Ridge running
It can be a grunt to get there, but nothing beats a long, flowy run along a ridgeline! Here are three fabulous, high-level ridge routes to try.
Cademuir hill forts, Peebles
Starting and finishing in the centre of Peebles, this route heads along the John Buchan Way past the remains of an Iron Age settlement on Cademuir Hill before doubling back and returning to the town alongside a delightful riverside path.
12.5km round trip | Ascent: 243m | Route details
Soonhope to Lee Pen, Peebles to Innerleithen
A real challenge this one. A linear route through Glentress Forest to an exhilarating ridge, with a steep pull on the Peebles side and a very welcome descent at the Innerleithen end. It’s well worth the effort though with stunning views over wave after wave of hills from the main ridgeline.
14.5km one way | Ascent: 590m | Route details
Dun Rig (Glensax) horseshoe, Peebles
A stunning (and challenging) run that takes in four peaks around Glensax, with spectacular views in all directions. Much of the route from Gypsy Glen onto Dun Rig follows the path of an ancient drove road that was used to take livestock from the Highlands to the great trysts in England.
23.5km round trip | Ascent: 941m | Route details
Further information
For many more routes locally – both long and short – we recommend visiting Walkhighlands, an excellent online resource with downloadable route maps and detailed descriptions. Look out too for guidebooks from Moffat-based publisher Pocket Mountains, plus the ‘Paths around’ series of guidebooks produced by Scottish Borders Council. Finally, Walk Scottish Borders is another useful resource.