Old Tweed Bridge – River Ettrick loop from Melrose

Old Tweed Bridge – River Ettrick loop from Melrose

Moderate

riders

Old Tweed Bridge – River Ettrick loop from Melrose

01:15

25.7km

350m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.36 km

Redbridge Viaduct

Highlight • Structure

The Redbridge Viaduct is a substantial 19th century viaduct built for the Edinburgh to Hawick line. It’s now used as a pedestrian and cycle route, with a traffic-free link to Tweedbank station.

Tip by

4.77 km

Abbotsford is the preserved home of the man who popularised tartan, saved Scottish bank notes and was a celebrated novelist: Sir Walter Scott.

Admission to the house, chapel and gardens are ticketed with modest prices. Do check opening times as this varies due to season.

There's also a gift shop, cafe and gardens, and a free minibus pick up from the nearby train station.

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7.77 km

Old Tweed Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

The Old Tweed Bridge was opened by Sir Walter Scott in 1832 and served as the main link between Selkirk and Galashiels for 140 years.

It’s a three-span listed masonry arch that crosses the River Tweed. It now operates as a link for pedestrians and cyclists only after structural weaknesses meant it closed to vehicles in 2011.

Tip by

8.15 km

Old Tweed Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

Can fly along this car free section as long as you keep an eye on the surface. Beautiful old bridges at either end.

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8.62 km

River Ettrick

Highlight • River

River Ettrick is noted for its salmon and trout fishing

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8.82 km

Lindean Hill

Highlight • Summit

Lindean hill. This is a cracking hill that keeps on going and going. Some great steep sections

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11.9 km

Lindean Loch

Highlight • Lake

Lindean Loch is a beautiful small loch that is now part of a nature reserve. It’s a lovely little spot for a wild swim and is situated next to a small car park.

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17.0 km