A 51 mile circular cycle route through the Scottish Borders featuring one of Scotland's most celebrated vistas. And a unicorn.
Grade: Challenging
Distance: 82 km (51 miles)
Total ascent: 1059 m
Click on the map for full route details and to download GPX data.
A scenic ride through beautiful Scottish Borders countryside, mainly on B roads, taking in some striking landmarks and with the option of stopping off in the market town of Kelso for refreshments.
The route starts outside The Five Turrets in Selkirk and heads north east, picking up the cycle path alongside the main road and then turning righting onto the B6360 past Abbotsford House, home of one of Scotland's greatest writers, Sir Walter Scott. At the roundabout turn right and follow the cycle path before taking the second turning at the next roundabout and then first left down to the Lowood Bridge. Turn right and follow the road under the Leaderfoot viaduct.
Turn right onto the B6356 and follow the road up to the car park at Scott's View - said to be Sir Walter's favourite view - which looks out over the River Tweed towards the Eildon Hills. A little further on there's a signpost to the William Wallace statue, a giant sculpture looking out across the countryside. Turn right at Bemersyde and follow signs for Kelso.
The road goes past a turning for Smailholm Tower, a dramatic peel tower worth a detour, before heading on to Kelso. There are cafes, pubs and restaurants and shops. Follow signs for A699 over the Teviot Bridge and then left onto the B6400 towards Ancrum.
The village hosts a scarecrow competition in June. Look out for unicorns and the odd Loch Ness Monster.
Head south towards Denholm before heading north back to Selkirk.
Need somewhere to stay?
The route starts and finishes at The Five Turrets, the glamorous self catering holiday property near the centre of town, with fairytale castle looks and accommodation for up to eight people in four double bedrooms. And secure cycle storage on site, of course. The Five Turrets in Selkirk was named by The Sunday Times as one of the top 25 self catering properties in the UK for 2019. Check availability here.
This route was suggested by Scottish Borders cyclist and trail designer Pete Laing.