Space to Play: A day trip full of adventure
Discover activity and adventure just 20 miles from Edinburgh city centre
The landscapes of the Tweed Valley are prime playground for all manner of outdoor activity. Hilltops and ridges, forests and woodlands, old drove roads and the mighty Tweed – one of Scotland’s great rivers – all present opportunities for adventures in the wild.
This spring season, escape the city to spend an action-packed day in the safe hands of those who know these landscapes best.
Stop 1:
Start your day with some first-class bike coaching. Thousands head to Glentress every year to ride the tracks that the world’s fastest mountain bikers raced at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs. You may not be riding at that level (yet), but there’s every chance you will be after a session with an expert Ridelines or Dirt School coach. Hire bikes at Alpine Bikes Glentress or eBike Hire Scotland.
Stop 2:
Perfectly located for pre- or post-ride refreshments, Riders Retreat at Glentress is a haven for mountain bikers, road cyclists, hikers and more. Top up the energy levels with a nourishing lunch at the retreat’s Handlebar and Grill – and take in the gorgeous views of Horsburgh Castle from the outdoor terrace if the Scottish weather permits.
Stop 3:
The River Tweed and tributaries provide hidden dipping pools, idyllic river spots and atmospheric reservoirs for wild swimming. Join wild swim guide Ingrid Campbell – recently featured on Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim – for an afternoon session in the fresh waters of the Tweed. Whether a complete beginner or a seasoned dipper, Tweed Valley Wilding has an adventure tailored just for you.
Stop 4:
Once dried off and enjoyed a wild foraged tea with Ingrid, take an early evening walk on one of the valley’s peaceful, riverside trails. A short loop through Toll Wood on the outskirts of Innerleithen or a lap of local’s favourite, the Three Bridges in Peebles will reward with spectacular views and, depending on the season, a glimpse of some of our much-loved wildlife – including herons, ospreys, dippers and otters.
Stop 5:
Before winding your way back to the city, enjoy some local hospitality. ‘Life-affirming beer’ is the star of the show at Durty Brewing – a small but stylish taproom in Innerleithen – and gastropub The Horseshoe Inn (Eddleston village) is ideally located for a hearty bite on the way home. You might even find yourself tempted to stay the night in one of the inn’s cosy rooms, located in the former Victorian schoolhouse!
Further info
Exploring the Tweed Valley’s many attractions by bus, by bike and on foot couldn’t be easier. It’s a great way to take in all that this beautiful corner of Scotland has to offer – and one of the most sustainable ways to travel.
For bus connections from Galashiels to Edinburgh – via Innerleithen, Glentress, Peebles and Eddleston – check out Borders Buses (x62 service) or download the Traveline Scotland app. Look out for special bike-friendly double decker buses on the x62 service, with racking for four bike spaces on each service. And for much more to see and do once here in the Tweed Valley, while a way a few hours exploring the website!
Photo credits: Ian Linton; Gareth Easton/Eastgate Theatre; plus individual businesses.