The best gravel rides around Faldonside Loch
3.5
(2)
56
riders
5
rides
Gravel biking around Faldonside Loch offers routes through a landscape characterized by serene waters, rolling hills, and mature woodlands. The area features a mix of woodland tracks and loch-side paths, providing varied terrain suitable for gravel bikes. Situated in the Scottish Borders, the region lies between the River Tweed and the Eildon Hills, offering diverse natural features for exploration. These paths are well-suited for mixed-surface cycling, combining elements of road and mountain biking.
Best gravel bike trails around Faldonside Loch
…Last updated: July 3, 2026
21
riders
62.2km
03:59
750m
750m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
3
riders
11.3km
00:54
210m
210m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15
riders
43.8km
03:00
520m
520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
23.3km
01:48
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
riders
31.3km
02:00
400m
400m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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For Goethe, Walter Scott's books were "the best things ever written in the world." With his historical novels, such as the one about the knight Ivanhoe, the Scottish author, born 250 years ago, was one of the most famous authors of his time. Quote from Walter Scott: "I have read enough books to know that the most profound utterances come from the lips of poor and uneducated women and men. Things often come to light there that are perhaps more sublime and moving only in the Bible. Even the poet will only fulfill his true calling if he recognizes everything as vain and worthless that is not a true inner cultivation of the heart." (Text from https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/250-geburtstag-des-schriftstellers-wie-sir-walter-scott-den-100.html ) From the spot marked here as a highlight, passersby can only see it from a distance, but the property itself is of course also included in the koomot system, see => https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/4525502
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The tarmac cycle path following the river Tweed from Glentress makes Innerleithen super accessible which in turn provides you with free range to pedal the ‘old’ XC & DH trails, it also provides easy access to the current ‘trendy’ gravity orientated hot spot of Golfie, named so, as it’s situated above the golf course. First off the Old XC, (starts from the carpark over the bridge by the river) it was very sad to see the current trashed & sorry state of what appears to be the forgotten XC Trail, after having ridden it many times since the early eighties! The long climb at the start is currently cut short & diverted with no access up to the top from what I could see? The remainder of the trails are just trashed with the mighty Caddon Bank DH a shadow of its former self. Golfie is an easy pedal across the village with some great coffee stop opportunities enroute. One in particular Findra on the high st deserves a Big shout out, it’s stylish, MTB rider (muddy bum) friendly, sells fantastic coffee & food has uber cool curated music. Oh it also sells very cool artisan made clothing. There are others in the village which all look fab but Findra was the one we stopped at. The Findra staff ride mountain bikes, are super friendly & great for local riding knowledge 😉👍 Golfie is a short pedal through the village towards the Golf club & then a longish pedal up a Forest road with ‘natural’ trails spilling off the side of the hill in varying degrees of difficulty. Be prepared for full on gnar, chunder, roots, very steep drop offs & lots n lots of muddy gloop if the weather has not been kind. No manicured trails here! If you keep pedalling you’ll eventually reach the old reservoir where the views are magnificent & several trail go off in several directions. My advice, if it’s your first time riding Golfie try & take someone who’s ridden it before as some of the trails start off very benign but then transform like Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde! Wear body armour that allows you to pedal, but all the same wear body armour😜👍
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Connecting the 7 staines. You can bike from Walkerburn, Innerleithen and Glentress on this path.
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A small loch, wooded on its north shore and a great habitat for birdlife. Folklore records that the loch is home to a bogle in the shape of a 'water bull'.
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The River Tweed, or Tweed Water (Scottish), is a river 97 miles (156 km) long that flows east across the Scottish Borders and into northern England. Tweed is an Old Celtic name meaning "border" and tweed cloth derives its name from its association with the river, on account of the hundreds of mills powered by the river at one time. The Tweed is one of the great Salmon rivers of Europe and generates a large income for the local Borders region, attracting anglers from all around the world. It is one of the best Salmon rivers in Scotland.
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River Ettrick is noted for its salmon and trout fishing
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Faldonside Loch?
The gravel biking trails around Faldonside Loch primarily feature a mix of woodland tracks and loch-side paths. You'll encounter varied terrain suitable for mixed-surface cycling, combining elements of road and mountain biking, set amidst rolling hills and mature woodlands.
How many gravel bike routes are available in the Faldonside Loch area?
There are 5 gravel bike routes available around Faldonside Loch, offering a range of experiences. These include moderate and difficult options to suit different skill levels.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options near Faldonside Loch?
While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed, the area's loch-side paths and woodland tracks generally offer accessible sections. For a moderate ride that includes scenic paths, consider the Redbridge Viaduct – Caulshield Loch loop from Melrose, which is about 11.3 km long and takes less than an hour.
Can I bring my dog on the gravel bike trails around Faldonside Loch?
Many of the woodland tracks and loch-side paths around Faldonside Loch are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially given the area's wildlife. Always be mindful of local signage and other trail users.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while gravel biking in the region?
Beyond the serene Faldonside Loch itself, you can explore the distinctive Eildon Hills, which offer panoramic views, and the meandering River Tweed. Trails also connect to the historic Abbotsford Estate, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, and Cauldshiels Loch. The Torwoodlee Tower Ruins loop from Caddonfoot specifically leads past historical sites.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in the Faldonside Loch area?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. Examples include the moderate Redbridge Viaduct – Caulshield Loch loop from Melrose and the Torwoodlee Tower Ruins loop from Caddonfoot. For a longer, more challenging option, there's the difficult Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Old Peel Road loop from Tweedbank.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking around Faldonside Loch?
The Scottish Borders, including Faldonside Loch, offers beautiful scenery year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for potential midges. Winter can be challenging with colder, wetter conditions, but offers a unique, tranquil experience if you're well-equipped.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking near Faldonside Loch?
While specific parking areas directly at Faldonside Loch are not detailed, many routes start from nearby towns like Melrose or Caddonfoot, where public parking is generally available. For instance, the Elibank Craig Road – River Tweed loop from Caddonfoot starts from Caddonfoot, which would be a good place to look for parking.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails around Faldonside Loch?
The routes in Faldonside Loch are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.5 stars from over 2 reviews. Many of the 40+ gravel bikers who have explored the area praise the varied terrain, including woodland tracks and loch-side paths, and the scenic beauty of the Scottish Borders.
Are there any more challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are difficult routes available. The Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Old Peel Road loop from Tweedbank is a demanding 63.1 km route with significant elevation changes. Another difficult option is the Old Tweed Bridge – River Ettrick loop from Clovenfords, spanning 43.6 km.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while cycling around Faldonside Loch?
Faldonside Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it a haven for wildlife. You might spot winter wildfowl like tufted ducks, mallards, and great crested grebes on the loch. The surrounding woodlands are home to roe deer, great spotted woodpeckers, and the elusive red squirrel, offering a rich nature experience.
Most popular routes around Faldonside Loch
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