The best traffic-free bike rides around Akermoor Loch
4.8
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2
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Touring cycling around Akermoor Loch offers routes through serene upland landscapes and diverse natural features within the Scottish Borders. The area is characterized by a small, picturesque loch often surrounded by woodlands on gentle upland slopes. Cyclists can expect extensive, open views across the uplands, including distant glimpses of the Eildon Hills. The region features quiet roads and cycle-friendly paths, providing a mix of valleys and open uplands with varied terrain.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Akermoor Loch
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Duchess Drive Gravel Climb – Gravel Descent Trail loop from Bowhill House, a 7.5 miles (12.0 km) trail that takes 1 hour 18 minutes to complete, featuring a significant elevation gain through varied terrain.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Duchess Drive Gravel Climb loop from Bowhill House, a moderate 7.0 miles (11.3 km) path. This route offers similar challenging climbs and scenic views around the Bowhill estate.
- Local touring cyclists also love the View of Broomy Law – Three Brethren Cairns loop from Selkirk, a 30.3 miles (48.7 km) trail leading through open uplands and offering expansive vistas, often completed in about 4 hours 44 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Akermoor Loch is defined by remote upland settings, picturesque lochs, and extensive open views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation.
- The routes in Akermoor Loch are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 90 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Akermoor Loch's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
9
riders
12.0km
01:18
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
11.3km
01:15
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
riders
48.8km
04:45
1,160m
1,160m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Fabulous views from up here; one of the most amazing views from a hill in the Scottish Borders - panoramic splendour anywhere you look! If you are wondering why there are three cairns here, these were put in the 1500s to mark the meeting of the estate lands belonging to the lairds of Selkirk, Philliphaugh and Yair.
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One of the best, if not the best, summit views in the Scottish Borders. Panoramic views wherever you look. On a clear day, the Eildon Hills are clearly visible, and the hills of Ettrick Forest are basically everywhere. Gorgeous! A word of warning... if you are climbing from Yair up here, it's a steep one!
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Go, just GO there & you’ll be in awe 🫢 (Weather permitting 🌫️🤞🏻)
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This splendid summer scene shows the photogenic River Tweed viewed west from Yair Bridge in the scenic Scottish Borders. The Tweed is one of the longest rivers in Britain and is a great salmon-fishing river. This wide, shallow and peaceful river is a delight to walk nearby. Yair Bridge occurs on the A707 3.5 miles southwest of Galashiels.
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Excellent route through Yair forest then onto southern upland way to reach the summit
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One of Scottish Borders' iconic hills (465m), topped with three impressive cairns demarking the meeting of three estates – Buccleuch Estate, Yair Estate and Selkirk Burgh. Forestry tracks/paths, field margins and open hill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Akermoor Loch?
Komoot currently features a selection of touring cycling routes around Akermoor Loch designed to minimize traffic. These include routes like the Duchess Drive Gravel Climb – Gravel Descent Trail loop from Bowhill House, offering a peaceful experience away from busy roads.
What is the typical difficulty level for touring cycling routes in this area?
The touring cycling routes around Akermoor Loch are generally considered moderate. They often involve varied terrain, combining valleys with open uplands, and can include both stiff climbs and rewarding descents. For example, the Duchess Drive Gravel Climb loop from Bowhill House is rated as moderate, featuring significant elevation gain over its 11 km distance.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes near Akermoor Loch?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Duchess Drive Gravel Climb – Gravel Descent Trail loop from Bowhill House, which provides a circular journey through scenic landscapes.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these no-traffic routes?
You can expect serene and remote upland settings with extensive, open views. The routes often traverse woodlands, acid grassland, and heath, with glimpses of the prominent Eildon Hills and the Bowhill estate. Akermoor Loch itself is a picturesque body of water, adding to the natural beauty.
Are there any challenging touring cycling options for experienced riders?
While many routes are moderate, more challenging options exist in the broader area. For instance, the View of Broomy Law – Three Brethren Cairns loop from Selkirk is a difficult 48 km route with over 1100 meters of elevation gain, offering a significant challenge and expansive views.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around Akermoor Loch?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility, the extensive views, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature away from traffic.
What kind of surfaces can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Routes around Akermoor Loch often feature a mix of surfaces. While many segments are paved, some also incorporate unpaved sections, catering to a range of cycling preferences and providing a true touring experience.
Are there any historical attractions or points of interest along these routes?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can find historical attractions within the broader area. The ruins of Newark Castle, a large ruined tower dating back to the 15th century, are accessible and can be incorporated into cycling itineraries. The village of Ettrickbridge also serves as a point of interest on some routes.
Is Akermoor Loch significant for wildlife?
Yes, Akermoor Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its mesotrophic waters, which support a rich diversity of aquatic flora and invertebrate fauna. Cyclists might spot cormorants on the loch's banks, and brown trout are present for angling, making it appealing for wildlife enthusiasts.
What is the best time of year to cycle around Akermoor Loch?
The Scottish Borders offer varied conditions throughout the year. While specific recommendations depend on personal preference, the spring and summer months generally provide milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the extensive views and diverse landscapes. Always check local weather conditions before your ride.
Are there amenities or places to stop in nearby villages like Ashkirk or Ettrickbridge?
Villages like Ashkirk and Ettrickbridge, often featured on routes in the wider area, can serve as points of interest or potential stops. While specific amenities vary, these villages typically offer basic services or places to rest, making them convenient for touring cyclists.
Most popular routes around Akermoor Loch
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