient in providing me with the form I needed to fill, taking a photo for the card there and then, and producing the card itself. All in all, the process must have taken around 10 minutes. The shop is well stocked with timetables and all of the information you could possibly need for bus travel in and around Edinburgh. There was also a selection of information for tourists, and during the time I was there, a number of tourists came in asking for directions, which the staff were happy to provide. This travel shop is a great reflection of a superb bus company. Once the trams are up and running, they will be able to add another string to what is already a pretty large bow.

Starting in Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge (just behind Cargo Bar and Tesco express) and…read morestretching all the way to Falkirk and on to Glasgow, the Union Canal is a hive of activity. The canal itself is used by canal boats, rowers, kayakers and fishermen/women as well as ducks, swamp hens, geese, swans and seagulls of course! The tow path is a popular commuter route for cyclists, and is used by walkers, joggers, parents with strollers and dog-walkers alike. Solar powered lights have just been installed on the towpath from Lochrin Basin to south-western end of Harrison Park). For tourists, this makes a good stroll away from the city centre, with the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife (birds mostly, including ducklings, goslings and cygnets in spring) and flora. There are a number of good pubs and parks close to the canal, so it may be a nice way to combine a pub lunch or picnic with a scenic walk. YOu can connect from the meadows via Bruntsfield Links and Leamington Terrace or Viewforth. The canal and towpath are kept reasonably clean these days (except perhaps in one small area near Longstone where the rubbish bin seems to be rarely emptied). I've been a cycle commuter on this route for a couple of weeks now (through the summer) and have not had any real issues. There are stretches of cobbles (mainly under bridges where the path narrows and across the viaduct by the Water of Leith visitor centre), so the ride can be a bit bumpy, and there a few blind spots as you pass under bridges, so a bell is a necessity. Bridges make a good place to shelter if you're caught out in unexpected rain, and it often leads to some enjoyable social banter with other cyclists and pedestrians also waiting out the shower! You do not need a cycle permit to use the canal tow path in Scotland. I have used this route often as a runner and highly recommend it -- A good 10 km loop can be made by starting and finishing at Fountainbridge/Lochrin Basin, following the canal to where it meets the Water of Leith and the following the Water of Leith to Murrayfield/Roseburn, along the road to Haymarket and back to Foutnainbridge... though it is perhaps best to wait till the cycle commuter rush hour is over. The tow path surface is in various places asphalt/tarmac, concrete, cobbles and shingle/loose metal, but is generally smooth so suitable for sturdy strollers. Near Lochrin Basin the surface is very good, so would be fine for wheelchairs. Be prepared for a few midges, small green flies etc. Access to the canal is at a number of points, generally at most road bridges that cross the canal (except at Yeaman Place in Polwarth, there is no access from there).

Landscapes featuring water are always tranquil. So imagine the degree of tranquillity when the…read morewater stretches for nearly 32 miles? The Union Canal, one of Scotland's two Lowland canals, took 4 years to construct, and is now popular with everyone from walkers, joggers, cyclists and canoeists, to diners on floating restaurants! It meanders from central Edinburgh all the way to the Falkirk Wheel. 240 feet above sea-level it follows the natural lie of the land there are no locks. This flatness makes for an excellent cycle run and is easy on anyone pushing younger sightseers in a buggy. Along the way there are Scotland's only canal tunnels, all manner of backdrops from woods to railways lines to bridges, and furtive wildlife ducks, herons, water voles. The canal begins at Lochrin Basin, a stone's throw from the Grove Street tenements where a certain Sean Connery was brought up. This whole area is undergoing complete re-development as property once owned by Scottish and Newcastle Brewers and the North British Rubber Company make way for the housing and commercial premises of Edinburgh Quay. Strolling along you'll pass the waterfront that will make a wonderful location for dining by Spring 2008. Further along there is the Zazou a unique restaurant hosted on a barge. Quarter of an hour's walk from here you'll come across 2 aqueducts, the Prince Charlie, and the larger Slateford Aqueduct rising 600 feet above the Water of Leith. Here you can step down to the Water of Leith heritage centre, or cross over Slateford Road to the Tickled Trout for great pub grub. Back up on the canal there are many other landmarks to encounter, including a 12-foot sculpture of Burke and Hare. These were the Irish navvies who helped build the canal, but became more widely known for providing fresh corpses for dissection to unscrupulous 19th century anatomists. The canal runs past Wester Hailes to the city boundary, and eventually to Ratho, site of an impressive climbing centre. This walkway provides a gentle stroll through the heart of Scotland's capital. Whether you're walking, biking , canoing or dining, the drifting currents will soon put you at ease.

The predominant style of bikes on offer from here are cross country bikes and it is this area where…read morethe shop offers its most comprehensive section. Despite this the other styles of bikes the store also offers are very well stocked themselves with hybrid bikes (which are suited to both track and road) being its second best area. The bikes generally sit in the price range between £250 and £1000 with relatively few ultra high end bikes on offer compared to some of the specialist shops. The bikes on offer are, however, of high quality and area all good bikes that you would want to buy. If all the choice gets a bit much for you then the staff here are more than happy to help and you only need to ask and they shall do everything they can to help you pick out the right bike.

