This C2C route transects the Scottish borders from Annan in the south-west, up to Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. This route sees you pedal through the farmlands of Dumfriesshire, the thriving market town of Moffat, two challenging climbs on the way to Peebles, the Tweed Valley and then onto the Firth of Forth coastline.
Tour staff:
A CycleActive representative will meet you at the beginning of the tour to answer any question you may have. This member of staff will be overseeing the tour and transferring the bikes and luggage.
The Scottish Coast to Coast distance and route elevation
Total distances.
Total height gain:
125 miles or 201km
6033ft or 1839m
Place names have been highlighted throughout the description, to help you match up where you’ll be staying, depending on how many days and nights you wish to take for the journey.
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Ride Description
This tour starts in Queensferry South, which is in the shadow of the impressive Fourth, road and railway bridges. Once you have checked in you are free to explore the local town or head into Edinburgh Central, which is a short train ride away. Cars can be left in a nearby long-stay car park for the tour duration.
After breakfast, we will transfer you and your bike 2hrs south to the start at Annan’s harbour, which is located at the head of the scenic Solway Firth Estuary. With all the transfers now done, it's time to jump on the bike and head north up the quiet Annan River valley. Small country roads lead you towards Lockerbie, an ideal place for lunch and where you can also visit the Garden of Remembrance at Dryfesdale Cemetery, marking the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988.
Afterwards, you continue to ride upstream between the vast forests of Ae and Eskdalemuir, which were planted in the 70’s and now power many a biomass power station and are a mecca for mountain bikers and walkers.
After 34 miles on the bike, the bustling town of Moffat is reached, nestled in the heart of Southern Scotland this town is a hub of activity, with cafés and shops, housing many a traditional Scottish delight. If you are looking to further stretch your legs, then Moffat Dale is always waiting, with St Mary’s Loch at the head.
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The climb of Devil's Beef Tub leads you out of the town, this perfectly graded, bike-friendly, 400m ascent, is a pleasure and the view back down into the Scottish borders tops it off beautifully. A wonderful sweeping descent, following the Tweed River, is your reward, with the town of Peebles and its thriving town centre well worth a visit. Dawyck Botanical Gardens is en route and their café is ideally placed for refreshments.
The Tweed valley has fully embraced bikes with the conversion of a disused railway into a traffic-free corridor, frequented by commuting locals and cycle tourers alike. Passing by the immaculate greens of Cardrona’s golf course you soon arrive at Innerleithen, where thanks to its 2 mountain bike centres, bike shops out number charity shops 4 to 1!
Continuing your journey north, The Moorfoot Hills are next, with its thread of tarmac meandering up this ever-greener valley, which then rewards you with the descent all the way into the Edinburgh basin. The views from these hills over the Scottish capital reach as far as the Pentlands and the Firth of Forth.
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The capital has a superb network of cycleways that lead you onto the seafront and its Victorian Portobello promenade. This prestigious Edinburgh suburb often sees homes sell for millions and with its Firth of Forth coastal views you can see why.
With the sea never too far from your right shoulder, the route weaves its way towards the finishing point of the iconic Forth Railway Bridge, back in Queensferry South.
Once you can collect your bag from us you can either jump into your car, or onto a train, making your way into the city centre to spend a few extra nights, or you can start your homeward journey.
