Borders Driving Roads Recommendations

[andy_l]

Every year for the last five or six years we’ve made the journey from Norwich up to Scotland for a tour around the Highlands. It’s probably time for a change of scenery, so we thought that this year rather than a big tour we would base ourselves in Edinburgh with the in-laws and explore the Borders.

I’m familiar with the A701 down to Moffatt, the A68 and A7, and plan on a JC pilgrimage to Duns and Chirnside. Any advice on other great routes would be much appreciated

Thanks

Andy

[andy_l]

(At the risk of sounding needy...) No one?

[duggiesmith]

The B709 from Innerleithen is usually good for a blast, as long as there's no snow.
Great views over to Edinburgh too.

[Dominic]

I have been on quite a few borders runs on some stunning roads. In typical SE style, I was following the guy in front and have no idea where I have been.

There are others on here who are route gurus (calling Campbell).... I am sure someone will be along soon.

[Ferg]

Hi Andy,

Don't know the roads hugely well but a favourite boarders destination is St.Mary's loch. Lovely photo oportunity at the top.

BTW I made the Rannoch station suggestion on SELOC

[andy_l]

I have been on quite a few borders runs on some stunning roads. In typical SE style, I was following the guy in front and have no idea where I have been.

I'm the same on some of the Seloc runs round Norfolk

Thanks for the ideas folks. Plans are starting to come together

[Victor Meldrew]

Newcastleton is a popular stop off place, nice little hotel for lunch.

[Lazydonkey]

Just watch out for the boys in blue. Lots of static cameras and mobile speed traps

I was lucky to keep my license last time i went to the in-laws in Greenlaw (near Duns)

[DJ]

I’m familiar with the A701 down to Moffatt, the A68 and A7, and plan on a JC pilgrimage to Duns and Chirnside. Any advice on other great routes would be much appreciated

Thanks

Andy

If going to Duns, head north out of the town and after a couple of miles turn left to join the B6355 that goes past the Whiteadder reservoir and over to a place called Gifford. From there you can cut over to the A7 to go back south. I don't like the A68 as has too many speed cameras).

B6355 is a great wee road and is my summer evening loop run of choice, but can also have a few cyclists on it too so watch those blind corners.

[tut]

Just watch out for the boys in blue. Lots of static cameras and mobile speed traps

I was lucky to keep my license last time i went to the in-laws in Greenlaw (near Duns)

I'm sorry but you deserve to lose your licence if you do not stick to the speed limits.

tut

[campbell]

Meant to do a comprehensive write up Andy. Apols.

Drop me a PM if no word from me this week

[james.beaumont1]

A701 and 697 are both great roads if you don't get stuck in traffic.

[Andy G]

stay off the A68 & A7 as much as you can - they are crap.

If you head for St Marys Loch from Moffat, A708. take the road up past the Loch - after that the B709 is great fun - heading south - in fact most of the B roads there are worth exploring. After St Marys loch the run to Selkirk is Ok, but far from inspiring, and the B roads I'm referring to are perfect Elise roads.

A6088 from Hawick to Carter Bar via Bonchester Bridge is good fun also - again watch the weather. Theres another B road off that also that heads to Newcastleton which is fun.

If you like getting airborne (6 times in about 1.5 miles one of them is a major jump - known as the Gattonside bumps) , the B6360 is quite good fun, from Tweedbank (just outside Melrose) across to Smailholm, and if you take the turning for Dryburgh Abbey, you'll pass Scots View which is stunning, and then from there, Kelso is in easy reach.

B6365 is quite good fun also, but watch the weather - last time I went there was a lot of snow, and it made things interesting in the Gt3. Duns to Haddington.

TBH there are loads of good roads in the borders, just get off the main ones and play!

[andy_l]

Thanks everyone for your advice, I'll start drawing up routes.

I was sent what I can only describe as the Tom Rootes Borders Bible and am now overwhelmed with ideas

[rossybee]

Just dug this out from over ten years ago when I co-organised Lotus 7 Club "Borders Blats"

Hope this helps - some great roads involved - and some SE chaps attended - ISTR Stu Pollock and I fair nipping along in convoy

And agree about Newcastleton for a lunch stop

Leave Peebles heading east A72
TR B709
XR Over A708 B709
Follow signs Langholm B709
At Langholm TR A7
TL B6318 - Claygate
XR Left B6357 - Newcastleton
Follow all the way up to C200 Killdeer Road
TR C200 Kielder
Follow c200 past Keider till you get to Bellingham - Lunch
North out of Bellingham B6320 - Otterburn
XR Over A68 B6320 Otterburn
TR A68 - Jedburgh - Fast!
TL A6088 Hawick
TL A698 Hawick
Pick up A7 thro Hawick
Head South A7
TR B711 - Roberton
TR B709 - Selkirk
TL B709 - Peebles
XR Over A708 B709 - Peebles
Finish