WIld about cycling
Graham Adcock runs the fabulous Cleikum Mill Lodge in Innerleithen, a welcoming sanctuary for hikers, bikers, paddlers, fishers and more! An avid road cyclist, he shares a spectacular road route that’s perfect for springtime.
Name: Graham Adcock
Day job: Owner of Cleikum Mill Lodge
How long lived in the Tweed Valley? 18 years
Specialist subject? Cycling
Favourite local road ride for springtime? Riding into the Manor Valley is a favourite, especially in springtime. The lambs are bouncing around the fields and the scenery is both stunning and surprisingly varied on such a short ride. Very little traffic makes for a relaxing cycle that feels remote but isn’t too far from the centre of Peebles. On a warm day, take your time, sit by Manor Water and take it all in. If you’re lucky, you may even see birds of prey circling overhead.
What makes it so special? Riding from Peebles around the back of Cademuir, the views open up from the minute you leave town. Manorhead itself is a no-through-road so has even less traffic, just the odd escapee sheep! It’s a rewarding ride and the view at the very end of the valley is super special, looking up to the source of Manor Water. It’s a ride to savour but you don’t need loads of time to do it; you can always turn around earlier if you’re short of time – or add it to a longer ride.
Who would you most love to spend a day on bikes with and why? Sean Yates, a British pro cyclist from the 80s and 90s. He was a super domestique in the pro peloton (competing in 12 editions of Tour de France) before moving into team management, including with Team Sky in the glory years. Nicknamed ‘the Animal’, I bet he could tell some stories! His career spanned a long and special era in road cycling.
Dream riding destination if ever enticed away from the Tweed Valley? Girona in Spain is my favourite destination with road, gravel and mountain bike riding in all directions from the town. It’s very similar to the Tweed Valley in a way, but leaving Girona can be a chore as the town is built up and busy. You are very lucky to be just a few hundred metres from the countryside here, no matter where you stay in the Tweed Valley. We go away to cycle and then realise how lucky we are to live here! I always help my guests to make the most of their stays and to see the best bits when they are here.
Further info
Discover more wonderful cycling routes to the wilder reaches of the valley on Graham’s website, Bike Valley Trails.
And for a road cycling event like no other, book your place at this year’s Tour O The Borders, the UK’s most beautiful closed-road sportive. Whether choosing to tackle the 88km or 120km course, you’re promised a spectacular journey on some of the south of Scotland’s finest cycling roads.