Road · From the map · United Kingdom
Innerleithen Yellow Route
- 61 km
- 533 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 533 m
- 61 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders comfortable with moderate climbs and mixed road types over 61 km distance.
61 km loop in Scottish Borders from Innerleithen with 533 m climbing.
The Innerleithen Yellow Route is a 61.3 km loop starting and finishing in Innerleithen, passing through Walkerburn, West Bold, Glenbenna, Peel, Caddonfoot, Clovenfords, Stow, Watherston, Fountainhall, and Heriot. The route includes three main climbs: first from 12.8 km gaining 98 m over 2.8 km, second from 17.1 km gaining 107 m over 3.4 km, and a smaller climb from 46.9 km with 58 m gain over 2.4 km, reaching a high point of 376 m at 49.3 km. The low point is 123 m at 12.8 km, with half of the climbing in the first half of the route. The longest descent is 6.9 km long, dropping 175 m starting at 49.7 km. Most of the route is on paved surfaces (98%), mostly on minor roads (55%) and main roads (38%), with 1.5 km on cycle paths and small amounts on quiet streets, tracks, and paths. The B709 is the longest named road ridden, covering 21.2 km. However, 23 km are on main roads without a cycle lane, and 32.4 km are on roads with posted limits of 80 km/h or higher. There is a 2% section of gravel or unpaved surface. Along the route, there are nine places with shops, stops, or refuel options near the start and at several villages. A 34.1 km stretch from 26.4 km to 60.5 km has no café, shop, or water available. Bailout is possible at Stow station (26.3 km). The route passes near peaks including Pyat Hill, Bowshank Hill, Mid Hill, and Hillside Knowe. At the start and finish in Innerleithen, facilities include bike shops and cafés such as Loulabelles and The Sitooterie, and pubs like Out Out.
Highlights
- Climb starting at 12.8 km, 98 m gain
- Peak near 49.3 km at 376 m
- Longest descent 6.9 km long
- Scenic peaks near route: Pyat Hill, Bowshank Hill
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 12.8 km | 2.8 km | 98 m | 3.5 % | 7 % | 222 m |
| — | 17.1 km | 3.4 km | 107 m | 3.2 % | 6.8 % | 302 m |
| — | 46.9 km | 2.4 km | 58 m | 2.4 % | 3.6 % | 376 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 55% minor road · 38% main road · 2% cycle path · 2% quiet street
- Main roads
- 23 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 32.4 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 1.5 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- B709 (21 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 25% climbing · 25% descending · 50% flat
- Steep sections
- 1.3 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 8.8% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 6.9 km from 49.7 km, dropping 175 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 34 km, from 26 km to 61 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0.3 kmCaddon Court Mini Market · convenience store · 150 m off route
- 0.5 kmToilets · 60 m off route
- 0.6 kmDrinking water · 40 m off route
- 2.8 kmHenry Ballantyne Club · pub · 320 m off route
- 14.6 kmClovenfords Village Store · convenience store · on the route
- 26.4 kmThe Station House · pub · 90 m off route
- 60.6 kmLoulabelles · café · 60 m off route
- 60.6 kmDaymart · convenience store · 70 m off route
- 60.6 kmThe Bike Shop · bike shop · on the route
- 60.6 kmInnerleithen Pharmacy · pharmacy · 80 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 26.3 km — Stow (station), 90 m off route
Worth a stop
- 30.2 km — Pirn Knowe (peak)
- 35.2 km — Hodge Cairn Hillfort (archaeological site)
- 43.6 km — Little Dod (peak, 358 m)
- 52.7 km — Hillside Knowe (peak, 335 m)
At the start and finish
- The Bike Shop · bike shop · 360 m
- Loulabelles · café · 390 m
- The Sitooterie · café · 330 m
- Out Out · pub · 400 m
- Tweed Valley Bikes · bike shop · 450 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 4 h 23 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- No café, shop or water for 34.1 km from 26.4 km to 60.5 km
- 23 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 32.4 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limit
- 2% gravel or unpaved surface
