4.5
(108)
6,483
riders
144
rides
Mountain biking around Elibank And Traquair Forest offers a network of trails within the Scottish Borders, characterized by its dense woodlands and varied elevation. The region features numerous forest paths and climbs, providing a diverse landscape for mountain bikers. These routes navigate through the natural contours of the forest, with some trails reaching significant elevations.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
27.4km
02:57
1,060m
1,050m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
111
riders
16.4km
01:55
550m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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28
riders
20.2km
01:34
320m
320m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
22
riders
44.7km
03:22
660m
660m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(7)
206
riders
17.7km
01:47
480m
480m
Challenging 11.0-mile mountain bike trail in Innerleithen with significant climbs and technical descents, offering great views from Minch Mo
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This excursion from the Southern Upland Way and the Cross Borders Drove Road is well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see the hills surrounding the Tweed and Yarrow valleys. It's a special feeling, standing in a place where travelers, shepherds, and (Roman) armies passed through centuries ago.
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The tarmac cycle path following the river Tweed from Glentress makes Innerleithen super accessible which in turn provides you with free range to pedal the ‘old’ XC & DH trails, it also provides easy access to the current ‘trendy’ gravity orientated hot spot of Golfie, named so, as it’s situated above the golf course. First off the Old XC, (starts from the carpark over the bridge by the river) it was very sad to see the current trashed & sorry state of what appears to be the forgotten XC Trail, after having ridden it many times since the early eighties! The long climb at the start is currently cut short & diverted with no access up to the top from what I could see? The remainder of the trails are just trashed with the mighty Caddon Bank DH a shadow of its former self. Golfie is an easy pedal across the village with some great coffee stop opportunities enroute. One in particular Findra on the high st deserves a Big shout out, it’s stylish, MTB rider (muddy bum) friendly, sells fantastic coffee & food has uber cool curated music. Oh it also sells very cool artisan made clothing. There are others in the village which all look fab but Findra was the one we stopped at. The Findra staff ride mountain bikes, are super friendly & great for local riding knowledge 😉👍 Golfie is a short pedal through the village towards the Golf club & then a longish pedal up a Forest road with ‘natural’ trails spilling off the side of the hill in varying degrees of difficulty. Be prepared for full on gnar, chunder, roots, very steep drop offs & lots n lots of muddy gloop if the weather has not been kind. No manicured trails here! If you keep pedalling you’ll eventually reach the old reservoir where the views are magnificent & several trail go off in several directions. My advice, if it’s your first time riding Golfie try & take someone who’s ridden it before as some of the trails start off very benign but then transform like Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde! Wear body armour that allows you to pedal, but all the same wear body armour😜👍
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Leads to some of the best tracks such as Wardell's way and 3G
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Useful to know when planning a multi lap tour.
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On a nice day you can see through the Valley.
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Long and steady, but always a manageable gradient.
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There are over 150 mountain bike trails recorded in Elibank And Traquair Forest on komoot. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easier forest paths to challenging technical descents.
Yes, Elibank And Traquair Forest offers a selection of routes suitable for beginners. There are 19 easy mountain bike tours available, providing a gentler introduction to the forest's terrain. These routes typically feature less elevation gain and smoother paths.
Experienced riders will find plenty of challenging options, with 63 difficult mountain bike tours available. Routes like the Priesthope Hill loop from Stow, which covers 17.1 miles with significant climbs and descents, or the Golfie Climb – Golfie Gravel Road Climb loop from Walkerburn, known for its demanding ascents and gravel sections, offer a rigorous test of skill and endurance.
While many routes in Elibank And Traquair Forest are geared towards moderate to difficult riding, some of the easier trails can be suitable for families with older children or those looking for a less strenuous ride. It's always recommended to check the specific route details and difficulty ratings before heading out with family.
The trails vary significantly in length and duration. For example, the Priesthope Hill loop from Stow is 17.1 miles (27.4 km) and takes about 2 hours 57 minutes, while the Angry Sheep Drop-In – Innerleithen XC Trail loop from Holylee is 12.4 miles (19.9 km) and typically completed in about 1 hour 33 minutes. You'll find routes ranging from shorter, quicker rides to longer, all-day adventures.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Elibank And Traquair Forest are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Priesthope Hill loop from Stow and the Golfie Climb – Golfie Gravel Road Climb loop from Walkerburn.
The mountain biking season in Elibank And Traquair Forest generally runs from spring through autumn, when weather conditions are most favorable. During these months, trails are typically drier and more accessible. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially muddy, icy, or snowy conditions, and shorter daylight hours.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse forest paths, challenging climbs, varied singletrack, and the overall natural beauty of the Scottish Borders landscape.
While specific cafes directly on the trails might be limited, the nearby towns and villages such as Walkerburn and Innerleithen offer options for refreshments. For instance, the No1 Peebles Road Café – Innerleithen High Street loop from Walkerburn route passes through areas with amenities.
The trails wind through a scenic region with several points of interest. You might encounter sections of the Innerleithen XC Trail, historical paths like the Old Peel Road, or even catch a View of Elibank Castle. The Bluebell Woods on the Tweed Valley Back Road also offer a beautiful sight in season.
Many routes start from villages like Stow, Walkerburn, or Holylee, which typically offer parking facilities. For example, the Priesthope Hill loop starts from Stow, and the Golfie Climb loop begins from Walkerburn. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information.


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