Lying to the southeast of Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders is not just a gateway to Scotland but an encapsulation of the essence of all that we associate with Scotland: a region of contrasting scenery with landscapes of gently rolling hills, wild, unspoilt moorland, river valleys that range from the intimate to the majestic, miles of meandering country lanes and a fine mix of distinctive handsome towns and villages. Following is a selection of the most popular waymarked routes in the region;
Coast & Castles Cycle Route
The 200 mile route links the Forth and Tyne estuaries, taking in some of Britain's best built and natural heritage. Starting in Newcastle, passing Hadrian's Wall World Heritage site, unspoilt coastline and beautiful Tweed valley and Scottish Borders coastal towns before reaching Edinburgh. Wonderful views, historic sites and friendly communities make this a truly memorable journey.
Click here to download the Coast & Castles Cycle Route Map
To buy the 'waterproof Coast and Castles Cycle Route Map' - please call our products by post line - 01835 863170
Borderloop
The long and turbulent history of the Scottish Borders has bequeathed a legacy of romantic castles, historic abbeys and great country houses that lie like jewels flung from a generous hand among a landscape celebrated in song and legend. The Borderloop is a 250-mile circular journey by bike along the quiet lanes that criss-cross this beautiful region, with several possible shortcuts offering alternative itineraries.
The Borderloop Cycle Tour is just one part of the Land of Creativity Millennium Programme that took place in the Scottish Borders. Land of Creativity celebrated the unique landscape of the Borders and the rich tradition of creativity it has inspired. Its aim was to encourage a further appreciation of the Borders‘ literary and creative heritage, to inspire new talents and to create new interest in our culture and environment, amongst both residents and visitors. Acknowledgements: VisitScotland Borders, Stirling Surveys, Nick Cotton, SBC, Scottish Border Paths, SEB, ERDF.
Click here to download the Borderloop Cycle Tour map
To Buy the waterproof Borderloop Cycle Route Map - please call our products by post line - 01835 863170
Southern Borders Loop
The Southern Borders Loop offers two options for cyclists. The shorter route is moderate and can easily be completed in a day. The larger circuit is hard (suitable for more experienced cyclists) with 5 significant climbs over 300m. The shorter route is best undertaken in a clockwise direction and can be started from either Newcastleton or Hawick. The longer loop is best cycled anti-clockwise and could be broken with an overnight stay in Newcastleton, Hawick or Langholm depending upon the starting location.
Click here to download the Southern Borders Loop Cycle Tour map
The 4 Abbeys Cycle Route
An 88km (55 mile) circular route linking the four main abbeys in the Scottish Borders, namely those at Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh. The route follows mainly quiet roads, although short stretches on ‘A‘ roads are unavoidable, a scenic route that takes in many historic interest points in the region either on the route or close by.
Click here to download the 4 Abbeys Cycle Route & Map
Tweed Cycle Way
Starting at 650 ft above sea level in Biggar and finishing on the coast in Berwick-upon-Tweed, is a waymarked cycle route, 89 miles long, running through the heart of the Scottish Borders with the River Tweed as its linking theme. Although at times you may go for some distance without seeing the Tweed, it is an attractive route, avoiding busy roads almost entirely, with many fine hill and forest views and handsome towns along the way such as Peebles, Melrose, Kelso and Coldstream. Carstairs Junction is the nearest railway to the start in Biggar (there is a good route on minor lanes from Carstairs Junction through Thankerton to Biggar) and there is a railway station at the finish in Berwick.
Click here to download the Tweed Cycle Route & Map
The routes above are just a taste of what this area has to offer, for more routes, itinerary ideas please click here
Cyclists Welcome
For cyclists in the Scottish Borders, there are lots of accommodation options offering an especially warm welcome.
VisitScotland’s special Cyclists Welcome scheme means that guests can benefit from a range of additional services. These include a lockable, covered shed for bike storage, a separate space to dry outdoor clothing if the weather is wet, hot drinks on arrival, as well as information on cycle routes, local public transport and weather forecasts.
Click here to find out more about Cyclists Welcome Accommodation in the Scottish Borders
Further details
Further detailed information on all of these routes are found in the free & saleable route guides and maps sold in most of our information centres - please call our products by post line - 01835 863170
Explore events in the Scottish Borders.
Stock up with our fresh, local, food and drink.
See nearby visitor attractions on your route.