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Melrose Abbey – Abbotsford House and Gardens loop from Melrose

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Melrose Abbey – Abbotsford House and Gardens loop from Melrose

Moderate

5.0

(1)

riders

Melrose Abbey – Abbotsford House and Gardens loop from Melrose

02:23

38.7km

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: May 28, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

361 m

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

1.17 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

6.69 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 and opened to the public after his death in 1833. It holds his amazing collection of books, weapons & artefacts.
Open for paid visits every day from 10:00 - 17:00 with last entry at 16:00. You can pay to visit the house and garden or just the garden for a bit less.

Tip by

7.25 km

Upper Thicket

Forest

10.8 km

River Ettrick

Highlight • River

River Ettrick is noted for its salmon and trout fishing

Tip by

20.2 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 that line them.

Undoubtedly the best time of year to visit is in the Autumn when the leaves are on the turn, although it can also be spectacular in the Spring.

Tip by

22.7 km

Junctionhaugh Plantation

Forest

33.1 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 are ticketed with modest prices. Do check opening times as this varies due to season.

There's also a gift shop, cafe and gardens, and a free minibus pick up from the nearby train station.

Tip by

34.5 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

35.8 km

Tempest Brewery

Highlight • Pub

Great little brewery nr tweedbank. decent beers, pale ales. Was needed for bothy stay to accompany my pasta in a bag!

Tip by

38.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

17.1 km

8.27 km

6.45 km

2.94 km

2.49 km

1.40 km

Surfaces

28.9 km

5.66 km

2.78 km

1.17 km

131 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (170 m)

Lowest point (80 m)

Weather

Thursday 16 July

20°C

11°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Melrose Abbey – Abbotsford House and Gardens loop from Melrose

Melrose Abbey

Gattonside Suspension Bridge

Abbotsford House and Gardens

River Ettrick

Upper Loch, Bowhill House Estate

View of Abbotsford House

Redbridge Viaduct

Tempest Brewery

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