10 Classic bike routes

Exploring the Tweed Valley by Bike/eBike

With so much of the area linked by either off-road trails or quiet back roads, leaving the car behind and exploring on two wheels couldn’t be easier.

Each individual spread in our 10 Classic Routes guide features easy-to-follow route pointers, a simple map with clearly labelled start/finish markers and points of interest along the way. Download the full booklet [6.5MB] or choose an individual route below.

Route 1: Railway Path Explorer

Following the river along the Tweed Valley Railway Path, this gentle route offers plenty of café and ice cream stops, along with places to pause and enjoy the landscape. The loop returns via the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland and a delightful, riverside garden. Download [460KB].

Route 2: Discover Eddleston

Explore the Eddleston Water Path along a river where trials of natural flood management techniques have given it UNESCO status. The route also includes a hutting community, the Great Polish Map of Scotland and Cringletie estate with its walled garden and nature trail. Download [454KB].

Route 3: Wild about Walkerburn

A short loop that heads downriver from Innerleithen to Walkerburn via the Tweed Valley Railway Path. Once across the Tweed, it’s a peaceful return along a back road beneath ancient Plora Wood with views over to Pirn Craig and the pointed summit of Lee Pen. Download [474KB].

Route 4: The Glen & Loch Eddy

A mostly gentle there and back pedal from Innerleithen’s vibrant High Street to the fairytale Glen Estate, where a woodland track follows the Quair Water past a classical temple to tranquil Loch Eddy – a secluded spot nestled beneath the steep slopes of Glendean Banks. Download [828KB].

Route 5: Manor Valley Circular

A classic loop of neighbouring Manor Valley, starting and finishing in Peebles. Sticking to quiet backroads, the route skirts Cademuir Forest and a hillside topped by Iron Age forts, returning via a 300-year-old bridge and a punchy climb that rewards with stunning views. Download [776KB].

Route 6: Introducing Glentress

Pedal amongst towering Douglas firs on this journey through one of Scotland’s most celebrated mountain biking centres. Learn about breeding ospreys, recharge at a laid-back café and enjoy fine views across the Tweed Valley as the route winds up and down off-road tracks. Download [491KB].

Route 7: Kirnie Law & Priesthope

Climb high above Innerleithen on a circuit that weaves its way through Caberston Forest, known locally as ‘The Golfie’. Take a detour to explore a graffitied relic of the area’s industrial heritage and return via the tranquil waters of Walker Burn and the Tweed Valley Railway Path. Download [842KB].

Route 8: Philiphaugh & Bowhill

Learn about the life cycle of salmon and a project to boost numbers of golden eagles locally before exploring the grounds of Bowhill House with its adventure playpark, lakes and peaceful waymarked trails. Return along the Ettrick Water and the site of a fiercely fought battle. Download [503KB].

Route 9: Glenbenna & Southern Upland Way

Journey high above the valley on quiet forest roads and the Southern Upland Way – one of Scotland’s great long- distance walking trails. Enjoy panoramic views before returning to river level via an intriguing sculpture on Minch Moor and ancient yews along the Traquair Estate Trail. Download [815KB].

Route 10: Gypsy Glen

When Strava voted the Tweed Valley one of the world’s top ten mountain bike destinations in 2023, Gypsy Glen was highlighted as the area’s stand-out ride. With miles of singletrack through forest and glen – and late-summer hillsides swathed in purple heather – it’s clear to see why! Download [792KB].