This Scottish Borders Coast-to-Coast Itinerary outlines the cycle route Sarah and I will be following in early Autumn. We will be cycling from Gretna to Berwick-Upon-Tweed, all the while hugging the Scotland-England border, mainly on the Scottish side. 

Mention the Scottish Borders and we picture big spaces: heather-clad hills, hundreds of square miles of forests and woodland, lochs and rivers. Of course, wherever trees and hills abound, then cyclists and mountain bikers won‘t be far away; some of the best cycling routes in Scotland can be found here. Oh, and there is little traffic!

The Scottish Border regions have been described as a hidden jewel of Scotland. On our journey, the route will pass stunning views and great opportunities to explore the varied scenery of the region, from rolling hills and moorland to farmland and coastline. We will cycle through picturesque towns and villages including Hawick, Melrose and Kelso. And there will be many lovely places to see, quality restaurants and coffee-shops, and historic visitor attractions en-route.

You can view our Scottish Borders Coast-to-Coast itinerary below:

Day 1 – Carlisle to Canonbie

Travel to Carlisle.
Cycle from Carlisle to Canonbie (Distance 24 miles – Scottish Borders: 24 miles).
Stay at The Cross Keys Hotel, Canonbie.

Day 2 – Canonbie to Hawick

Cycle from Canonbie to Hawick (Distance 32 miles – Scottish Borders: 56 miles).
Stay with friends in Hawick.

Day 3 – Hawick to Kelso

Cycle from Hawick to Kelso (Distance 26 miles – Scottish Borders: 82 miles).
Stay at Duncan House, Kelso.

Day 4 – Kelso to Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Cycle from Kelso to Berwick-Upon-Tweed (Distance 32 miles – Scottish Borders: 114 miles).
Stay at Berwick-Upon-Tweed YHA, Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Day 5 – Post-tour

Journey home to Stockport.