A Ride from Ashkirk in the Scottish Borders
A small village, just off the A7 between Hawick and Selkirk, Ashkirk was the starting point for my ride: distance 74 km, ascent 1280 m.
I was staying there; arriving by car, you will find parking on the first road to the right.
The road signposted to Ettrickbridge climbs with short sections of 10%. After the first of many cattlegrids, I passed two walkers setting out for the Three Abbeys Way.
Sign for the Three Abbeys Way long distance walk.
From here the road descends to cross another cattlegrid by some farm buildings before a T junction where I turned left, continuing on the C19 to join the B7009. Both roads were much better surfaced than I am used to around London and particularly in Buckinghamshire. I prefer sheep as road hazards to potholes.
Route map for Ride From Ashkirk
With little traffic it was an easy ride, climbing at first then descending to a right hand bend over a bridge across Ettrick Water into the village of Ettrickbridge. On the left is the Crook Maker’s house and garden.
Ettrick Water from the bridge as the road enters Ettrickbridge
Riding through the village I took a road on the right signed for the Tour of the Borders Sportive which was due to take place on 4 September. From the map I had expected this to be an interesting climb; its inclusion on the Sportive route confirmed my expectations - or fears.
Shortly before the road began to ascend there was another cattle grid - of course - but more large stones and debris than usual. Riders in a bunch would need to take care here!
Large stones and debris immediately after the cattle grid - and just before the climb
I like the ClimbPro feature on the Garmin Edge cycle computers - with some reservations. Towards the top of the climb it alerted me to a section with 16-18% gradients; fortunately this was proved an overestimate as the Garmin adjusted itself to my speed.
Only 7% to the top
Two younger, fitter riders passed me before I reached the summit. The reward was a long descent, marked by hazard warnings for sportive riders.
Long descent - yellow sign warns sportive riders of a hazardous descent
The route brought me out to the A708, another well surfaced road with very little traffic. Turning left on to the B709 (signed to Langholm and Hawick) at the Gordon Arms, an historic coaching inn, now a restaurant with rooms, I soon crossed the Yarrow Water as the road turned right.
Yarrow Water just south of the Gordon Arms
A left turn on to the B711 took me to Ale Water. It was only while researching background for this blog that I learned that It meets the Teviot south of the village of Ancrum, and it runs through Ashkirk and Lilliesleaf. A short, sharp climb took me to a left hand bend on the B711, where I turned right on a minor road. Shade from the sun was really welcome as the day was getting quite warm. Less welcome was my first encounter with Scottish midges. Fortunately I was able to ride through and away fairly quickly.
Shade but midges too
