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Ashley
PortlandYAIR
FOREST
The area is
often closed during the week for tree felling, so its
best to go at weekends
Distance:
10km (6.5 miles) approx.
Map:
OS Landranger 73.
Start and
finish: The car park past Yair Bridge.
Terrain:
Hardpack, scree and fire roads
Places to
eat:
Nothing close to the route. Take something along, or hop
in your car and go to Galashiels, Selkirk or Innerleithen.
Contacts: www.scot-borders.co.uk/footandmouth/index.htm
- A list of locations that are open in the Borders.
Tel: 01835 863170 for the Scottish Borders Tourist Board.
THE ROUTE:
You can access the start of the route from Galashiels,
Selkirk or Innerleithen by following the A707 or the B
7060 towards Yair Bridge. The small car park is on the
forest side of the river about 500 metres down from the
bridge.
At the moment there are disinfectant containers at the
gate to the forest. Make sure you dip your feet and brush
this onto your tyres before you set off and when you finish.
Your first task is a steep climb with a section of scree
to overcome. This starts from the gate at the edge of
the car park. The climb lasts about 700 metres, keeping
straight on until you reach a fire road.
Turn right and follow the fire road up the rest of the
moderate climb, over the ridge and take the right fork
when the road branches. This drops downhill for a short
distance, arcs left and continues up. On your right you’ll
get a view off into the distance, with a stream just below
you. When you reach the crest of the hill the path to
your right is closed, take the one directly to your left
which takes you up to the South Upland Way, (I normally
take a rest and push the bike some of the way up this
hill). When you reach the intersection after about 500
metres turn right back onto a fire road.
The fire road goes straight, then round to the right for
1.5km, take the left fork in the road and continue for
another 1 km and round to the left. To your left is the
path that leads up Hareshaw Hill. We’ll continue
along this more gentle road that continues to arc to the
left. After coming to a junction with two other fire roads,
carry on going straight until you come to a five-path
intersection after 2km. Turn directly right, up a short
100 metre climb and left when you reach the edge of the
forest.
Your conquest is nearly in sight. Head up this 200 metre
section of Southern Upland Way and at the top admire the
incredible view from Three Brethren, (that’s a Southerner’s
opinion, but I think you’ll agree.) Pat yourself
on the back for reaching a height of 464 metres and prepare
yourself now for 464 metres of downhill, (well almost).
With the cairns to your right and facing South towards
Selkirk, take the left-hand path, not the one which is
over a gate, (this is closed anyway), down from the viewpoint.
This path is immensely enjoyable but bumpy - the sort
of terrain that repays investment in bicycle suspension.
At the end of 800 metres the path verges left and joins
with the Southern Upland Way. Be careful of walkers as
you enter the woods at breakneck speed, and of the drainage
bar which crosses the path as you enter. ( You’ll
either need to slow right down, or skillfully bunny hop
it - the choice is yours.) The path is not as hard packed
as the first section so take care.
Slow down as you come to an intersection with a fire road.
You have climbed to this point before, but instead of
continuing down, use your momentum to take you up to the
right. Once over the brow continue straight down, easing
into the corners as the surface is loose and dusty, for
about two kilometres. The path turns to the left, after
it has crossed a stream, and winds its way down. You’ll
cross an intersection and follow the fire road that started
the route. Your final choice is whether to carry on down
to the main road and cycle back along it, or to turn left
onto the narrow scree path that goes down to the car park.
Disinfect yourself once again and if you’re still
feeling energetic cross the bridge, turn right, go over
the first gate on your right and down to the bank of the
river. There’s a swing hanging from an old tree for
trying out your Tarzan impressions. What a way to end
a great cycle!
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