In July we will stay a weekend in Edinburgh. From Amsterdam we will have a direct flight with KLM. We will stay in the Sheraton Grand hotel, has anybody stayed in this hotel.<BR>We want to bike around in the beautiful landscapes outside of Edinburgh. Are there rentals for bikes near the Sheraton&gt;? And is it easy to find the beautiful landscapes from Edinburgh, is it far to bike?

Remember the city is built on a series of hills and, unlike the netherlands, it canbe a strain. <BR><BR>The city is very bike friendly; cycle lanes on many roads. Just remember it is a city and cycle accordingly.

Not being an avid rider I have never ridden a bike in Edinburgh. The old city would not be very bike friendly - hills, narrow streets, even cobblestones.<BR><BR>But the new town is falt and the streets are very wide so it would be easier. plus there are sevarl country parks out and about.<BR><BR>I have seen kids riding UP Arthurs Seat and am always in disbelief.<BR><BR>I don't know where the best places to rent a bicycle is - but the tourist information center at Waverly Station or you hotel conceriege can find them for you.

I either have to slow down or learn to type - Lord I wish there was an edit function.<BR><BR>the new city is "flat", and there are "several" country parks

Check out the www.spokes.org.uk website.<BR>It's a voluntary body deveoted to cycling around Embra and will give you a stack of ideas. Personal favourite run is the southern loop via the canal to Juniper Green, the Pentland and coming back into Edinburgh through the back of Arthurs seat.<BR><BR>And for semi-serious off roading Glentress (Forestry Commission) near Peebles, 30 or so km south is outstanding.<BR><BR>Spokes should be able to give you several hire places, Edinburgh Bike Cooperative just off the Meadows might be handy if they hire these days.