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River Ettrick – Melrose Abbey loop from Bowhill House

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

River Ettrick – Melrose Abbey loop from Bowhill House

Hard

4.5

(2)

riders

River Ettrick – Melrose Abbey loop from Bowhill House

02:52

46.1km

450m

Cycling

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

Last updated: May 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

7.79 km

River Ettrick

Highlight • River

River Ettrick is noted for its salmon and trout fishing

Tip by

8.26 km

Old Tweed Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

Can fly along this car free section as long as you keep an eye on the surface. Beautiful old bridges at either end.

Tip by

8.64 km

The Old Tweed Bridge was opened by Sir Walter Scott in 1832 and served as the main link between Selkirk and Galashiels for 140 years.

It’s a three-span listed masonry arch that crosses the River Tweed. It now operates as a link for pedestrians and cyclists only after structural weaknesses meant it closed to vehicles in 2011.

Tip by

16.2 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

20.1 km

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 bridge.

There's a notice on the bridge advising no more than eight people at one time and no swinging.

Tip by

20.9 km

Melrose Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

The crumbling ruins of Melrose Abbey are an impressive site. Founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is a beautiful example of early masonry work. In 1385, Richard II's army destroyed most of the abbey. It is also thought to be the resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart, one of Scotland's national heroes. You can find more information, here: visitscotland.com/info/see-do/melrose-abbey-p247611.

Tip by

21.1 km

Market Square, Melrose

Highlight • Historical Site

Melrose is a nice little town with nice shops and pubs.

Tip by

23.0 km

Rhymer's Stone

Highlight • Historical Site

Rhymer’s Stone is large stone inscribed with the legend of Thomas the Rhymer.

It marks the site of the Eildon Tree under which, according to legends, Thomas The Rhymer met the Faerie Queen.

Tip by

46.1 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

23.9 km

16.1 km

4.53 km

829 m

453 m

365 m

Surfaces

37.7 km

7.76 km

576 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (280 m)

Lowest point (80 m)

Weather

Thursday 9 July

27°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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River Ettrick – Melrose Abbey loop from Bowhill House

River Ettrick

Old Tweed Bridge

Old Tweed Bridge

Redbridge Viaduct

Gattonside Suspension Bridge

Melrose Abbey

Market Square, Melrose

Rhymer's Stone

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