wanted – 50-60km route from Innerleithen

I've found the route for the Selkirk Merida – is this a good choice? We'll only be able to do one ride in the area (visiting from Spain) so I'd like it to be a good one.

You ideally need to chat to Obi-Twa. He lives down there and knows it better than most.

The long (88k) selkirk merida route's a good one. Which year though? It was different last year, not sure which I preferred though – it's a bit different riding on your own to caning it when there's a lot of folk out.

Merida route from last year is a good route, but instead of taking the descent through Broadmeadows youth hostel continue on to the 3 Brethren and descend back towards selkirk down corbie Linn. There are a couple of other variations that you could do too. Post back on here and I'll describe them to you.

Or perhaps better and shorter would be: Start Selkirk, do Duchess Drive, descend to Yarrowford, climb up Minch Moor road, turn left at the top, do a lap of Inners, then head back along Southern Upland Way to 3 Brethren and descend to Selkirk from there.

Hi Obi-Twa, sorry just saw your replies.

Starting at Inners would be perfect as that's where we're staying. How long are the routes you mention and is there a short-cut available? (I'm coming with a group of 18 riders and the ability levels are, er, mixed!

Here is a rough map of the better of the two routes.

When you are at Innerleithen XC just follow the XC route until you get to the top of Minch Moor then turn right at the first split in the descent.

If you let me know when you are heading over I may be able to show you round the place if I'm not busy.

Route length is roughly 35 miles but it is far from being flat – at a guess 7000-8000ft of ascent. Descents are fantastic though.

that's fantastic – thanks a lot. We'll be there on Sunday 29th August if you're around and fancy guiding 20 Spaniards around! (well a couple of non-Spaniards in that bunch too). Your beer, cake etc will obviously be provided.

Looks like it would be pretty easy to offer people a short-cut as the track meets between Minch Moor and Hare Law(?)

eck

Should be around that weekend. There are lots of opportunities to cut the route short or even add bits in if need be. Bump this thread closer the time and i'll see it and get in touch.

Fantastic, I'll do that. Thanks Obi_Twa, you were my only hope (sorry!)