The best gravel rides around Bowden Village
3.5
(2)
49
riders
4
rides
Gravel bike trails around Bowden Village traverse the varied landscapes of the Scottish Borders, characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and quiet country roads. The region offers diverse terrain suitable for gravel biking, ranging from unpaved segments to more established paths. Prominent features include the Eildon Hills, which provide elevation and panoramic views, and numerous historical sites. This area serves as a central point for accessing a network of gravel routes.
Best gravel bike trails around Bowden Village
- The most…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
14
riders
43.8km
03:00
520m
520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
63.2km
04:00
740m
740m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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)
11
riders
31.3km
02:00
400m
400m
Moderate gravel ride. 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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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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On a nice day you can see through the Valley.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Bowden Village?
The gravel bike trails around Bowden Village traverse the varied landscapes of the Scottish Borders, featuring rolling hills, river valleys, and quiet country roads. You'll encounter diverse terrain, from unpaved segments to more established paths, offering a mix of surfaces suitable for gravel biking.
Are there gravel biking routes suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, the area offers a range of routes catering to various skill levels. You can find options from moderately difficult to hard, with varied elevation gains and distances. For example, the Torwoodlee Tower Ruins loop from Caddonfoot is a moderate 14.5 miles, while the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Old Peel Road loop from Tweedbank is a more challenging 39.3 miles.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest I might see along the gravel routes?
The region is rich in historical sites and natural beauty. You might pass by the impressive ruins of Melrose Abbey, or enjoy panoramic views from the Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh. The iconic Eildon Hills are also a prominent feature of the landscape, offering breathtaking vistas.
Are there any circular gravel biking routes in the area?
Yes, many of the gravel routes around Bowden Village are designed as loops. For instance, the Old Tweed Bridge – River Ettrick loop from Clovenfords takes you through river valleys and open countryside, and the Redbridge Viaduct – Caulshield Loch loop from Melrose offers a scenic, shorter option.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking around Bowden Village?
The Scottish Borders offer picturesque landscapes year-round. While specific conditions vary, spring and autumn often provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours.
Are there any routes that pass by lakes or water features?
Yes, some routes will take you near local water features. For example, the Redbridge Viaduct – Caulshield Loch loop from Melrose passes by Caulshield Loch. You can also find highlights like Faldonside Loch and Lindean Loch in the wider area.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Bowden Village?
The gravel biking routes around Bowden Village are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.5 stars. Many riders appreciate the diverse terrain, the quiet country roads, and the stunning views of the Scottish Borders landscape.
Are there options for family-friendly gravel rides?
While many routes in the immediate vicinity are moderate to difficult, the broader Scottish Borders region offers diverse options. For a more relaxed experience, look for routes with mostly paved surfaces or gentler gradients. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it suits your family's ability.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking near Bowden Village?
Bowden Village itself and nearby towns like Melrose often have public parking available. When planning your ride, consider starting points that offer convenient parking facilities, such as those near the beginning of popular routes or in village centers.
Can I access gravel biking trails using public transport?
Public transport options in the Scottish Borders can connect you to towns near Bowden Village, such as Melrose or Newtown St Boswells. From these points, you may be able to cycle to the start of various gravel routes. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and policies regarding bicycles before you travel.
Are there any routes that follow river valleys?
Yes, the region is characterized by its river valleys. The Old Tweed Bridge – River Ettrick loop from Clovenfords, for example, leads through river valleys and open countryside, offering scenic views along the water.
What is the longest gravel bike route available near Bowden Village?
One of the longer routes in the area is the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Old Peel Road loop from Tweedbank, which covers approximately 39.3 miles (63.2 km) and explores the diverse terrain of the Tweed Valley.
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