The best traffic-free bike rides around Innerleithen And District
4.7
(17)
342
riders
9
rides
Gravel biking around Innerleithen And District offers extensive forest roads, rolling hills, and accessible river paths along the River Tweed. The region's diverse terrain, including ancient drove roads, provides varied options for no traffic gravel bike trails. This landscape is characterized by its mix of woodlands, open moorland, and the meandering river valley. The area provides a network of routes suitable for different skill levels, from multi-use paths to more challenging climbs.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Innerleithen And District
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Innerleithen XC Trail – Angry Sheep Drop-In loop from Cardrona, a 33.5 miles (53.9 km) trail that takes 4 hours 28 minutes to complete. This route offers varied terrain suitable for experienced riders.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Tweed Valley Railway Path loop from Innerleithen, a difficult 36.9 miles (59.4 km) path. This trail navigates through the scenic Tweed Valley landscape.
- Local gravel bikers also love the River Tweed – No1 Peebles Road Café loop from Innerleithen, a 17.1 miles (27.6 km) trail leading through the River Tweed valley, often completed in about 2 hours 3 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Innerleithen And District is defined by extensive forest roads, rolling hills, and river paths along the River Tweed. The network offers options for various ability levels, from moderate to difficult.
- The routes in Innerleithen And District are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 17 reviews. More than 341 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Innerleithen And District's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
69
riders
53.9km
04:28
990m
990m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
64
riders
68.8km
06:02
1,440m
1,440m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
16
riders
27.6km
02:03
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
6
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
17.1km
01:30
400m
400m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Innerleithen And District
The Central Belter — Gravel trails of the coast and Cairngorms
Great North Trail — From the Pennine Hills to the tip of Scotland
Southern Upland Way — A wild and undiscovered coast-to-coast challenge
The North Sea Coast Cycle Route part 7 — Scotland
Hike in the footsteps of history – Cross Borders Drove Road
Scotty's Scotland Showcase — A sustainable tour of the country's best trails
The Tweed Valley — Scotty's Scotland Showcase
Innerleithen — World-class 7Stanes MTB in the Tweed Valley
The Trash Free Trails Autumn Litter Watch
Bikepacking the breadth of the Borderlands — Southern Upland Way
Other adventures around Innerleithen And District
Tips from the Community
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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Connecting the 7 staines. You can bike from Walkerburn, Innerleithen and Glentress on this path.
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Heading North, the climb is great - very steep but a decent surface - but the descent is not fun without suspension. Lots of dried cow hoofprints and grassy knolls when I did it
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The A708 follows the northern shore of St Mary's Loch, the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Boarders. It's an A road and people do drive fast, but it's never that busy, so It's a fun ride with great views. The loch takes its name from the chapel that once stood on the northern shore. The chapel has gone, but the graveyard remains.
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Beautiful loch and there's a cafe nearby.
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Nice cafe over looking St Mary's Loch
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available in Innerleithen And District?
There are currently 9 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails listed in Innerleithen And District. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate to difficult, ensuring a peaceful ride away from busy roads.
Are there family-friendly no-traffic gravel bike routes in Innerleithen And District?
While many of the routes are rated moderate to difficult, the region's extensive network of forest roads and river paths along the River Tweed can offer sections suitable for families. For a scenic option, consider the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – River Tweed loop from Innerleithen, which offers a moderate challenge and beautiful riverside views.
What are the typical lengths and difficulties of no-traffic gravel bike trails in this area?
The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Innerleithen And District vary significantly in length and difficulty. You'll find routes ranging from around 27 km, like the moderate River Tweed – No1 Peebles Road Café loop from Innerleithen, up to challenging 68 km routes such as the Yarrowford Scenic Road – Innerleithen Golf Club loop from Traquair, which features substantial elevation gain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic gravel bike trails?
The terrain is diverse, reflecting the picturesque Tweed Valley. You can expect a mix of extensive forest roads, rolling hills, moorland, and accessible river paths along the meandering River Tweed. Ancient drove roads also crisscross the area, providing adventurous routes. This variety ensures options for all skill levels, from multi-use paths to challenging climbs.
Are there any circular no-traffic gravel bike routes available?
Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel bike routes in Innerleithen And District are designed as loops. For example, the Innerleithen XC Trail – Angry Sheep Drop-In loop from Cardrona offers a challenging circular ride, while the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Tweed Valley Railway Path loop from Innerleithen provides a longer, scenic circular option.
What attractions or points of interest can I find along or near these gravel trails?
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You might pass by the scenic St Mary's Loch or the Portmore Reservoir. The trails also offer opportunities to explore forests like Traquair and Elibank, and you can spot wildlife along the River Tweed. For a historical detour, Traquair House, Scotland's oldest inhabited house, is nearby.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Innerleithen And District?
Innerleithen And District offers gravel biking opportunities year-round due to its diverse terrain. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is ideal for longer days, while winter can offer a unique, crisp experience, though some higher or less maintained paths might be more challenging. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Are there options for advanced gravel cyclists looking for a challenge?
Absolutely. The area is well-suited for advanced gravel cyclists. Routes like the Innerleithen XC Trail – Angry Sheep Drop-In loop from Cardrona, at over 53 km with nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain, provide a significant challenge. The region's extensive forest roads and hill climbs offer plenty of demanding terrain.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the no-traffic gravel routes?
Yes, the cycling-friendly nature of the area means you'll find options. The River Tweed – No1 Peebles Road Café loop from Innerleithen specifically highlights a cafe stop. Innerleithen itself has bike shops and cafes catering to cyclists, making it a good starting or ending point for your ride.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the no-traffic trails in Innerleithen And District?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Innerleithen And District, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the trails away from traffic, the stunning natural beauty of the Tweed Valley, and the variety of terrain that caters to different skill levels.
Most popular routes around Innerleithen And District
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