Eskdalemuir Forest loop from Hawick

This mountain bike loop is classified as a "hard" ride, demanding very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Riders should be prepared for strenuous activity, challenging climbs, and potentially technical descents. Some sections may even require pushing your bike.

The route primarily uses a network of forest roads and compact gravel trails within Eskdalemuir Forest. While much of it is compact gravel, some segments may be unpaved, difficult to ride, or include muddy and rutted sections. You'll also encounter grassy forest paths, undulating hills, and challenging climbs and descents.

While specific parking locations are not detailed, the loop starts and ends in Hawick. Riders typically find parking within the town or at designated trailheads for routes of this nature. Always check local signage for parking restrictions.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this route, including within the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, provided they are kept under close control. Please adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, especially around livestock and during ground-nesting bird seasons, and always clean up after your dog.

The best time to mountain bike this loop is typically during the drier months, from late spring to early autumn. This avoids the worst of the mud and provides more pleasant weather for the challenging distance and elevation. Be prepared for changeable Scottish weather regardless of the season.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Eskdalemuir Forest loop or to access the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. The reserve is a community-owned land project focused on nature and climate, and public access is generally encouraged under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. You can learn more about the reserve at tarrasvalleynaturereserve.org.

You'll traverse an expansive woodland landscape with towering spruce trees and rolling hills. The route may offer views of the winding White Esk and Black Esk rivers, as well as tranquil bodies of water like the Black Esk Reservoir. Highlights include the impressive Shankend Viaduct, Auldshiels Hill, and the forested areas around Stennieswater, Eskdalemuir Forest. The Tarras Valley Nature Reserve itself is a significant conservation area with a mix of plantation, new tree planting, and moorland.

Within Eskdalemuir Forest, there is a bothy called Greenskyes equipped with a composting toilet, which can be a useful stop for riders. However, given the length and remote nature of the loop, it's advisable to carry all necessary supplies, including food and water.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll ride parts of the Great North Trail (Scottish Borders), Romans and Reivers Route, and the Border Loop, among others. This offers a varied experience and connects you to a wider network of paths.

The wider Eskdalemuir area is rich in historical significance. You can find several Iron Age hill forts and prehistoric sites that form part of the Eskdale Prehistoric Trail, such as Bessie's Hill and Castle O'er, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past amidst the natural landscape.

While the Eskdalemuir Forest loop from Hawick is rated as "hard" and requires advanced skills, the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve itself, and the broader Eskdalemuir Forest, contain extensive networks of forest roads and compact gravel trails. Some of these might be suitable for less experienced riders or families looking for shorter, less challenging sections, but the full loop is not considered family-friendly.