Cycling & mountain biking

From high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths

Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels - or to quote the words of JFK  ‘nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride’.  Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy, adrenaline-pumping mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.

Cycling in the Scottish Borders

7Stanes - Glentress & Innerleithen

Described by Lonely Planet’s 1000 ultimate adventures as a ‘mountain biking mecca’ the 7Stanes site at Glentress and Innerleithen is seen as one of the best biking centres in the UK. An absolute must-visit for anyone interested in mountain-biking, the area offers everything from beginner trails to extreme downhill, including a state-of-the-art £8.5m visitor centre with fantastic facilities, cafe and bike hire. 

At Glentress you’ll find a huge selection of trails from wide, flat greens, to single-track blues, tricky reds, and jaw-clenching, handlebar-crunching blacks!   It also includes a number of graded circuits for those starting-out or looking to develop core riding skills, including features such as log balance beams, rock-hops and rollers.

Adrenaline seekers will love the downhill and free-ride trails at Innerleithen which include leg-burning climbs followed by descents with jumps and drop-offs that are deserving of their difficult and extreme gradings.  Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

7Stanes - Newcastleton

Close to the England/Scotland border, Newcastleton is the UK’s first bike friendly village, and is also home to a 7Stanes mountain bike centre. Many of its routes are shorter than other 7Stanes trails and are perfect for less experienced riders.  Again there is a Skills Area to help you decide what trail is right for you, then choose from The Caddrouns which is a fun introduction to mountain biking; The Linns trail, a scenic route sticking to forest roads; or The Red Route a fantastic ride for more experienced riders with a narrow single track sticking to the valley side.

Borderloop4 - Scottish Borders

The whole family will love cycling on the 250 mile circular Borderloop4 which starts at Peebles in the west down to the north sea coast at Eyemouth in the east. Taking in a variety of terrain including quiet country lanes, this route is suitable for all abilities and can be broken down into smaller loops starting from Peebles, Hawick, Kelso and Melrose. Cycle at your own pace on this waymarked route, stop-off and see the sights along the way, and take a well-deserved coffee or lunch stop. 

4 Abbeys Cycle Route

For those looking for a full days’ cycling, encompassing the essence of historic Border country, the 4 Abbeys circular route can’t be beaten. This scenic route, following picturesque quiet country roads, with a couple of rewarding short climbs, links the four main abbeys at Melrose, Drybrugh, Kelso and Jedburgh over 56 miles.

Tweed Cycle Route

Starting in Biggar and finishing on the coast in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the Tweed Cycle Way is a 95 mile waymarked cycle route running through the heart of the Scottish Borders with the River Tweed as its linking theme.  It is an attractive route, avoiding busy roads almost entirely, with many fine hill and forest views and picturesque towns along the way including Peebles, Melrose, Kelso and Coldstream.

Not to be missed...

Ten days of of bike riding events at TweedLove in June - a not-to-be-missed festival of all things biking.

Cycling Cycling

Melrose Smailholm Tower

Northumberland

The Coast & Castles Route

The Coast & Castles Way is a moderate route involving hilly stages and remote areas, but with wonderful views, historic sites and friendly communities it offers a memorable journey through the area’s natural heritage, passing by Hadrian’s Wall, unspoilt heritage coastline, the beautiful Tweed Valley and on through the Moorfoot Hills to Edinburgh.

The Sandstone Way

The Sandstone Way is an exciting mountain biking route in Northumberland extending to over 100 miles in length and running all the way from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Hexham. The route has something for all abilities from family friendly trails to more challenging trail variations for experienced riders. The full route can be completed over 3-4 relaxed days riding (2 days for fitness buffs!) and includes eight optional loops which can all be covered in a day. You can expect a lovely scenic ride through an ever changing landscape dotted with interesting geological features and iconic scenery.

For further information on all Borders cycle routes, including bike hire, transfer and guiding services visit Cycle Scottish Borders who have a wealth of information on all things cycling.

Alternatively, check out Cycle Northumberland featuring everything cycling in Northumberland. Includes family, leisure, road and mountain biking routes as well as some amazing long distance rides. Keep up to date with news and events and plan your next great cycling adventure!

 

Cycling in East Lothian

Coast, castles & foodie tours

With its spectacular coastline, beautiful forest trails, historic villages and burgeoning gastronomic scene, East Lothian is the ideal region to explore by e-bike. Starting right next the mighty Tantallon Castle, there are two fantastic bike tours to choose from, both led by friendly and knowledgeable local guides. The Castle and Coastline Tour offers insight into some of the county’s most magnificent castles, whilst gently winding past breath-taking beaches and taking in the glorious countryside. For those wanting to delve into the secrets of Scotland’s top food and drink destination, the E-bike Foodie Tour will guide guests from favourite farm shops and cafes to charming hidden picnic spots.

C&C cycling holidays

New for 2024, we have collaborated with a range of carefully selected bike hire companies across the North of England and the South of Scotland to provide our guests with a bicycle doorstep delivery service. A choice of e-bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes along with that all-important safety equipment, can be delivered straight to your holiday home for your next cycling holiday.

Our cycling partners can also help with maintenance services, providing maps, putting together tailormade itineraries and even organising private guides should you wish. 

Available to guests in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland. For more information please email our friendly team on experiences@crabtreeandcrabtree.com