In 2022, I treated myself to an e-bike, and it changed how I see the world. Ok, not overnight and not perfectly, but it helped make the Borders feel a bit more connected and joyful. Couple it with the flexibility of becoming self-employed and it has allowed me to embed cycling into every day journeys. That’s what I want to share with you here.
This guide isn’t a manifesto or a map for everyone. It’s meant as a conversation starter. A collection of everyday active travel routes, all of which I have used for cycling to work or getting from A to B. Think of these routes as gentle provocations and honest reflections on what it means to move through a predominantly rural area differently - and the struggle to try and be car-lite in an area and society that often doesn’t see this as important, favouring speed at all costs. These are not adrenalin fuelled MTB trails, not do you need to don lycra for a fast road ride - it’s the Borders at about 14mph!
Cycling here brings delight and its fair share of potholes, scarily close car encounters and several compromises. But it also opens up new ways to see, feel and belong to The Borders.
If you’re curious or just looking for alternatives to car first travel, this guide is for you. Ride at your own risk, but read with an open mind :)
The Routes
-
Eddleston to Peebles (Eastgate)
Distance: 5 miles
Approx. Breakdown: Segregated Shared Track (88%), Quiet Street (10%), Busy Street (2%)
Description: Leave Eddleston on the 2023 built path which follows the busy road but feels safe throughout. Watch out for layby section near Milkieston which is shared with vehicles. On arriving in Peebles, follow Crossburn Farm Road to find Cuddyside Path. This is a wee delight, and can be followed into town by way of Cuddyside (shared with cars) and eventually Bridgegate and Eastgate which are both very busy with dangerous road users (i.e. cars).
Parking: Peebles is pretty poor for cycle parking, surprising for a town popular with cyclists. I often chain my bike up in the tucked away corner of Sainsbury’s Car Park on Edinburgh Road as I can’t find many alternatives. Wildwool on Bridgegate has a parking rack for customers (thank you!). Think the town as a whole can however do better…
Fuel: Peebles has a Scottish Water tap on Tweed Green. Lots of food options in Peebles and Eddleston, including the Scots Pine, accessible via segregated cycle track to he north of the village.
Close Car Encounters: Not bad at all, until you get into central Peebles.
Map: Not available - Google does not recognise the Eddleston cycle path.
-
Peebles (Eastgate) to Innerleithen
Distance: 5 miles
Approx. Breakdown: Segregated Shared Track (95%), Quiet Street (5%), Busy Street (>1%)
Description:
Parking:
Fuel:
Close Car Encounters:
Map:
-
Innerleithen (Traquair Road) to Walkerburn
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
Sell it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.