IR9 – Bike Packing Reiver Country: The Southern Loop

This loop covers almost 140 miles of the best road cycling in Scotland and makes a great 3 day bike tour.

Embark on this three-day odyssey through the “Debatable Lands” of Southern Scotland. This route traverses the historic heartland of the Border Reivers—the lawless clans who once ruled these rolling moorlands.
You’ll ride some of the very roads set to host the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ on route to Newcastleton.
We recommend staying at the cyclist friendly independent hostels in Innerleithen , Newcastleton and Moffat.

• Leg 1: Innerleithen to Newcastleton
• Leg 2: Newcastleton to Moffat
• Leg 3: Moffat to Innerleithen

Start/finish: Innerleithen
Distance 140 miles 

• Section 1: 53 miles / Elevation gain: 3330 feet.
• Section 2: 43 miles / Elevation gain: 3980 feet .
• Section 3: 42 miles / Elevation gain: 1744 feet.
• Fitness Rating: blue/red Terrain: tarmac road in remote areas

Services/ resupply points on the route.

• Section 1: Honey Bee Café/shop. Hawick town centre.
• Section 2: Langholm town centre. Eskdalemuir Community Old School Café.
• Section 3: Wee Crook Café at Tweedsmui,. Broughton Village shop (1 km off route) . Dawyck Botanic Garden near Stobo,. Peebles High St.

Great for……An epic bike tour on stunning roads. The start point is not too far from main transport links in Edinburgh.
Innerleithen is linked from Edinburgh by National Cycle route 1 ( 30 miles south) and is also part of another stunning section of the 2027 Tour De France route across the Moorfoot Hills.

Watch out for….. roaming sheep can be unpredictable! Remote roads have some occasional seasonal hazards in places e.g mud, gravel , farm traffic etc . Ride at a speed to suit your skill level.

We have provided basic advice and basic route information only with your download. No maps.