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FOUR ABBEYS CYCLEWAY And OTHER CYCLEWAYS |
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The Four Abbeys Cycle Route covers a total distance of 55 Miles (88km) within the Scottish Borders. As the name says, the route links four abbeys, each founded about 900 years ago. They stand one in each of the towns of Melrose, Kelso Jedburgh, together with Dryburgh Abbey which is an altogether more rural setting.
The Four Abbeys Cycle Route is a good introduction to the Scottish Borders. It can be part of a holiday or a holiday in itself. It is a circular route which can be picked up at any point, what is more it can be travelled easily in either direction. It is very well signposted. At 55 miles it is a challenge to complete in one day, if the Abbeys or local towns are to be included in the trip extra days should be allowed. The Abbeys are worth visiting, so are the towns on the way. The cycle ride which links the Four Abbeys is by no means the only possible route to follow, however it is well thought out. The countryside is attractive and the farmland is reasonable varied. For the cyclist there are hills with which to contend, but the views are rewarding and for every ascent there must be a descent! The Scottish Borders Tourist Guide to the 4 Abbeys Cycle Route is quite comprehensive. Ordnance Survey maps 73 and 74 cover the route, but they are not essential. Cyclists unfamiliar with the area need not restrict themselves to the Four Abbeys, the scope for cycling in the Borders is unlimited. There are plenty of quiet roads for touring and racing cyclists. Way marked routes in the area include the Tweed Cycleway, the Borderloop and Sustrans Coast and Castles Route. Comprehensive published maps and guides are available. (See My Links) For the off road rider, the area around Peebles and Innerleithen is probable the best served mountain bike in the UK. The whole of the Borders abounds with off road opportunities and in the Forestry Commission woods there are good waymarked routes. The massive Keilder Forest is also close by. Why have I written this page? The area is good for cyclists, and walkers and other tourists for that matter, so why not tell people about it? More to the point I have built up a fleet of tandems and single bicycles which are available for hire. I’m telling you about it, so you can contact me either to discuss cycling in the Scottish Borders, or better still to hire my bikes.
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