A moderate 21 mile circuit south and west of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. With a castle and a peel tower - a defence against the notorious Border Reivers - thrown in for good measure.
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 33.1 km (20.5 miles)
Total ascent: 624 m
Click on the map for full OS map route details and to download GP data
The route sticks to fairly quiet roads through stunning Borders scenery. Refreshments can be taken at Ettrickbridge.
The route heads south west out of Selkirk to Ettrickbridge, where a short detour after passing through the village and turning right at Kirkhope leads to Kirkhope Tower a mile north of the village.
Return to the road and continue uphill over wild moorland before turning for home at Yarrow. At Yarrowford fork right onto the minor road at North Lodge and follow it past Newark Castle on the Bowhill estate.
Cross the bridge and the main road and take the minor road opposite through Philiphaugh east, site of the 1645 battle.
At the main road make a right turn and then almost immediately a left turn onto a track leading back to Selkirk along the river and Mill Lead before rejoining the main road uphill back into Selkirk.
Need somewhere to stay?
The route starts and finishes at The Five Turrets, the glamorous self catering holiday property near the centre of town, with fairytale castle looks and accommodation for up to eight people in four double bedrooms. And secure cycle storage on site, of course. The Five Turrets in Selkirk was named by The Sunday Times as one of the top 25 self catering properties in the UK for 2019. Check availability here.
This route was suggested by Scottish Borders cyclist and trail designer Pete Laing.
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