Jedburgh
Awesome riding in the Scottish Borders.
There’s a common perception among a lot of riders that Scotland is really just the Highlands — that the riding starts once you’re north of the Edinburgh/Glasgow axis. This simply isn’t true and there’s amazing riding to be had right beside the English border. Our one-day route, based around he historic town of Jedburgh, has everything: broad and sweeping roads, as well as narrow, twisty ones. Hills of rolling heather as well as sheltered, wooded glens. There are castles and quaint villages and miles of wide-open sky where you’re more likely to see cattle than cars. The Borders is a brilliant place to be on a bike.
STAGE ONE
Jedburgh to Selkirk: 35 miles
Leave Jedburgh heading south on the A68 towards England (keep it steady — there are a few speed cameras). After about 10 miles you’ll ride a series of broad hairpins. Take the first turning on the right, the A6088 to Hawick. When it meets the A698, turn left into Hawick town centre. Follow signs for the A7 to ride Edinburgh and Selkirk. There’s usually space to park bikes easily in Selkirk.
Morning Coffee: The Court House Coffee Shop, SelkirkHandy café right on the corner of the market place in the middle of town. It’s worth forgetting the diet for the home-made cakes.
STAY: Glenbank House Hotel. Comfortable family-run hotel with private off-street parking and a great restaurant. Handy for exploring the centre of Jedburgh. www.jedburgh-hotel.com
STAGE TWO
Selkirk to Lauder: 40 miles
From Selkirk market place, turn left on the A707 towards Peebles. In Innerleithen, turn right on the B709 to Heriot. Don’t miss the right turn after 10 miles to stay on the B709 (though if you miss it, it adds only five miles to the route). When you meet the A7, turn right towards Galashiels. In Stow, turn left on the B6362 to Lauder. Turn right on Lauder high street (the A68 again) and find somewhere to park.
Lunch: Flat Cat Gallery café. Delicious sandwiches, soups and plenty of cakes — served in a café that’s a feast for the eyes, as it’s also an art gallery. www.flatcatgallery.co.uk
STAGE THREE
Lauder to Duns: 50 miles
Carry on south on the A68 and as soon as you leave the Lauder speed limit, turn left on the B6362 signed for Coldstream and the A697. When it meets the A697, go straight on (effectively a right turn), still towards Coldstream. In Greenla turn left on the A6105 to Duns. After six miles, turn left on the minor road signed for Longformacus and Duns Golf Glub. Stay on this narrow, wild road for 14 miles until it meets the B6355, turning right to Duns.In the village of Preston, turn right on the A6112 to Duns. In Duns, turn left on the A6112 to Coldstream and go straight across the mini-roundabout.
SEE: Kelso Abbey. The spectacular ruined abbey in the heart of Kelso is a real must-see (if you like ruined monuments, that is). Atmospheric and beautifully preserved. www.kelso.bordernet.co.uk
SEE: Coldstream Museum. Lots of history crammed into this town-centre museum, much of it relating to the Coldstream Guards. www.scotborders.gov.uk/museums
Afternoon tea: The Baytree Café. Look for the signs on the right as you head out of Duns: the Baytree is a classy café attached to Pearson’s Garden Centre. Spot on for sandwiches and cakes.
STAGE FOUR
Duns to Jedburgh: 45 miles
Carry on south on the A6112 to Coldstream, going straight over the crossroads where it meets the B6460. Don’t miss the left turn in Swinton to stay on the A6112.In Coldstream, turn right on the A698 to Kelso and Edinburgh. About a mile out of town, turn left to stay on the A698 to Kelso. At the mini-roundabout in Kelso, turn left to stay on the A698 to Jedburgh, then at the bigger roundabout (by the supermarket) turn left on the B6352 to Yetholm.Follow the road round to the right in Yetholm, as it becomes the B6401 to Morebattle. Stay on it until it meets the A698, then turn left to return the final five miles to Jedburgh.
Start/finish – Jedburgh - Distance – 170 miles - Riding time: 5 hours