The best gravel rides around Harehope Forest
4.6
(18)
168
riders
18
rides
Gravel biking around Harehope Forest offers a network of routes through varied terrain. The region is characterized by its forest landscapes and proximity to river valleys, providing diverse riding experiences. These routes often feature a mix of forest tracks, quiet country roads, and paths alongside waterways. The area provides opportunities for gravel bikers to explore the natural environment of the Scottish Borders.
Best gravel bike trails around Harehope Forest
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
4.0
(1)
10
riders
41.6km
02:49
600m
600m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
24.2km
02:08
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.9
(7)
36
riders
43.3km
02:39
400m
400m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
41.8km
03:15
760m
760m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
43.8km
03:16
640m
640m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Jubilee woods are tiny and people are walking their dogs. I'd avoid personally. Go to Cademuir Hill instead. Either via Haystoun or Bonnington Rd. Or go up Gypsy Glen. More trails up that way as you approach the back road to Innerleithen. Plus you can go back to Peebles via Cardrona and the cycle path.
1
0
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😜👍
1
0
Connecting the 7 staines. You can bike from Walkerburn, Innerleithen and Glentress on this path.
0
0
Nice stretch of old track bed , was a welcome respite from all the climbing earlier in the day
1
0
I had my head torch which only just let me see through the pitch blackness. I wouldn't want to come through here late at night as it's very creepy.
1
0
This tunnel is pitch black and goes on for a fair distance,bring a good head torch or bike lights.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gravel bike trails can I expect around Harehope Forest?
The Harehope Forest area offers a diverse network of gravel bike trails, primarily featuring forest tracks, quiet country roads, and paths alongside river valleys. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces suitable for gravel biking, exploring the natural environment of the Scottish Borders.
Are there easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners in Harehope Forest?
Yes, while many routes are moderate to difficult, there are options for beginners. For instance, the guide includes one easy route, and several moderate trails that can be a good starting point for those new to gravel biking in the area. Always check the route's difficulty before you go.
What is the typical length and duration of gravel bike routes in Harehope Forest?
Gravel bike routes in Harehope Forest vary in length. Many popular routes range from approximately 15 miles (24 km) to over 27 miles (43 km). Depending on the distance and elevation, these can take anywhere from 2.5 to over 4 hours to complete. For example, the Peebles Tunnel Entrance – Gypsy Glen Trail loop from Peebles is about 15 miles, while the Neidpath Tunnel – Peebles to Eddleston Bike Path loop from Waterheads is closer to 27 miles.
Are there challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. The Harehope Forest area is well-suited for experienced gravel bikers, with 11 out of 20 routes classified as difficult. These routes often feature significant elevation gains and varied terrain. An example is the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Innerleithen Golf Club loop from Peebles, which is a challenging 25.9-mile ride with over 595 meters of elevation gain.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Harehope Forest?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Harehope Forest, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, scenic forest landscapes, and the mix of tracks and quiet roads that make for an engaging ride.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes available?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Harehope Forest are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Peebles Tunnel Entrance – Gypsy Glen Trail loop from Peebles and the Peebles to Eddleston Bike Path – Valley Road View loop from Peebles, offering convenient circular options for exploration.
What is the best season for gravel biking in Harehope Forest?
The region is generally enjoyable for gravel biking from spring through autumn, when the weather is milder and trails are typically drier. While winter riding is possible, conditions can be challenging with colder temperatures, potential ice, and muddy sections, especially on forest tracks.
What should I bring for gravel biking in Harehope Forest?
Given the varied terrain and potential for remote sections, it's advisable to bring essential repair tools, extra layers of clothing, sufficient water and snacks, and a fully charged phone. A reliable navigation device or app like komoot is also highly recommended, as some forest tracks may not be extensively signposted.
Are there options for less crowded gravel trails in Harehope Forest?
While popular routes can see more traffic, the extensive network of forest tracks and country roads means it's often possible to find quieter sections. Exploring some of the less-trafficked routes or riding during off-peak hours can help you enjoy a more solitary experience.
Are there any pubs or refreshment stops near the gravel trails?
The Harehope Forest area is close to towns like Peebles and Innerleithen, which offer various amenities including pubs, cafes, and shops where you can refuel and refresh after your ride. Planning your route to pass through or near these towns can provide convenient stops.
How many gravel bike routes are there in total around Harehope Forest?
There are 20 gravel bike routes available for exploration around Harehope Forest, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult.
Most popular routes around Harehope Forest
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
