Cycling is wonderful from your self-catering cottage at Burnbrae, with quiet Borders roads and lots of routes to choose from. Whether it’s a handful of miles or a full day in the saddle, there’s a route for you. For thrill-seekers, we’re a world-class mountain biking destination too.
Kelso proudly hosted the Men’s Tour of Britain 2024, and the Women’s Tour of Britain 2025—a testament to the region’s popularity with cyclists of all levels.
You can hire a bike from Galashiels or an e-bike—both need to be prebooked. The hire companies will deliver and collect bikes directly to Burnbrae Holidays for a fee.
Cycling in the Scottish Borders countryside can be as challenging or as relaxed as you’d like. Stay on the flat and enjoy the peaceful views, or head into the hills for thrilling climbs and descents. You can even cycle a route linking all four of the great Border Abbeys. There are plenty of marked routes between the towns, and I’m adding suggested road cycle routes from Burnbrae Holidays as I ride and test them myself—see the links below, in the information folder in each cottage, or online via Strava and the OS Map App (search “Burnbrae Holidays”).
Just 2 miles from Burnbrae on the way to Kelso, the Angraflats mountain bike track is open to all. For serious MTB enthusiasts, Glentress near Peebles and the Red Bull Downhill at Innerleithen attract riders from around the world.
After an exciting day out, return to a warm welcome at your centrally heated cottage. You’ll find secure cycle storage, a bike work-stand, some basic tools, a hosepipe to wash down your bike, and drying and laundry facilities to get you ready for the next ride.
Some useful links for cycling in the Scottish Borders
Cycle Routes from Burnbrae Holidays (a paper copy of a few of my favourite routes are in your cottage’s information folder).
Burnbrae to Kelso via Birgham loop 24miles
Burnbrae to Scotts View and the Wallace Monument a slightly hillier loop 15miles
BORDER E-BIKE HIRE KELSO bike hire including electric bikes, delivery and collection to Burnbrae.
HIKE & BIKE HUB Galashiels Non- for profit organisation. Bike hire, routes, led rides, walking routes. Annual Galashiels Walking Festivals April and autumn.
CYCLE ROUTES NEAR KELSO from Visit Kelso4 CYCLE TRAILS FROM KELSO
4 ABBEYS CYCLE ROUTE is a 55-mile circular route that passes within 2 miles of Burnbrae Holidays. It visits Kelso Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose Abbey & Jedburgh Abbey and many cafes.
TRAIL SKILLS MOUNTAIN BIKING COACHING AND GUIDING with Liz. 1 day or 2 days coaching and exploring without the stress of navigating or knowing where to go.
GLENTRESS MOUNTAIN BIKING WEBSITE Glentress Forrest is a mountain biking mecca deep in the heart of the Tweed Valley. Bike hire is also available.
BIKE SHOP AND REPAIRS IN KELSO Simon Porteous