Abbotsford House and Gardens – River Ettrick loop from Melrose

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Abbotsford House and Gardens – River Ettrick loop from Melrose

Moderate

5.0

(1)

riders

Abbotsford House and Gardens – River Ettrick loop from Melrose

02:23

38.3km

280m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

586 m

Gattonside Suspension Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This impressive suspension footbridge spans the River Tweed from Melrose to the village of Gattonside.

It was opened in 1826 and is an early surviving example of this type of …

Tip by

3.12 km

Skirmish Hill

Highlight • Historical Site

The hill's name likely derives from the bloody 1526 engagement, which, despite its significant scale, was perhaps simplified over time in local folklore.

Tip by

6.32 km

Abbotsford House and Gardens

Highlight • Castle

Abbotsford was the home of Sir Walter Scott. He built the house and laid out the gardens after the success of his literary work. The house was finished in 1824 …

Tip by

6.89 km

Upper Thicket

Forest

10.4 km

River Ettrick

Highlight • River

River Ettrick is noted for its salmon and trout fishing

Tip by

19.9 km

Upper Loch, Bowhill House Estate

Highlight • Viewpoint

This gorgeous little Loch on the Bowhill House Estate is a beautiful place to while away a few hours, walking or cycling along the shores and through the Beech forests …

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22.4 km

Junctionhaugh Plantation

Forest

32.7 km

View of Abbotsford House

Highlight • Castle

Abbotsford is the preserved home of the man who popularised tartan, saved Scottish bank notes and was a celebrated novelist: Sir Walter Scott.

Admission to the house, chapel and gardens …

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34.1 km

Redbridge Viaduct

Highlight • Structure

The Redbridge Viaduct is a substantial 19th century viaduct built for the Edinburgh to Hawick line. It’s now used as a pedestrian and cycle route, with a traffic-free link to Tweedbank station.

Tip by

35.5 km