Out & About

Cleikum Mill Lodge self catering  Innerleithen is situated in the heart of the Tweed Valley, a perfect location to explore the history, culture, attractions and numerous events in the Scottish Borders, East and Mid Lothian.

Edinburgh is not too far away – its a great alternative place to stay for events in the City as well.

We have a comprehensive information pack with 14 suggested days out and huge range of leaflets to help you get as much information as easily as possible.

This helps make you make the most of your stay, the days out are in addition to the cycling information provided.

Mountain Biking

Glentress and Innerleithen are part of the 7 Stanes and have a wide variety of well-maintained trails to suit every level and are rideable in most weather conditions. A number of local companies provide guiding and lessons including Ridelines,and Dirt School.

Innerleithen is famous for is DH Trails and the network of Enduro Trails that are on the surrounding hillsides.  Built by local riders, these are natural trails and are very rewarding to ride and practice on in preparation for the regular events that take place on them throughout the year.

Innerleithen has a red grade XC loop which starts with a big single-track climb to the top of Minch Moor Hill where the views are superb and rewards confident riders with a brilliant descent into the valley below.

There is plenty of choice for riding drove roads and tracks across the hills and down into neighbouring valleys, from Innerleithen. A ride to the Three Brethren is a local favourite as is Gypsy Glen.

 

Innerleithen trail map download here-

fls-7stanes-routecard-innerleithen (1)     (3 mins ride  from Cleikum Mill Lodge).

Glentress Trail Centre Map download here  ( 6km along the bike path from Innerleithen.)  fls-7stanes-routecard-glentress (4)                        

Adrenalin Uplift provide an uplift service at Innerleithen Friday to Monday (and mid week Wednesday evenings in summer,and other days for group bookings) so you can put all your energies into enjoying the thrill of the downhills. 

Glentress is one of the most popular trail centres for a reason.  It has a vast network of maintained man-made all-season  trails to cater for all riders and all abilities – the trails are graded green, blue , red or black with marker posts guiding you round the forest.

The visitor centre has a cafe, bike shop, bike hire and showers etc.  No matter how many times you ride a trail at Glentress you cannot help grinning!

Glentress also has network of enduro trails for experienced riders. 

Natural Trails

There are routes over the hills on ancient drove roads and forestry tracks , even the shorter ones feel remote , so need need to be super fit to enjoy them. 

Sometimes its nice to leave the trail centres and take your swim suit and picnic!

Check our website  www.bikevalleytrails.co.uk  for a selection of  handpicked graded bike routes all starting from along the Tweed valley Railway path.

Road Cycling 

The roads around the Borders are stunning for road cycling, with minimal traffic and justifiably are  among the best bike routes in Scotland . 

There is a popular family friendly tarmac  cycle path beside the River Tweed , links Innerleithen with Walkerburn .,Glentress and Peebles  its flat and mainly traffic free. check out our site www.bikevalleytrails.co.uk  for the best road bike routes in the area.

Gravel Riding

Glorious Tweed Valley gravel surrounds us taking riders on some stunning circuits of the area some events are held here each year.

Check out our web site at bikevalleytrails.co.uk for our handpicked routes for gravel bikes and hardtail mtb. Choose from a selection of graded routes with some amazing views.

Walking

Innerleithen is a wonderful location for walking, with lots of easy local circular walks, a flat multi-purpose path along the river to Peebles and Walkerburn and plenty of all-day walks , or just take an evening stroll by the river or in the forest  after dinner , its only a few minutes a away and lovely as the sun sets.
There are walks to suit everyone with few people on the trails, so making the hills and fresh air feel extra special. We have maps to assist route choice – and some walks can be linked with local bus routes.
The council leaflets provide details of a number of local walks from Innerleithen and surrounding towns, along with details of long-distance trails in the area such as the Southern Upland Way – Scotland’s Coast-to-Coast route. The Borders Walking festival changes its location every year, but provides a great opportunity to explore the local areas in the company of others.

The Grey Mares Tail is a short drive away and their lots of options of circular walks at St Marys Loch , the Southern Upland Way and even the coast (an hour away.)

Fishing

The River Tweed provides excellent fishing all year round with salmon, brown trout and grayling all fished in the area. Useful sites include Fish Pal Tweed  and Tweed Guide. Permits can be bought in the High Street. Family friendly options available as well.

Golf

There are a number of golf courses nearby at Innerleithen, Cardrona and Peebles and fun with the family putting at Kalzie Gardens too.

I asked a group of recent golfers for tips to pass onto future guests as I am not a golfer.

I quote.

“Thursday we played Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club and Roxburgh Golf Club on the way over. Both amazing golf clubs. The views in Dunstanburgh are unrivalled and such good value for money. Roxburgh was a very challenging course in great condition. Definitely recommend a buggy for that course as it’s so long.

On Friday we played Innerleithen which is a 9 hole course that have different tee positions for the back 9. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I thought it was going to be a pitch and putt course but I was surprised at how good some of the course was. And value for money! It was so reasonably priced.
On the afternoon we played the Cardrona Hotel which is another must have a buggy to play course. It’s so long! But it’s also a great course. A few of the lads said it was the best course they’d played.
Last year when we came we played Peebles Golf Course, which is a great course with a really good clubhouse for food.
Another course I’d recommend that’s not far from you is Torwoodlee, which is a little gem of a place.
It’s not for people that are unfit as there are some serious climbs on the course but some holes are very picturesque.
You’re actually spoiled in the Borders for Golf courses.
Such beautiful surroundings and always well maintained.
Looking forward for a return to play some more.”
 

Horse Riding

Kailzie Equestrian Centre is within a few minutes drive and can arrange ponies and horses for all ages.

Other activities

Go Ape – A few miles down the road at Glentress, Go Ape provides a great experience for thrill seekers big and small (although there are age and height restrictions).
Robert Smail’s Print works – A living museum of the thriving print firm in the Borders.
Alpacas – Velvet Hall Alpacas provide opportunities to meet and walk their fluffy residents.
Traquair House – Traquair House is a lovely day out, with a maze, café, brewery, tours of the house and also hosts numerous interesting events throughout the year.
Kailzie Gardens – Kailzie Gardens has a cafe, putting green, fly-fishing pond and garden walks.

Dawyck Botanic gardens. (seasonal).

Polish Map of Scotland 

Castles to explore

The Borders Distillery at Hawick

Choice of Spas and wellness centres to relax and unwind ,ask us for details.

Afternoon teas and local cuisine a choice of some fantastic food  locally or further away on a day trip out.

Melrose – approx 30 mins
Kelso and Jedbough – approx 45 mins
Edinburgh – approx 1 hour by car – a vibrant city  ( or go by bus from outside or by Border Rail form nearby Galashiels)
Beaches at North Berwick – approx 1 hour by car .