Border Loop 134

134 miles through Border Reivers country

- Willie Davidson

This is a circular 134-mile ride starting in Edinburgh and travelling south through the Scottish Borders. As a route, it has it all – jaw-dropping views, interesting places to stop and a variety of superb roads. As it’s a circular route you can obviously start it anywhere you want, but Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is as good a place as any, as there’s bike parking with lots of places to eat and drink – very handy if you’re waiting for mates to arrive.

Normally I’d avoid riding over Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, but the ride out up West Bow Street over The Mound down Market Street and Cannongate is worth the risk of shaking out a few fillings. Turn left after Holyrood Palace (the Queen's Edinburgh gaff) and the Scottish Parliament building, then follow Queens Drive round the Arthur's Seat loop. To get out of the city follow Holyrood Park Road until it becomes the A7. After 15 minutes you’ll be into some gorgeous countryside and enjoying the flowing, well-surfaced curves of the A7 as it takes you into the Borders. If your timings are lucky you may get the chance to race a train on the new Borders railway, as it runs parallel for much of the journey.