The Essential St. Andrews and Beyond Bike Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 12 miles/20km
Difficulty level: This is a technically easy route but with some hills to tackle. Those in doubt should strongly consider the use of an E Bike.
Start Times Summer: 09:30 & 14:30
Start Times Winter: 10:30
Welcome to St Andrews — a town where ancient history, academic prestige, and breathtaking coastal beauty come together in one unforgettable setting. Famed as the home of golf and one of Scotland’s oldest university towns, St Andrews is packed with stories waiting to be discovered — and there’s no better way to experience it all than by bike.
Join Stuart’s Bicycle Tours for a fun, relaxed, and engaging guided ride through this iconic town and its stunning surroundings. Our route is designed to show you far more than any walking tour can, taking you to the best-known landmarks as well as some hidden gems just off the beaten path.
We begin with St Andrews Castle, perched dramatically on the cliffs, and the nearby Cathedral ruins, once the largest church in Scotland. From there, we cruise down to the peaceful harbour, where colourful boats and a sense of maritime history set the scene.
Next, we follow the tranquil Kinness Burn Trail, weaving through quiet paths and green spaces, before slipping into one of St Andrews’ best-kept secrets — the Lady Braes Walk — a leafy, secluded stretch that feels like a hidden woodland escape in the heart of town.
We’ll stop by the charming and quirky Bogton Doocot, a rare piece of local agricultural heritage, and then make our way to the expansive Craigtoun Country Park — a lush retreat full of open space, fresh air, and a perfect place to pause and take it all in.
As we cycle on, we’ll ascend to panoramic views high above the town, offering sweeping sights across St Andrews and out over the dramatic North Sea — a true highlight of the ride.
And of course, we’ll finish with a visit to the world-famous Old Course, where the game of golf began. Even for non-golfers, standing here is like stepping into living sporting history.
With a fleet of both standard bikes and E-bikes, this tour is suitable for all abilities and ages. It’s the perfect blend of history, nature, storytelling, and relaxed cycling — ideal for visitors who want to truly see St Andrews, not just walk through it.
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Size specific Standard bicycle or E Bike.
Helmet
Qualified, experienced and well equipped guide (Myself, Stuart)
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Check the forecast and bring a jacket. Reusable water bottle, bottle cages provided on all bikes. I would suggest flat soled shoes.
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All participants should be able to pedal, turn and stop a bicycle comfortably. Failure to show that you are able to do the basics of cycling may result in your experience being ended for your safety and the safety of others.
Meeting Point:
The Corner of College St and Market St. 11 College St will be the closest address, across from The Central Bar.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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I have curated the route to be as easy as it can be, but St. Andrews and its surroundings are fairly hilly. There will be some inclines to tackle but if you are in any doubt, you can choose an E Bike and forgo any challenges. Our pace will always be relaxed and in 6 years I have never left anyone behind! Cycling is relative, if you would like my advice, get in touch.
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St. Andrews is in a fairly rural setting and I know the best ways to get around. To get to the best parts of the area we will use lovely secluded paths the vast majority of the time and only link the lanes up with quiet stretches of road. My overriding priority at every moment of our tour is the safety of my guests and the route we take emphasises this.
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Stasher, a luggage storage supplier, has a location at the Premier Inn Hotel in St. Andrews. Please make sure to leave plenty of time to deal with this as unfortunately I have no place to store your luggage myself.
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Children under the age of 13 are not permitted on the scheduled tours but can be booked as private tours. If the child is confident at cycling then they are absolutely welcome on a private tour and the logistics can be discussed before hand. E Bikes are for 14 years and over by law.
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Absolutely! Just let me know in advance so I don’t arrive with a bicycle for you.
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A question I have been asked more times that any other! Simply put, sometimes I know and sometimes I don’t. Glasgow has been built up over 1600 years so feel free to ask the age of any wall you see and I will try my best!