Duns Red Route
- 39 km
- 450 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 450 m
- 39 km
Route overview
Suitable for cyclists ready for moderate climbing over a 38.7 km route with some busy main roads.
38.7 km loop cycle route starting and finishing at Edrom in the Scottish Borders with 450 m climbing.
The Duns Red Route is a 38.7 km loop starting near Lintlaw and passing through Grantshouse, Butterdean, Quixwood, Whiteburn, and Abbey St Bathans before reaching Edrom again. The first half includes 67% of the climbing, with the highest point at 245 m reached around km 3.9. The ride has four main climbs: the longest is 2.6 km from km 1.2 with an average gradient of 5.6%, and the steepest 500 m section reaches 7.6% around km 11.9. The route mainly follows minor roads (79%) but includes 7.3 km on main roads, all without cycle lanes and posted at speeds of 80 km/h or more, including a 3.4 km stretch on the B6365. Almost the entire route (99%) is paved, with just 1% gravel or unpaved. There is a long stretch of 20 km from the start with no café, shop, or water source, though The Woodlands Cafe is available off-route near km 20.
Highlights
- Climb to 245 m near Shannabank Hill
- Descent of 2.9 km from km 5.5
- Route passes Duns Law at km 30
- Ruins of Blanerne Castle near 36.3 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1.2 km | 2.6 km | 148 m | 5.6 % | 7.8 % | 245 m |
| — | 8.6 km | 1.7 km | 50 m | 3.1 % | 4.3 % | 174 m |
| — | 11.5 km | 1.3 km | 67 m | 5 % | 7.8 % | 226 m |
| — | 20 km | 3.4 km | 82 m | 2.4 % | 4 % | 232 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 79% minor road · 19% main road · 2% quiet street
- Main roads
- 7.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 7.3 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- B6365 (3 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 29% climbing · 26% descending · 45% flat
- Steep sections
- 2.7 km over 5% · 0.3 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 7.6% at 11.9 km
- Longest descent
- 2.9 km from 5.5 km, dropping 82 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 20 km, from 0 km to 20 km.
Food, water and shops
- 20 kmThe Woodlands Cafe · café · 50 m off route
Worth a stop
- 18 km — Strafontane Church (Site of) (archaeological site)
- 36.3 km — Blanerne Castle (ruins)
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 2 h 46 min
- Jun to Sep — daily highs of 16–19 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 7.3 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 7.3 km on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more
- 20 km with no café, shop, or water from start
- Steepest 500 m gradient is 7.6% at km 11.9