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Lindsay
McDermidMoorfoot
Hills: Heriot, Innerleithen, Clovenfords, Heriot
Distance:
Circular Route of approximately 36 miles/58 km (Car assisted
trip, taking the bikes to Heriot.)
Maps: OS Landranger Series 1:50000 sheet
73 -Galashiels and Ettrick Forest.
Start and Finish:I would normally take
the bikes on the boot rack, leave the car in Heriot or
one of the many car parks on the five mile strech of B709
before Innerleithen . (There are plenty of other places
to leave the car.) The route is described in an anti clockwise
direction.
This is one of my favourite one day cycles. It's on
quiet roads, the scenery is varied with some great views,
there is just the right amount of hills to make it interesting
without being too tiring. If you are looking for a relaxing
leisurely day's cycling there is plenty to see and do.
There are also lots of places for picnics and pub lunches.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a fast half day
challenge then it's an excellent course for burning
off the energy.
To
Find the Start
From
Edinburgh: Take the A7 to Galashiels out of Edinburgh
(unfortunately this is a fast busy road and not very suitable
for cycling, hence take the car). About 15 miles south
on the A7 Heriot and the B709 is and is clearly sign-posted
to the right . Heriot is one of these villages that only
consists of fifty or so houses but stretches out for miles.
From Glasgow: Unless wishing to commit
suicide there is no way I would attempt to get to Heriot
from Glasgow by bike. So here is the simplest and most
direct way by car. Take the M74 to Hamilton and leave
at junction 6 for the A72 follow the A72 to Lanark then
Biggar, Peebles, Innerleithen. In Innerleithen turn right
onto the B709 about 4 miles up this road there are car
parks by the river on your left hand side, leave the car
here.
Picnic Spots: There are hundreds of spots
on this route for a picnic. Note these are not places
with tables and loos.
Pubs for Lunch:
- Traquair
Arms, Innerleithen: Restaurant and Pub lunches,
Afternoon teas, & high teas: 12.00 noon till 7:00pm.
Evening meals: from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Real Ales including Traquair Ale - one of the best
- in bottles, or Draught.
Closed Christmas and New Year.
Tel.: 01896 830229
- Clovenfords
Hotel: Pub Lunch, High Teas, Restaurant.
- Lunch menu and food is excellent.
Weekdays: 12:00-2:30pm (2:00pm winter) and 6:00pm
- 9:00pm.
Sat. and Sun: 2:00-2:30pm (2:00pm winter) and 4:30pm
- 9:00pm.
Also selection of real Ale, and a beer garden. Closed
February
Tel.: 01896 850203
Some Places to Visit:
- Robert
Smails Printshop, Innerleithen.
An example of Ye Oldie Printshop, Tours are £2.00.
open Easter to October. 10:00-1:00 and 2:00-5:00 Sundays
2:00-5:00
Tel.: 01896 830 206
- Traquair
House and Gardens.
Follow the sign posts form Inerleithen to Traquair
house it will only add a mile or two onto the journey.
Traquair is the oldest inhabited posh house in Scotland.
Brewery, Gardens, Maze, Tea Shop and Craft Shops.
Tel.: 01896 830 323 for opening hours.
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