Discover the Scottish Borders on your bike

The rolling hills of the Scottish Borders are the perfect setting for both slow-paced and high-octane cycling. Travelling on two wheels can let you explore the rich heritage of the South of Scotland with ease and discover hidden historical and natural gems.

Milne Graden is perfectly located to be the base for your adventures, no matter if you are a novice or expert cyclist. To make sure our holiday cottages are perfect for cycling holidays, we have recently installed secure bike stores at Park End, North Lodge and West Lodge. We are excited to expand these facilities to more cottages in 2024 and can’t wait to share progress with you soon.

The estate is idyllically situated in Borderlands so you can discover many of its picturesque locations with ease. Conveniently located just a few miles from Berwick Cycles, a wonderful shop with a team who can service your bikes or provide any special clothing you require.

There are so many incredible routes to choose from. Here are our top recommendations, with a great choice of gentler routes or challenging hill climbs, depending on your preference…

Route 1 – Edrom 

https://scotlandstartshere.com/tours/edrom/

Distance: 10mi / 16km
Total Climb: 525ft / 160m
Total Descent: 525ft / 160m
Towns along the route: Duns & Edrom
Difficulty: Easy
Things to note: Low-level route with little or no climbing. Minimal traffic, and some traffic free.

This is our easiest recommended route and showcases some local historic buildings beautifully. Beginning from the Market Square in Duns, just a 20-minute drive from Milne Graden. This gentle circular route takes you past Wedderburn Castle, which was once a part of the large Paxton/Milne Graden estate and the quaint Edrom church. You can also choose to take a short detour to visit Manderston House or Duns Castle if time allows. After this lovely cycle finishes back in Duns, we urge you to visit the Jim Clark Bistro for a tasty, sweet treat to refuel before heading home to your cosy cottage.

Route 2 – Coldingham & St Abbs

https://scotlandstartshere.com/tours/coldingham-st-abbs/

Distance: 16mi / 25.5km
Total Climb: 1,804ft / 550m
Total Descent: 1,738ft / 530m
Towns along the route: Eyemouth, St Abbs
Difficulty: Moderate
Things to note: Mostly a low low-level route or with some climbing on trails and/or public roads.

Next is the beautiful coastal route of Coldingham & St Abbs, which takes around approximately 2 hours to complete. This route is seen as medium difficulty as it leaves Eyemouth in an easterly direction before heading north towards Coldingham, boasting breathtaking views up and down the coast. Further ahead, following an uphill climb, will present the stunning St. Abbs Head. This has been the awe-inspiring backdrop to several movies, such as The Avengers, and music videos from Harry Styles. To reward your efforts, we could think of nothing better than an ice cream or classic fish and chips from Giacopazzis as you watch the waves roll in towards Eyemouth.

Route 3 – Abbey St Bathans 

https://scotlandstartshere.com/tours/abbey-st-bathans/

Distance: 25.5mi / 41km
Total Climb: 2,321ft / 650m
Total Descent: 2,132ft / 650m
Towns along the route: Duns & Abbey St Bathans
Difficulty: Hard
Things to note: Mostly a low-level route with some climbing on trails and/or public roads.

This is the most challenging route of our selection and is more suited to experienced cyclists. Taking approximately 3-4 hours, it is a lovely way to take in some beautiful Borders scenery in the morning or afternoon. This route doesn’t only showcase some of the best rural views in the Borders but has many sites to stop off and see, with roaring rivers, wonderful woodlands and exhilarating steep descents. There is also a wonderful coffee stop, The Woodlands Café, which can be enjoyed as part of the journey.

Following your adventures, be welcomed back to your cosy cottage. Get the fire on and enjoy putting your feet up for a well-deserved rest. If, however, you are yearning for more, we recommend visiting Scotland Starts Here for even more cycling route inspiration, as there is an abundance to choose from!