Arrive at the property from 4 PM and settle in before we gather to discuss the planned routes and options for the weekend ahead. This is a great chance to ask questions, share expectations, and get to know the group. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at a local pub or opt for a relaxed self-catering meal at the accommodation.
Today’s 75 km route, with an altitude gain of 850 m, takes us along quiet country roads, offering stunning hilltop views and a true taste of the Scottish Borders’ beautiful landscapes. We’ll ride at a comfortable pace, soaking in the scenery, with several options for café stops along the way—such as Stow, Abbotsford, or Caberston Farm Coffee Shop to round off the ride.
A highlight of the day is a visit to the picturesque grounds of Abbotsford, the historic home of Sir Walter Scott. After a rewarding day in the saddle, we’ll return to Cleikum Mill Lodge to unwind and enjoy a relaxed self-catered meal.
Today’s ride covers 62 km with an altitude gain of 800 m, taking us through the breathtaking landscapes of the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys. This is another stunning route along quiet country roads, where we can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and rolling hills.
Midway through the ride, we’ll stop for lunch at the Tushielaw Inn, a perfect spot to refuel and take in the beauty of the Borders. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey, making the most of the scenic views before returning to our base at Cleikum Mill Lodge.
We’ll need to check out of the accommodation by 10 AM, but for those who can stay on, there’s an optional ride to round off the weekend.
This scenic 68 km route follows the quiet and winding Dreva Road to Broughton, offering a more relaxed ride with an altitude gain of 410 m. Along the way, we’ll soak in the beautiful Borders countryside, with the option to stop at a café or shop in Broughton for a break before heading back to Innerleithen.
For those heading home, this marks the end of a fantastic weekend of cycling, great company, and memorable routes through the Scottish Borders.
Land Only - £180
The price of £180 is based on a minimum number of 5 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Sunday 14th July 2025, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
by email by 14th July 2025
deposit £100, after 14th July 2025 the full cost of tour £160
by form https://form.jotform.com/223097390481358/prefill/67a90d7b3863307596ccb91d0f85
The price of £180 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 5 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Monday 14th July 2025, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
Tour of the Borders is a fixed center tour based in the Cleikum Mill Hostel at Innerleithen. There are 3 nights in twin rooms, self-catering.
The tour starts and finishes in Innerleithen.
Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. Thus, it is very important that you note that neither your Tour Organiser nor Bikexplore are responsible for you in any way until the appointed time at the designated meeting point.
Potentially a tour may be cancelled (e.g. if it does not attract the minimum numbers) so please do not commit to any travel arrangements until you have received confirmation that the tour will go ahead. In the event of cancellation Bikexplore will only be responsible for refunding you the cost of the tour itself.
Getting there:
• Train Edinburgh to Galashiels and then short cycle, alternatively change for X62 bus
• Bus X62 from Edinburgh, you can take your bike on it
• Edinburgh to Innerleithen – approx. 1 hour by car
During the booking process and prior to the start of the tour all communication will be by email.
Shortly before the start of the tour we will set up a what’s app group for the tour. We will use this to communicate details like café stops, meal arrangements, places of interest and any emergencies on route. Ideally everyone will bring a smart phone and be happy to be included in the group.
Cleikum Mill Lodge, Innerleithen
The maximum number of participants will be 10 including the tour organisers. We will stay in a hostel with self-catering facilities, bike washing and storage facilities as well as having local facilities nearby.
Prices are based on two people sharing a room. When booking with a partner to share please specify twin or double beds. There are no single occupancy rooms available.
There are no meals included in the price of the tour, please bring your own food with you if you want to use the self - catering kitchen or you can eat out. Innerleithen has cafés, takeaway restaurants, and a pub. For the rides, bring plenty of snacks and water — conditions may change, and we might not always be able to stop when planned.
TYPE OF BIKE
A touring cycle, road bike, hybrid, tandem or recumbent would all be suitable for this holiday
MAINTENANCE
You should ensure your cycle is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low bottom gear (e.g. small chainring the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended. Mudguards are optional but demonstrate respect to those who are following you in wet weather. Lights are recommended in the very unlikely event of arriving back late and useful if walking outdoors at night. A bell is advised and bring a bike lock for security. Water bottles are required to ensure you are always hydrated. You must carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs, including two inner tubes, spare gear and brake cable, split link and spare brake pads. You are advised to use 28mm tyres, to suit the variable terrain.
BIKES CAN BE STORED SECURELY INDOORS. Please do bring a bike lock suitable to your attitude towards the risk of theft. There are also bike washing facilities.
Please carry waterproof clothing and sunscreen. Helmets are optional but are r strongly recommended.
This is a cycling holiday for 3 days.
Most of the cycling is on minor roads, but we also use cycle paths and there are some sections on main roads. The tour should be manageable for someone who cycles regularly and has reasonable fitness. There are some longer days and some days with a lot of ascents, as well as shorter and easier days. Please train for the tour and ride some 50km day trips in preparation.
People may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore some local object and this is encouraged. You are on holiday. If you wish to go further from the group and do your own thing then please do advise the tour organiser.
Please note it may not always be possible to follow the itinerary exactly due to road works or weather etc, as things do not always go as planned. In these circumstances, you will be advised of alternative arrangements. The tour organiser will not always be at the front of the group but may be anywhere within it, as circumstances require, so you will need to be independent and aware of the route and likely stopping places.
The weather in the UK can be very variable, and it's very changeable in Scotland—bring a waterproof jacket & trousers and sunscreen. You might end up using them on the same day. Please do bring layers so you can adjust to the weather if necessary.
Helmets are optional but are recommended.
Bring evening clothing for post-ride relaxation.
The tour organizer will email a link with all the planned rides for the tour. These can be downloaded to your Garmin, or other cycle computer, or phone. If you do not use such technology, please do bring the relevant pages from a road atlas and highlight the planned routes. Maybe bring the road atlas pages as well as a Garmin.
We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance in case you have to cancel for any reason.
There are no additional medical requirements for UK residents holidaying in Scotland, but please do bring any medications that you need to use. Please also make the tour organizer aware of any health issues.
Most places take credit cards (but please do bring some cash as well).
Ania Przygoda – ania@aniaprzygoda.com