It is perhaps apt that the first trip of 2024 is a return to Moffat in Scotland, as that is where we finished 2023.
Scotland has so many excellent motorcycling roads that if you stick a pin in a map, you’ll likely come back talking about epic roads and stunning scenery.
The trip to Moffat in September ’23 left me with a profound sense of needing to return. While there, I kept spotting roads to ride, but with the clock ticking, there wasn’t enough time to visit them all.
Granted, in late March and early April (when I’m going back), the weather is not guaranteed to play long.
Some say the weather is always a consideration when visiting Scotland, regardless of the time of year, but that is a little harsh.
If the weather cooperates, a good trip is always epic, and for the other days … well, that is what decent textiles are for.
Making Plans
Last time, we had a route for the day, yet the first planned turn off the A701 north from Moffat was closed, which threw a spanner in the plan for the rest of the day.
After a quick squint at the map, we decided that we would have a good day no matter which way we went. We continued north, taking any road that we thought might be interesting. And that was the problem – if you can call an abundance of wonderfulness a “problem” – all the good roads we left behind.
By luck, one of the roads we took was the A708, passed St Mary’s Loch, and ended up at the Glen Café.
Chatting with the other bikers there – it is a popular tea stop with excellent cakes – I was told that although the landscape around St Mary’s Loch is stunning, if I wanted cosmic, some real off-the-chart beauty, then I’d missed the turn at the old AA box a few miles back.
So here I am again, drawing digital lines on electronic maps and trying in vain to ensure I don’t miss anything – which I will – over the two free days I have in Moffat.
Moffat Based Routes
Should you find yourself in a similar situation – “stuck” in Moffat with two days spare – the routes below come in different flavours.
The adventurous route takes the road less travelled. The roads are narrow and, in places, resemble more of a tarmac pathway than a road, but they are tarmac end to end.
The payoff for taking the adventurous route is the views, so if it is raining, misty, or essentially anything other than a decent day, I’d most likely take the standard routes that follow the more established roads.
Although we have called them adventurous routes … they’re not really. If you are happy with narrow roads, some broken road surfaces and the occasional sprinkling of gravel, they are just another ride.
If you have a route that you would like to share, get in touch and with the Editor, and we will do our best to include it. Download, ride and enjoy. What could possibly go wrong? All the motorcycle touring routes are GPX 1.1 version files.
All of the motorcycle touring routes are provided “as is” without guarantee, liability or any assurances. The lawyers said we had to include that sentence. All we can tell you is that we had an excellent time planning and riding them.
Peebles Loop
Peebles Loop - Points To Ponder
The Peebles Loop initially heads northeast on the A708 away from Moffat, passing St Mary’s Loch and on towards Selkirk.
The A708 will take you all the way to Selkirk, but if you are following the adventurous-minded route below, you’ll take the turnoff onto the B7009 at Yarrow.
The first four miles to Kirkhope are narrow, but after that, it opens out.
Once at Tweedbank, you can choose the A7 to Stow or the adventurous route via a single-track road, which doesn’t have a number but also goes to Stow.
Either option will make you smile, albeit for different reasons.
Heading away from Stow, you can either follow the A7 to Gorebridge or take the B6368 to the A68 and then the no-number road through Crighton to rejoin the A7 shortly before the left turn onto the B6372.
After 5 miles, the B6372 takes a right turn towards Penicuik. If you are following the adventurous route, then carry straight on to Gladhouse; otherwise, follow the B6372.
The two routes converge again in Biggar, then follow the A702 to Abington, where they parallel the A74(M) back to Moffat
Peebles Loop - Adventurous
Talla Reservoir
Talla Reservoir - Point To Ponder
You choose which route to follow for the Talla Reservoir as you leave Moffat. The adventurous route uses the A701 for 14 miles and then turns right onto Silver Jubilee Road.
The 12-mile run takes you past the Talla and Megget reservoirs before joining the A708. The standard route goes directly to St Mary’s Loch via the A708 and misses the reservoir.
Six miles after St Mary’s Loch, turn left onto the B709. Although the road can get a little narrow in places, they are often used by logging wagons, with room to pass if you meet one coming the other way.
After 15 miles, the B709 turns right. Don’t take the turn; keep heading north on what is now B7007. There is a snow gate at the changeover point.
Five further miles on, the adventurous are looking for the left turn to Middleton. The road doesn’t have a number.
The Middleton section is narrow. The standard route takes the A7 to Gorebridge and joins the B6372 a few miles north.
As you start heading south, the route is similar to the Peebles Circuit, taking the A701 back to Moffat. The A702 is a few miles further west and joins up with the A74(M) if you are riding both routes and would like the variety. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed the A701 – perhaps a little too much.
Talla Reservoir - Adventurous
If you are so inclined, consider buying us a cup of coffee. We drink enough of the stuff while planning these routes.
