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Tour of the Borders

Tour Organiser: Ania Przygoda

Friday 22nd to Wednesday 27th May 2026

Join us for a four-day cycling adventure in the Scottish Borders. Ride along quiet country roads, soak in stunning hilltop views, and enjoy delicious lunches at charming local pubs and cafés. A perfect blend of scenic beauty, great company, and warm hospitality.
  • Number of days cycling: 4

  • Average daily distance: 79.8 km

  • Average daily ascent: 750 m

Friday 22nd May 2026 Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

Arriving Cleikum Mill Lodge, Innerleithen

Arrive at the property from 4pm 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.

  • No cycling
  • Accommodation: Cleikum Mill Lodge
  • Meals: Self-Catering

Saturday 23rd May 2026 Day 2: Innerleithen loop through Stow and Galashiels

Cycling day - 74.2 km

Today’s 78.6 km route, with an altitude gain of around 870 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, and stop for lunch at a café in Stow, roughly halfway. We’ll then head back through Galashiels and into Innerleithen. After a rewarding day in the saddle, we’ll return to Cleikum Mill Lodge to unwind and enjoy a self-catered meal, with the option to join the group at a local restaurant.

  • Cycling Distance: 74.2km
  • Altitude Gain: 840m
  • Accommodation: Cleikum Mill Lodge
  • Meals: (B)

Sunday 24th May 2026 Day 3: Exploring the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys

Cycling day - 65 km

Today’s ride covers approximately 65 km with an altitude gain of 830m, taking us through the breathtaking landscapes of the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys. This is another beautiful 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 Bee Hive Café, 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.

  • Cycling Distance: 65.0km
  • Altitude Gain: 830m
  • Accommodation: Cleikum Mill Lodge
  • Meals: (B)

Monday 25th May 2026 Day 4: Innerleithen to Moffat - Eagle spotting

Loop from Innerleithen to Moffat and back through Peebles

This is the biggest ride on our tour, covering 112 km with approximately 930 m of climbing. It’s a loop from Innerleithen to Moffat, returning via Peebles. We’ll stop for lunch in Moffat. A large part of the route follows A roads, so participants should be comfortable riding in traffic. Bike lights are recommended as they help increase visibility even during the day. Despite sections on A roads, the route offers some stunning scenery, including St Mary’s Loch, Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, and a few rewarding climbs.

  • Cycling Distance: 112.0km
  • Altitude Gain: 930m
  • Accommodation: Cleikum Mill Lodge
  • Meals: (B)

Tuesday 26th May 2026 Day 5: Innerleithen to Broughton by the Dreva Road

Easy loop from Innerleithen to Broughton by the Dreva Road and back

This scenic 68 km route follows the quiet and winding Dreva Road to Broughton, offering a more relaxed ride with an altitude gain of 400 m. Along the way, we’ll take in the beautiful Borders countryside, with the option to stop at a café in Broughton for a break before heading back to Innerleithen.

  • Cycling Distance: 68.0km
  • Altitude Gain: 400m
  • Accommodation: Cleikum Mill Lodge
  • Meals: (B)

Wednesday 27th May 2026 Departure

Day 6: Leaving Cleikum Mill Lodge

We’ll need to check out of the accommodation by 10 AM

  • No cycling
  • Accommodation: Leaving Cleikum Mill Lodge by 10am.
  • Meals: (B)

Cost

Land Only - £350

Payment Schedule

The price of £350 is based on a minimum number of 7 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Wednesday 1st April 2026, we will contact you and return all monies paid.

Price includes:

  • Five nights’ accommodation (arriving Friday evening, leaving Wednesday morning)
  • Breakfast, overnight bike storage and washing facilities

Price does not include:

  • Any lunches or dinners
  • Any travel expenses
  • Travel Insurance

Cancellations

Written Notice Received:

Cancellation Charge:

by email by Wednesday 1st April 2026

deposit £100, after Wednesday 1st April 2026 the full cost of tour £350

How to make a booking

https://form.jotform.com/223097390481358/prefill/68ffcde2636562d7084673d88b78

The price of £350 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 7 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Wednesday 01st April 2026, we will contact you and return all monies paid.

Most places take credit cards, but please do bring some cash as well

''Let me introduce myself:', 'I love cycle touring—discovering new places, exploring different parts of the world, and embracing the freedom of the open road. But no matter where I go, I always find myself drawn back to the Scottish countryside. I’m passionate about making cycle touring and cycling in general more accessible, showing that anyone—regardless of age, background, or fitness level—can enjoy the adventure. By profession, I’m a freelance sound designer and cycle trainer I first started touring in 2016 while living in Bristol. Being so close to Wales, that’s where my', 'first tour took me. I’ve also dabbled in long-distance racing, including the 2022 Trans Alba Race, a challenging, route that loops around Scotland. I’ve taken on smaller endurance challenges as well, such as events with The Racing Collective and the Pennine Rally. More than anything, I want to inspire and encourage more people to experience the joy of cycle touring!

Ania Przygoda – ania@aniaprzygoda.com

The tour starts and finishes in Innerleithen. ', 'Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. 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'

The price of the tour includes daily breakfast at the accommodation with cereals, oats, milk, bananas, tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own food if you have specific dietary requirements. For lunch and dinner, you can use the self-catering kitchen or 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 as planned.

The Scottish Borders offer some of the finest cycling routes in Scotland, catering to all levels and abilities. With its quiet roads and minimal traffic, the region provides an ideal setting for both leisurely rides and challenging routes. Innerleithen, where we will be staying, is a renowned mountain biking hub, home to the 7Stanes trail centre. Its stylish bistros and cafés are also a favourite among local club cyclists.

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 lodge 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.

This is a cycling holiday with 4 cycling days. Most of the cycling is on minor roads, but we also use cycle paths and there are some sections on A 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 60km 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.

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 a 28mm or larger 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 strongly recommended.

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 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.

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