Terrible after-sales service. Problem with new tyres they…read morefitted; fobbed off three times. Once they have your money they can't be bothered...

Top quality. Large range. A distinctly racing focus…read more PRICE: The cheapest things here will outfit a bike to a high standard. Value is good, but high standards come at a high price. SERVICE: Staff are friendly, but they are also focussed primarily at the racer. QUALITY: All products are of a very high quality. CHOICE: There is a good choice if you are here to outfit a racer or a high-spec downhill bike. Less budget-range. I came here on the advice of a friend a good while ago, and as he is a competitive racer with a bike worth as much as a new family car, I should have expected it to be focussed on getting maniac cycling nutters from nought to incredibly fast in as few seconds as possible. However, I found a number of useful features. Firstly, if like me you are someone who has a bike for touring that requires a tyre slightly more substantial than your average 23mm, then you will know that it can be difficult to find a shop with anything but one type in stock, usually a slick 25mm. Velo Ecosse has a wide range of road tyres in stock at all times, and there are slicks, rain tyres and treaded tyres allowing light off-road capabilities (these being my ideal ones). They have a large range of bikes, mainly race-orientated but there are a few alternatives here and there. I also find that they stock a good range of ancillaries such as bottles and other such kit. Always useful, and at reasonable prices too. Velo Ecosse is generally worth a look in if you have a list of bits you need. I would give it a gentle but firm thumbs-up, and if you are a racer on ever intend to be, then this should be your first stop for advice, sponsorship and equipment.

Ordered a Giant 24" Areva bike for my daughter online. Best price in UK by a mile due to…read morepromotion, free postage and very quick delivery with great tracking by text and email. Could not have asked for more. And it's a Scottish company! Delighted.

We took the 4 day tour to Isle of Skye with Rabbie's Tours. It was amazing!! Our driver/tour guide,…read morePeter was knowledgeable and entertaining. I would highly recommend and use this company for other tours.

We went on 3 day Isle of Skye tour in July and it was fantastic. Our guide was Kaylie and she…read moregreat .. knowledgeable and helpful. She was always on time and very kind. I was taking a diabetic medicine that was causing some bathroom issues and she did an emergency stop for me and I am so grateful. I highly recommend tours to see Uk as driving on the other side of the road and a million turn about circles is terrifying so let the professionals take that stress from you. Plus they know where the cool stuff is and when to go. Our other tours in other countries the driver and guide were separate, so she gets bonus points for doing it all and to perfection. the roads are so narrow and scary but she did great. this was first time using this company but left willing to take other tours with Rabbies. She didn't say anything about tips which most do .. but bring tip money and reward exceptional service. We went on the trip with another couple and made some lovely memories. Loved going with friends even made it more special but in other trips we ended up making friends for life so either way is great. We did a stop near an ancient Village I think Vikings anyway there were some shops there where my friend bought a purse and I kicked myself for not going in there and getting one too. I thought the purse prices would be better in Edinburgh they were made with the local Fabric and real leather. When we got to Edinburgh the purses were not as well made and they were more expensive and a lot of them weren't even with real leather or made locally. The Edinburgh purse is a lot of them they use the fabric woven there but they made them out of the country probably China or India. Anyway I that is my biggest regret of the trip that I didn't buy an Islander purse. Now I'm going to have to see if I can buy one online and it'll be a lot more money. So if you go to the Isle of sky and you want a bag or a purse you might want to keep that in mind. My friend bought one that was more large than what I would have wanted but it was around a hundred and some dollars great price for the quality. It's well known that the UK is not known for its great weather. Lots of rain and can be very windy around the cliffs and water. I bought vessie shoes which are waterproof and comfortable but kind of expensive. I also took a raincoat with a hood and a hat with a brim and a chin strap because the wind around the cliffs is real. This hat is especially nice because it has a mesh netting that you can unclip in case you're getting in a buggy area which around the ferry pools we needed. If you don't need the netting you can just clip it back up and so it's really handy. The UK and pretty much most of Europe we find that they like twin beds in the hotels and especially the b&bs. I guess people don't like each other lol and want to sleep together. So we would call ahead and ask that they push the beds together before we get there if that was the case. They also don't seem to have air conditioning screens on the windows or sheets on the beds?? Sometimes places will have fans so it's worth asking or calling ahead to see if you can reserve a fan because they definitely don't have enough fans for every room. If you stay in a US-based hotel like a Hilton or Marriott Holiday Inn you don't have to deal with this as much but I guess it's just common in Europe. Traveling through the summer or heat wave months this can be a bit of a problem. The bed seemed all have these duvets which is great if it's cold out but when it's too warm it's a bit uncomfortable. Since we were roasting we had to open the window didn't love that there was no screen and a lot of the windows are made to where you can only open them about an inch so it doesn't provide much air. This was the case through all of the UK not just the Isle of Skye.