Arriving in Scotland Trailbrakes will help you reach the start point of this Coast to Coast Epic on the beautiful South West Coast. We can also provide bike and equipment hire as needed. All baggage transfers and accommodation are included in the cost of the trip.
Each day will see us cover about 40 miles (60 km) enjoying stunning scenery, exciting off road trails and challenging mountain biking. We pass through some magnificent glens, visit the birthplace of the bicycle, sample some fine Scottish cuisine and of course cross one of the widest Mountain ranges in Scotland!
Southern Upland traverse – Portpatrick to Eyemouth
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: You Arrive in Scotland - We can help you with transport to Portpatrick get bikes organised and talk through the trip
Overnight Stay in Portpatrick a beautiful fishing village on the West Coast
Day 2: Portpatrick to Newton Stewart
Weaving along an interesting coastline we pass old lighthouses and cliff tops before heading inland across open moors where the smugglers used to roam passing bothies and ancient caves. The riding gets pretty challenging as the Galloway hills draw ever closer. A long downhill takes us to the market town of Newton Stewart for our overnight stop and a taste of Scotland.
Distance = 50km
Overnight Stay in Newton Stewart
Day 3: Newton Stewart to St Johns Town of Dalry
Starting from Newton Stewart we head through some fantastic singletrack in Galloway Forest (the UK’s largest forest Park). This is a Jewel in the Crown of the world famous 7Stanes network, sweeping berms, challenging climbs and thrilling singletrack. Past Murrays Monument into the hills where wild goats and deer still roam. Crossing through more forest we head to St Johns Town of Dalry for a well earned rest.
Distance = 37km
Overnight Stay in Village of St Johns Town of Dalry
Day 4: St Johns Town of Dalry to Thornhill
A steady climb over open moorland leads us into Manquhill forest with some challenging climbs and rewarding downhills. We visit a small bothy or mountain shelter then descend into the Valley of the Shinnel Water before reaching the birthplace of the Bicycle – if we time it right we can have a go on a replica of the first model (Invented here by Kirpatrick MacMillan in 1839)
Distance = 60km
Overnight Stay in Village of Thornhill
Day 5: Thornhill to Moffat
Leaving Thornhill we take to some of Scotlands finest natural singletrack at Drumlanrig forest – Part of the Bucchleuch Estate (One of Scotlands largest land owners). Rocks, roots, thrilling downhills and beautiful forest scenery make this a not to be missed section of the trip. Before we have time to catch our breath we head west to take on some man made singletrack through Ae Forest – big berms and rugged tracks. From here we cross some more hills to drop down into the beautiful town of Moffat where we find a friendly Inn and a chance to sample their famous toffee!
Distance 56km
Overnight Stay in Moffat
Day 6: Moffat to Ettrickbridge
We start the day with a challenging climb into the Moffat Hills with arguably one of the biggest views in Scotland. Our reward for the climb is a view down Moffat Dale and a stunning descent into the Ettrick Valley – one of the main tributaries for the River Tweed – Scotlands most famous Salmon River. Some challenging cycling through forest and open moorland brings us to the picturesque settlement of Ettrickbridge.
Distance = 58km
Overnight Stay in the village of Ettrickbridge
Day 7: Ettrickbridge to Melrose
From the Village we climb our way north over open hillsides and forest to the intimidating Minch Moor in Traquair forest. We tackle the thrilling world class singletrack that winds ever northwards to bring us eventually to Innerleithen. We follow the river Tweed as it heads towards the sea, through Yair Forest, our crossing of the Southern Uplands nearly complete we arrive in Melrose. Enclosed by the Roman forts, the Eildon hills and the River Tweed we celebrate our second last night in the home of Scottish rugby.
Distance = 59km
Overnight Stay Melrose
Day 8: Melrose to Eyemouth
With the biggest hills behind us we can almost smell the North Sea as we head over the Lammermuir Hills just south of Edinburgh towards the East Coast. Fantastic Scenery, awesome trails and the knowledge that we are about to complete an amazing achievement keep us going to reach the lovely town of Eyemouth and its harbor that represents the end of our epic journey.
We can then organize accommodation for the night in Eyemouth or help you with your onward journey. Well done - you made it!!!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes accomodation, breakfast, lunch and trail snacks for 7 nights/8 days, expert guiding, baggage transfers between accomodation and vehicle back up support. Bike hire can be organised with prices starting from around £60 per week depending on the bike model. Evening meals and drinks are not included in the price. Discounts available for group boookings.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Scotland
Bicycle Touring
Hiking & Trekking
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