A 2-Day Mountain Biking Break in the Scottish Borders

If you don't have a mountain bike of your own, pay a visit to Tweed Valley Bike Hire which has a fleet of over 150 premium bikes, from full-suspension models to kid-sized versions. Not sure which one is right for you? Head to the Glentress Bike Shop which has top-end demonstration bikes available to try in store, plus a full range of cycling attire and protective gear for sale, and a quick repair and suspension service as well. There are even electronic-powered bikes for hire.

Whether you're a veteran biker or a complete newcomer to cycling, we can all benefit from a few lessons. Improve your cycling skills while soaking up some extraordinary scenery with the Dirt School, home to the best mountain bike coaching in the business. In addition to running the BASE Mountain Biking Course - a unique advanced level training course and qualification - Andy and his team also offer private one-on-one training, child classes, informal ride-outs and day-long sessions; all based out of Innerleithen and Glentress. 

It's best to take it gently on your first day, especially if you happen to be an entry-level cyclist or are riding with children. Start with the beginner and intermediary graded green and blues trails at Glentress. Located just 45 minutes south of Edinburgh, savour the gentle winding loops through dense woodlands of Scots pine and gravel paths along grassy banks before attempting the more demanding blue and red trails that twist and turn on hills high above the River Tweed.

Situated at the foot of the Glentress Forest, is the Glentress Hotel is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Stop by the hotel restaurant for a hearty lunch or dinner, or why not order the 'Big Biker's Breakfast' from the take-away menu? It will provide you with all the sustenance and energy you need for the active morning ahead. The hotel even provides a massage therapy service to treat any tired and aching muscles in need of attention. 

If you are looking to stay in Innerleithen, Cleikum Mill Lodge is a favoured self-catering option among groups of cyclists and walkers. Spread across two floors of a historic mill, it offers comfortable and meticulously kept accommodation, well-equipped kitchens, and storage and drying facilities.

Discover routes away from the well-worn cycle trails with the help of a qualified and enthusiastic mountain bike leader with an extensive knowledge of the Tweed Valley.

With a network spanning over 100 km of hand-built trails throughout the valley, it can be difficult knowing where to start your cycle journey. With a leader, discover trails you might not have encountered otherwise, covering all kinds of terrain and elevations.

If you're determined to experience as much of the valley as possible, 'linkups' can also be arranged allowing you straightforward access to other mountain biking hotspots such as 'The Golfie', Thornilee, Yair, old drove roads and rights of way.

Take a break from all that cycling and treat yourself to a spot of retail therapy. Get a taste of the region's proud textile heritage with a visit to Findra. This homegrown active lifestyle brand operates its design hub and flagship store out of the former police station in Innerleithen. Browse a fantastic selection of practical but stylish active attire, woven from natural fibres including sumptuous, locally woven merino wood.

The historic Peebles High Street is brimming with unique boutiques and independent stores. If you’re looking for a gift or something for the home try Time & Tide and Tiger Lily. In the evenings, head to the Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre to enjoy some live music, a play or a comedy show. During the summer there are usually family-friendly film screenings as well as theatre shows for kids.

Keen to pack in some heart-racing downward trails? Why not save your energy and speed to the top of the hill with help of an uplift service. Basically, an uplift service organises shuttle transport for you and your bike to the top of a peak, maximising the time you can spend racing down the hillsides.

Adrenaline Uplift boast a fleet of mini-buses and trailers ready to transport tens of riders and their bikes to the upper levels of Innerleithen and neighbouring Ae Forest. Uplifts run every 15 minutes from the base, and you can make the most of the service with the great-value weekend pass.