We won! And this time means so much more. It’s a total team effort.
We only went and won! 🏆🚲
We’re still pinching ourselves after an incredible night at the VisitScotland Thistle Awards, where A wee pedal was named Best Outdoor Experience!
It’s a pretty special feeling to see our little business recognised alongside some of Scotland’s amazing tourism businesses. But for us, this award means so much more than winning a trophy.
It’s a celebration of our people, our journey and everything we’ve worked so hard to build over the past seven years.
From Rich and I to a magnificent team
When A wee pedal started seven years ago, it was just Rich and I.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve grown into a magnificent team of people who share our passion for cycling, Edinburgh and, most importantly, making people feel welcome and included.
Our team work incredibly hard behind the scenes and out on the bikes to make sure every customer has a brilliant experience. Whether they’re joining us for one of our Edinburgh cycle tours, heading off on a longer adventure or getting back on a bike after years away, our guides and leaders bring kindness, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help people enjoy cycling.
And that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
More than just cycle tours
While our cycle tours are at the heart of what we do, A wee pedal has always been about much more than tourism.
Based at Bridgend Farmhouse, our community programme helps hundreds of people every year learn to ride a bike, build confidence and discover the freedom that cycling can bring.
For some people, getting on a bike for the first time can be a huge achievement.
For others, it’s about gaining the confidence to cycle on the road, commute by bike, take the kids to school or simply feel comfortable getting out and about independently.
We’ve seen people go from complete beginners to confidently riding around Edinburgh — and those moments are every bit as exciting to us as welcoming visitors from around the world.
That’s why winning Best Outdoor Experience feels particularly meaningful. It recognises not only the experiences we create for visitors, but the work our team puts into making cycling more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
A huge team effort
Awards like this don’t belong to one person.
They belong to every member of the A wee pedal team.
From our guides and community cycling team to the people working behind the scenes, everyone plays a part in what we do.
And, of course, none of this would be possible without the wonderful people who choose to cycle with us, support our community programme, recommend us to friends and family and come back time and time again.
You’ve helped us grow from two people with an idea into the business we are today.
Thank you, VisitScotland
A huge thank you to VisitScotland and the Thistle Awards judges for recognising A wee pedal and the work we do.
Being shortlisted was an honour. Hearing our name called as the winner was something else entirely!
And congratulations to all the other finalists. To be part of such an incredible group of Scottish tourism and outdoor businesses was a privilege in itself.
What’s next for A wee pedal?
Well… we’re not planning on slowing down!
There are still lots of people to introduce to the joy of cycling, plenty more adventures to create and new ways we want to make cycling more accessible to our local community and visitors to Edinburgh.
For now, though, we’re going to enjoy this one.
Seven years in, a magnificent team around us, thousands of people having adventures on two wheels — and now a VisitScotland Thistle Award for Best Outdoor Experience sitting proudly on the shelf.
We couldn’t be prouder.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the A wee pedal journey. This one’s for all of you. ❤️
🚲🏆🥂