Tour O’ The Borders: Riding Through Scotland’s Cycling Heartland
On Sunday 7 September, I rose with the larks, headed for Peebles, and joined over 2000 fellow riders at the start line of Tour O’ The Borders. If you’ve not heard of it, this is the Scottish Borders’ flagship cycling sportive — a closed-road ride that’s as much about camaraderie and scenery as it is about leg-burning climbs. And of course no Tour O The Borders would be complete without the legendary macaroni pies!
Crossing the Finish Line with Partner in Crime Christine Anderson
The 7.00 am start had that electric buzz you only get at mass-start events: the hum of conversation, final checks of air pressure, last chance to wolf down one more banana, before attaching the digital timer and heading for the starting line. A car-free road awaited - a rare luxury for cyclists.
Starting from Peebles, the route passed through some of the finest scenery Borders has to offer: sweeping glens, hidden valleys, quaint villages, and not forgetting the sheep! The climbs were steady but testing, and the descents — pure joy. It was particularly satisfying coming down The Devil’s Beeftub, after the slog of having to ascend it back in June during the Ride To The Sun! The long, leg-burning grind up the Grey Mair’s Tail Climb was rewarded with a long and steep descent where riders could either take it easy, or test their nerves, depending on their choice. And St Mary’s Loch was breathtakingly beautiful.
The feed stations were phenomenal. A special shout-out has to go to Forsyths of Peebles, who supplied the legendary macaroni pies. The Empire biscuits were a close rival, and together they set a new standard for sportive snacks. It was Scottish hospitality at its best — generous, hearty, and delivered with a smile. Special thanks must also go to the volunteers who manned the stations, and kept everybody’s energy topped up, and encouraged us on our way. They played a huge part in the success of the day.
The organisation throughout was faultless. From the pre-event information pack (which made planning easy), to slick registration, excellent facilities on the day, timing chips that meant no faffing, and smooth start/finish logistics — it all ran like clockwork. Even the distance markers at every kilometre were a masterstroke: tiny signs that became major motivators as the miles ticked by.
What struck me most wasn’t just the route, spectacular as this was, but also the atmosphere; the buzz at the start, the cameraderie along the way, and the huge sense of achievement at the finish line. With medals in hand and legs like lead, it was time for a well-earned coffee!
The 2025 Route Map
(Source: Tour O’ The Borders)
Download GPX files:
Full Route (120km, ~1,200m climbing)
Challenge Route (88.8km, ~940m climbing
These routes are the heart of the event. If you’re eyeing up the full route, brace yourself for big ascents and equally rewarding descents. The challenge route is shorter, but no less stunning — ideal if you want to soak up the atmosphere without quite as much leg-burn.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Tour O’ The Borders is more than a sportive — it’s a love letter to Scottish cycling. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, ticking off a bucket-list ride, or simply fancy a day out in the saddle among stunning scenery (with top-class snacks), this event delivers.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have an entire region open its roads just for you — make a date with the Borders next September. You won’t regret it.
