IR4-The Talla Classic

The Famous One! Featured in so many magazine articles. This 80km route is a deceptively challenging ride passing St Mary’s Loch, the largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders and also huge two bodies of water at the Megget and Talla reservoirs which supply water to Edinburgh. The views are justifiably said to be amongst the best in Scotland. If you’re going to ride one route in the area, then this is probably the one!

We like… A ride to savour in either direction, though our route opts for cycling down the infamous “Wall of Talla” rather than up it! Good coffee stops at Gordon Arms Hotel & Dawyck Gardens. Wild & remote – you may see deer and birds of prey.

Watch out for… DANGER! The “Wall of Talla” reaches 20% gradient in places, is narrow, winding and not the best surfaced of roads. Be careful when descending. Keep an eye out for sheep wandering across the road.
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• Distance: 80km
• Elevation gain: 1340m
• Fitness rating: 4/5
• Terrain: Generally quiet tarmac roads passing through remote rural countryside, though sections on the A708 and A701 are fast roads and favoured by motorcyclists