"A Wee Pedal through the Fascinating Edinburgh" by Jeferson Mateus
In a way, it is very easy to fall into the belief that this is nothing but a sweet dream. To the left Arthur’s Seat looks stunning and mighty, its peak explored by the casual climbers who no doubt are witnesses to a marvelous sight of the city below; Old Town and New Town stay behind with their labyrinthine alleys and ancient structures bathing in a miraculous warm sunlight so uncharacteristic that time of the year; and ahead, far in the distance but discernible thanks to the clear morning, the North Sea swings with hypnotic tranquility, inviting residents and visitors to rush to the beach so that its magnificence can be absorbed firsthand. So that is what he does: after a few comments regarding the beauty of Holyrood Park and its extraordinary hill, Richard quickly gets on his bike and continues leading a spectacular tour through the capital of Scotland to reach Portobello Beach. And there, with the sun and the sea and the laughs and the infinite peace, the undeniable truth sinks in—this is not a dream but the best of realities in a paradise called Edinburgh.
Richard Farmer is a former English Literature professor who exchanged his office of students and books for one composed of mountains, oceans, and bikes. Along with his wife, Leanne Farmer, they run together a tour business called A Wee Pedal, which is located in Edinburgh and where a bicycle and a positive attitude are all it takes to have a great time. That’s exactly what they offer on the morning of March 28, when the spectacular weather catches even locals by surprise. The nice temperature is as striking as the open hospitality of Leanne and Richard when they greet their visitors. It only takes a few minutes to realize this experience will be unique, hosted by friendly faces ready to provide something authentic.
“We lived in Hong Kong for 12 years and loved doing cycle tours on many Asian countries,” Leanne told me when questioned about where the idea to host a bike tour came from. “We loved it and thought it was a perfect way to see the cities. Keeping active and family bike rides were always important to us. As we returned to the UK, we wanted a new challenge,” she added. “I was volunteering with three cycling charities and loved it so much that I thought I could try and set up a cycle tour company in Edinburgh. I'm glad I did—I love it!”
With Richard in charge of the morning tours, taking guests on a two-wheel adventure through the tranquil streets of the Prestonfield suburb, Leanne waves goodbye with a smile as the journey begins. Having been a Literature teacher, Richard has an easy way with words to describe the surroundings. From the community farms where people began cultivating their own food once the pandemic hit in 2020, to fun facts about John Muir, the “Father of the National Parks,” or the history of the Innocent Railway Tunnel, the first minutes of pedaling are indicative of the smooth ride and rich storytelling to be enjoyed for the next four hours. But even though the main destination is the beach, a first big stop comes when Arthur’s Seat arises ahead, sublime and splendorous. Adorned with whins, a common yellow plant in Scotland, encircled by green fields, and blessed with the bluest sky one could imagine to top the sight of this hill, Edinburgh’s breathtaking beauty is undeniable.
When asked about what makes the city, its biking setting and her own tour so special, Leanne provides a confident answer.
“Its history, culture and the vast network of cycle paths,” she explains. “No need to use roads if you know how to link the paths together. Lots of points of interest, small city, safe, and if you plan routes carefully, you can avoid hills.” On relation to her tours she highlights “seeing the faces of visitors when they pass 17th century castles that I see every day. People love history and I must never take it for granted.” Varying from eight to up to twenty miles, the different tours from A Wee Pedal certainly give an excellent opportunity to observe fortresses and ancient buildings with deep connection to Edinburgh’s long history, such as Rosslyn Chapel or Craigmillar Castle.
A bit of jealousy might take over some hearts when cycling through the Portobello suburb, its houses displaying vintage facades and well-preserved gardens creating an aura of calmness. It is difficult not to fantasize about living in such gorgeous neighborhood, especially when the beach appears in full glory. Still narrating tales and legends from the Scottish capital, and maneuvering through an increasing crowd taking their strolls on the coast, Richard leads the way to a little café for some refreshments. Mix the tranquil seashore, a sunny sky, the unbeatable view and an exquisite iced mocha coffee; then add to them all a delightful conversation and you will obtain a truly unforgettable moment. Because Richard, more than a competent cyclist or a wonderful guide, is a terrific companion when it comes to delightful talks by the ocean. Time vanishes and space expands to the rhythm of his anecdotes from all the places he has visited, his manifest love for ‘Auld Reekie,’ as Edinburgh is often called, and his genuine curiosity about those in the tour and the path that led them to this cycling experience with him.
Back to my conversation with Leanne, I wanted to know what does she enjoy the most about her enterprise.
“Meeting interesting people, showing parts of Edinburgh most visitors don't get the chance to see. Working outdoors, helping people achieve their goals. Most people who book a cycle tour are positive, active people,” she says. And positivity along with success are definitely related to this start-up because, as reported by the Edinburgh Evening News on July 2020, “A Wee Pedal was awarded the New Kid On The Block award on July 2 from the Small Awards,” a recognition given by Small Businesses Britain to companies with an effective growing and developing model. With the world slowly going back to pre-pandemic times and the company prospering, Leanne is clear about what she wants next. “I’d love to expand to multi-day tours leaving Edinburgh, guiding for three days.”
As some people say, all good things come to an end, so when the coffee break is over in Portobello Beach, it’s time to pedal back. A last glimpse to the seacoast is worth a minute or two to reflect on a morning well-spent, and then Richard shows the way once again as Edinburgh feels more intimate and closer to the heart. It couldn’t be other but Leanne welcoming the group back, eager to know how everything was, longing for yet another successful tour. Perhaps some legs are a bit sore, but smiles are as big as Arthur’s Seat and eyes all around shine brighter than the sun above, because once again it becomes clear that this is no dream but the best of realities in a paradise called Edinburgh.