Cycle camping Peebles from Edinburgh

I’ve been wanting to get back into cycle-camping for a while now. It was something that our family did a lot of when I was growing up and I’ve missed it! Last week I took a quick overnight trip down to Peebles on the bike to test out my gear, and get at least one journey under my belt.

I started the trip heading out of Edinburgh through Eskbank, south of Bonnyrigg using National Cycle Route 1. I got out into the countryside, through Carrington, then Temple and up to the Moorfoot hills and on the B7007 and B709.

From there it was mostly downhill to Innerleithen, through a long valley. There were lots of sheep and birds, and very little traffic. In Innerleithen, I headed west along the old railway line, through orchards, fields, alongside the River Tweed.

I camped at Crossburn Camping and Caravan park, to the north of Peebles. As it was a Monday night the place was empty, save for one other bikepacker. The facilities were decent, although the promised “camp kitchen” was non-existent, but a shade on the expensive side.

I got fish and chips from Mario’s on the High Street, and wandered around the town. The place was decked out in red and white bunting for a local festival (virtual, due to Covid!).

The next day I cycled south of the Tweed, along the valley, past Innerleithen to Caddonfoot and Clovenfords. I stopped at the Clovenfords Hotel for coffee. I turned north on the B710 that follows west of the A7 and Gala Water. I turned west on the B709, looping back through Heriot and then north over the hill on the B7007 again. The descent into Edinburgh was decent, but it was frustrating to be back in traffic after two days of mostly country riding!

I’m looking forward to getting out cycle camping some more. Please do give me suggestions for routes. If you want to follow this trip to Peebles yourself, I have posted the route on Komoot.