The 2025 Edinburgh Riding of the Marches will take place on Sunday 14th September.
WELCOME
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches was formed in 2008 to promote and facilitate the annual re-enactment of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches and all its associated traditions, commemorating Randolph Murray’s return with the ancient Blue Blanket and the tragic news of the defeat of the Scottish Army at the Battle of Flodden.
Here you can read more about the historical event that takes place in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre.
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches takes pride of place as the Jewel in the Crown of Common Ridings. Riders from across the world attend the event every year to enjoy exhilarating gallops, spectacular scenery and the epic finale of the historic Royal Mile. The annual rider application process sells out in minutes, producing hundreds of riders all keen to experience the challenge of the 26 mile ride and take the opportunity to ride into the heart of the City to be greeted by the thousands of spectators.
This painting is ‘After defeat at Flodden’ by Noel Paton 1821-1901. Randolph Murray returns to Edinburgh with the Blue Blanket, bearing the terrible news of defeat of the Scottish Army at Flodden
The event – which is free to spectate – also attracts visitors from across the Globe, who travel to Edinburgh specifically to ride in, or spectate the proceedings. The Event Arena, situated on the Royal Mile and focussed around the Mercat Cross on Parliament Square, stretches from the base of the Royal Mile at the Scottish Parliament and Palace of Holyrood and finishes at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the cavalcade completes its journey.
Edinburgh Riding of the Marches now ranks among Edinburgh’s flagship events and as well as attracting significant local following, it also proves to be a major attraction for tourists.
You can read more about the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches here.
Royal Mile Event Timings
12.30pm – Entertainment starts
2.30pm – 3.00pm – The Edinburgh 900 People’s Procession
3.55pm – Arrival of the cavalcade of horses
*SPECTATOR VIEWING POINTS*
EDINBURGH RIDING OF THE MARCHES 2025 – Sunday 14th September
ALL WELCOME!
Please note: all timings are approximate and there may be slight changes due to weather conditions or other issues out-with our control.
Spectators are requested not to venture into fields on the ride route and must at all times follow directions of ground marshals and observe parking regulations. Please take care not to impede the progress of the ride and support vehicles.
The ride starts from ‘The Caravan Park’ 642 Old Dalkeith Rd, EH16 4SL within Drum Estate. Please note: only equine vehicles may park within ‘The Caravan Park’.
– 0930hrs sharp, ride starts
– Drum Estate Canters can be viewed from Gilmerton Road near Bernard Hunter’s yard 0930-0950hrs
– 1000hrs Ride proceeds North on Lasswade Road
– 1020-1025hrs Ride proceeds along Captains Road – good opportunity to view full cavalcade
– Ride enters Mortonhall Estate at 1100hrs and exits at 1125hrs. Canters can be viewed from the cottages at Broomhills Road
– Final Drum Estate Canters can be viewed 1200–1215hrs within the Estate
– Lunch stop takes place at ‘The Caravan Park’ between 1215-1335hrs, after which the ride exits the Drum onto Old Dalkeith Road
– If you wish to see the ride on the Royal Mile, you should make your way there around this stage
– 1230hrs Entertainment begins on the Royal Mile
– 1430hrs Ride enters Craigmillar Castle Park. This section takes place from 1432-1440hrs and is an excellent viewing point. Please note: vehicles cannot stop on Craigmillar Castle Road
– 1430hrs The Edinburgh 900 People’s Procession leaves Queens Drive, Holyrood Park and walks up the Royal Mile
– 1500hrs The People’s Procession arrives in the Royal Mile event arena and disbands in West Parliament Square
– 1505hrs Ride approaches Duddingston at Old Church Lane
– 1515hrs George Watsons Pipe Band forms-up at Broad Pavement Carpark and awaits cavalcade
– 1540hrs Ride falls-in behind George Watsons
– Cavalcade up the Royal Mile to the Mercat Cross takes place between 1545-1555hrs.
– 1556hrs Cavalcade halts at the Mercat Cross. Captain and Lass take part in the return of the flag ceremony before the Edinburgh Lord Provost, riders & spectators. This should take approximately 20 minutes before the ride moves off and the event concludes.