West Linton in the Scottish Borders, cycle routes near Edinburgh, cycling holidays, bike rides

We've chosen a selection of routes from this great cycling area of the Scottish Borders, from a basic 7 mile circuit to a more challenging marathon length run. We'd welcome your suggestions of any favourite routes, please e-mail cycling@west-linton.org.uk, we aim to add to this section over time.

Starter Route This is the basic circuit, a straightforward loop with a mix of long gradients, a couple of good uphill climbs mostly on quiet roads, but bear in mind that the A701 can get busy at peak travel times. From the village centre, head south and take the right fork past St. Andrews Church, follow Bogsbank Road round until you reach the A701. Turn left past Newlands School, through Romanno Bridge, turn left signed West Linton on the B7059 and it’s a long climb with a short downhill back into the village.	Carlops Cross-Country It’s only a 5 mile route, nothing to it. From the village centre cycle north to the main road, turn left on the A702 and then quickly right signed the golf course. After a short up-hill climb turn right at the sign Footpath to Carlops, the road turns to a track after the dip and a sharp climb, so watch out, but you’ll get stunning views across the Pentlands with the right weather. Once you’ve dropped down into Carlops, turn right onto the A702 and it’s a straightforward ride back, being aware of the traffic as the trunk road can get very fast.
6.7 miles	5 miles
Macbiehill Circular From the village centre turn right along Deanfoot Road and out along the moor road to Penicuik (there’s a dog-leg at the new housing development). Come up the slow climb to the top and turn right through Deepsyke Forest with an exhilarating mix of ups and downs past the route of the old railway line. After a sharp downhill to Macbiehill, turn right on the A701 until you see the B7059 signed West Linton and follow it back to the village.	Callands Circular A more energetic extension to the basic circuit. Take the Bogsbank Road out of the village and when you reach the A701 turn right this time. After about a mile you will reach Mountain Cross, at the end of the village turn left signed Callands, you’ll find a fast downhill and a sharp, long uphill before coming down onto the Peebles road. Turn left back to the A701, then right at Romanno Bridge and left a mile further on signed West Linton.
8.65 miles	9.4 miles
Kirkurd Loop Another variation a theme with more uphill work. Take the Bogsbank Road out of the village and when you reach the A701 turn right. After about a mile you will reach Mountain Cross, keep going on basically a long descent down to Blyth Bridge and then a long haul up to the turning to Kirkurd. Go past the pottery and you’ll have a slow descent back to the Peebles road. Turn right back to Blyth Bridge and follow the A701 to the West Linton sign.	Castle Craig Loop Stretch yourself further with this 15 mile circuit. Take the Bogsbank Road out of the village and when you reach the A701 turn right this time. After about a mile you will reach Mountain Cross, keep going on basically a long descent down to Blyth Bridge and as you start the ascent on the far side, turn left signed Peebles. It’s a fast up and down ride through wooded farmland, take a left signed Romanno Bridge and climb slowly up the valley, then the right/left back to West Linton.
13 miles	15.2 miles
Leadburn Circular From the village centre turn right along Deanfoot Road and out along the moor road to Penicuik (there’s a dog-leg at the new housing development). Come up the slow climb to the top and it’s a 6 mile stretch with fantastic views of the Pentlands and a fairly even gradient. At the end of the road turn right on the A703 for a mile and a half until you reach the Leadburn Junction, turn right down the A701 for a long descent back to the West Linton turning.	Meldons Marathon From the village centre turn right along Deanfoot Road and out along the moor road to Penicuik. Come up the slow climb to the top and turn right through Deepsyke Forest with an exhilarating mix of ups and downs. After a sharp downhill to Macbiehill, turn left on the A701 until you see the sign 'Eddleston via Shiplaw' and enjoy the rollercoaster. At the end turn right towards Eddleston and just after you come into the village turn right and climb up to the Meldons (watch out for the sheep on the way down through the cattle grids). Once you come out of the valley, turn right on the A72 until you see West Linton signed B7059 and follow it back.
18 miles	26 miles