Earlside and Denholm Loop

The route starts from the Heart of Hawick and follows the Newcastleton road by Slitrig Crescent. The route meanders along the the valley for about 5 miles before a short climb at Cogsmill. This road is extremely quiet with only the occasional car passing. Horse riders use this road frequently so its important to give them space, slow down and be prepared to stop. Once we have climbed at Cogsmill we turn left on to the Earlside road. This climbs gently over muir land. There are a couple of cattle grids to negotiate. Please slow down to cross these safely. This road then has a descent to the A6088. We then turn left on to this road and ride on it heading back towards Hawick for about 0.5 of a mile. The next turn is right on to an unclassified, single track road signposted to Denholm. Take care on this road, although it is very quiet we will meet the occasional car which we can let pass at passing places. The route is generally down hill to Denholm with a few twists and sharper corners on the way. We cross the busy A698 at Denholm. There are restricted sight lines at this junction so take care. We will regroup before crossing the junction together. We ride round the village square in Denholm taking the Minto/Hassendean road (B6405). This road is also very quiet , climbing gently to Hassendean where we join the B6359 back to Hawick. Before we get there we have the short climb up Horsleyhill. We return to Hawick at Burnfoot and follow the A7 back into town. This is a busy road where again we need to take care.

This is a weekly cycle ride for those interested in becoming more comfortable riding in a group and improving their cycle fitness. If you have ever been interested in joining a cycling club but are not sure what to expect or have been put off by thinking the pace of the rides will be too much this is for you. It is open to both men and women, families and accompanied youth riders. The route has been chosen for the quiet roads, to offer a wee bit of a challenge, but we will be sticking together, regrouping when necessary such as at the tops of climbs and sticking to a pace average of between 12.5 - 15 mph. It is suitable for riders with road, gravel and mountain bikes. E-bike riders are also welcome.

This is a 20 mile loop mainly on quiet B roads and unclassified roads through rolling hills. There are a couple of climbs at Cogsmill and at Horsley Hill. There is a short section A6088 that we ride between Hawick and Bonchester Bridge where traffic is heavier and faster, and we cross the A698 in Denholm, but other than that the roads will be very quiet.

This is an early evening ride when cafes on route will be closed, so no café stops. The ride should last between 1.25 and 1.5 hours. We will stop to regroup as necessary and at the top of the two climbs if riders need a short rest.

Please wear a helmet and suitable clothing for bike riding. It is also a good idea to carry a drinking bottle and have an energy bar or similar in your pocket. It is also important to carry a spare inner tube just in case you have a puncture. If you have tools for changing a tube that you can fit in your pocket please bring those as well.

Anyone new to group riding is very welcome to join the ride. Please not the distance of this ride and the planned average speed. If you are looking for a guided ride with a gentler pace we will be offering them too as part of planned series of guided rides in the Hawick area. Please check the Let's Ride website for details.