Prime Roads: Scottish Borders | MoreBikes

After some inspiration for 2024? How in regards to the Scottish Boarders…

The Scottish Borders is a haven for bikers. It’s usually bypassed by vacationers urgent on to rise up to the extra dramatic Highlands, however they’re lacking out on some significantly particular surroundings and surprisingly quiet twisty roads. What extra does any biker want?

MOFFAT MAGIC

The A708 is an excellent little bit of highway which runs from Moffat to Selkirk. It’s bought lots going for it, with a wealthy mixture of ups, downs, twists and turns that’ll hold you entertained for over 30 miles. There’s a cracking place referred to as the Glen Café which is the proper place to cease for a brew and a chunk to eat, and the city of Moffat (though technically not within the Borders) has change into a little bit of a vacation spot for bikers, due to the good using within the space and a top-rate biker-friendly lodge referred to as the Buccleuch Arms, which gives high quality digs, good grub, safe packing and route recommendation.

DIPS AND DROPS

The A68 is a highway of two halves. Whereas it’s finest generally known as being the way more scenic possibility for getting from north to south in a rush, it’s truly a fairly good using highway in elements. Arguably the perfect stretch is round Carter Bar, the place you cross the England/Scotland border. Should you do the stretch under in your approach north, you’ll come out in simply the correct spot to take advantage of the cracking bends and massive, open surroundings. Simply be careful for these hidden dips.

GRAVEL GOODNESS

The Kielder Forest Park may not truly be within the Scottish Borders, however because it’s a literal stone’s throw away, we thought we may use some creative licence and embrace it right here. Begin in Bellingham and head all the way in which as much as Kielder Fortress earlier than swinging a proper, snagging a toll ticket and leaping on to the Kielder Forest Drive. For the princely sum of £3, you’ll get to benefit from the largely unpaved highway which cuts by way of the forest and wild, windswept surroundings for 12 miles earlier than becoming a member of the aforementioned A68 at (the snappily named) Balkehopeburnhaugh. Good.

COASTAL CLASSIC

It is a good one to tag on to the Moffat to Selkirk blast. Head for Innerleithan, set the satnav for St. Abbs, and anticipate to be handled to a joyous amble throughout the gently rolling Borders countryside earlier than arriving on the coast within the tiny fishing village surrounded by cliffs. Prime stuff.