Cycling in the Scottish Borders

The 4 Abbeys is a 56 mile circular route linking the four main abbeys in the Scottish Borders at Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh.
The route follows mainly quiet roads, although short stretches on ‘A‘ roads are unavoidable, a scenic route that takes in many historic interest points in the region either on the route or close by. The route is moderate with a couple of steep but fairly short hills. It is normally tackled in a clockwise direction, but can be done either way. If required stops can be made in Melrose, St Boswells, Kelso or Jedburgh and the route can be started or finished from these locations.

Please allow at least 7 hours 45 minutes to complete it, excluding the time taken to enjoy the destinations along the way.

The Scottish Borders offer some of the finest cycling routes in the UK - even if there's no getting past the fact that the Southern Uplands do feature rather a lot of hills!

As we are all looking for more sustainable ways of living, even in our holidays, Bowden House B&B is now actively encouraging our guests to explore the Scottish Borders in alternative ways. Unfortunately up until now a car was a necessity to go places as our public transport system is negligible but Ebikes came to the rescue! You can arrive in Tweedbank by train and your means of transport is already waiting at your favourite guest house.

We have teamed up with Borders Ebike Hire to entice our visitors to explore our region on two power assisted wheels. Ebikes are a great way of getting fit without needing to be a super athlete as you can spend a day leisurely peddling around our beautiful landscape. Give it a try if you're looking for a new holiday activity!

What is an Ebike exactly?
An E-bike has all the normal features of a conventional bicycle but with the added benefit of a battery powered motor to help you on your way. The battery allows you to do a daily milage between 40 and 90 miles - depending on how much assistance you require.

What are the rental cost for an Ebike:
The rental price is GBP30/day with discounts available if hiring for several days.

How can I rent an Ebike?
Please click on the link provided and discuss your rental requirement directly with Borders Ebike Hire. They will then deliver the bike directly to us.

Our big breakfasts, packed lunches and storage/drying facilities for bikers will set you up perfectly for a great day 's cycling.
What are you waiting for?

One of the great beauties of riding in the Scottish Borders isn’t necessarily the spectacular landscape – although it truly is beautiful – or the wonderfully quiet roads, but the history of this great area. Turn any corner and you are presented with a ruined castle, ancient drove road or evidence of the turbulent times it has seen as a borderland.
Check out this beautiful circular ride and discover the magnificent Borders' countryside yourself.
Distance 55.2 miles (88.9km)
Climbing 1432m (4698ft)
Grade Medium Duration 3-5 hours