23. Innerleithen

start: Innerleithen
distance: 40 miles
OS map: 73

This is a triangular route taking in Innerleithen, Clovenfords, Stow and Heriot. Did I say 'triangular'? It's quite long but this one's all on road. You could really start anywhere on the circuit but it is described here starting from Innerleithen and going anticlockwise. Wind direction might be a factor.

Take the road for Traquair at the W end of the main street. Cross the Tweed then turn L to follow the river towards Selkirk. Elibank Forest is on your left for a while and there are fine views of Tweeddale. After seven miles or so, just past the old site of Peel Hospital, the road crosses the river to join the Peebles-Selkirk A707. Turn R and after half a mile L heading uphill to Clovenfords. There's a shop and pub here. Straight over at the crossroads and the next mile is hard going as you head N towards Stow. Your efforts will be rewarded, however, with a long downhill stretch.

Our road follows the opposite bank of the river to the main A7. It's possible to take a minor detour into Stow if you want - pub, shop etc - but cycling the A7 is, in my view, a definite health hazard. Stick with our minor road aiming for Heriot. When you reach the Heriot-Innerleithen B709 turn L and follow Heriot Water as far as a T junction, L following the valley gently up to the Head of Dewar Burn. From here it's a cruise for the 6 or 7 miles to Innerleithen. Watch out for fast moving golf balls on the way!

jb, galashiels

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