Distance: 10km (6.5 miles) approx
Map: OS Landranger 73
Start and Finish: The car park at Yair Bridge
Terrain: Hardpack, Fire Roads and Singletrack
You can access the route from Galashiels, Selkirk or Innerleithen by following the
A707 or the B7060 towards Yair Bridge. The car park is on the forest side of the
river, about 500 metres down from the bridge.
Your first task is a steep climb; this starts from the edge of the car-park, the
climb lasts about 700m, keep going straight on until you reach the fire road. Turn
right and follow the fire road up the rest of the moderate climb, over the ridge
and take the left fork when the road branches. This arcs left and continues up;
on your right you’ll get a nice view of the local landscape stretching off into the
distance.
Keep heading up the fire road past the quarry on your left hand side, keep going
until it flattens out. It gradually climbs upwards until you cross the Southern
Upland Way (S-U-W)*.
Keep heading up the fire road (don’t worry - you will be flying down the S-U-W soon
enough!). The fire road goes straight, then round to the right for approx. one and
a half kilometres. There’s a gradual descent, followed by a steady incline that
continues for about another kilometre round to the left. You will come to a junction,
take the left fork. Carry on straight, enjoying the incredible vistas to your right,
until you reach the next path on your left. Turn left there, up a short 100m steep
climb, and turn left when you reach the edge of the forest on to the S-U-W.
Your conquest is nearly in sight; head up this 200m section of S-U-W, and at the
top admire the incredible views from “The Three Brethern”. Pat yourself on the back
for reaching the height of 464m, and prepare yourself for 464m of downhill (well,
almost..).
With the cairns to your right, and facing south towards Selkirk take the left hand
path - not the one which is over the gate. This path is immensely enjoyable, but
very bumpy; the sort of terrain that repays investment in bicycle suspension. After
about 800m the path verges left and joins with the S-U-W. Be careful of walkers
(because by now you should be at break-neck speed), and of drainage bars which cross
the path - you’ll either need to slow right down, or skillfully bunny-hop over them.
The choice is yours. This path is not as hard packed as the first section, so take
care.
Slow down as you come to the intersection, and head straight across the fire road
(which you tackled on your way up), down a great single-track section, after about
500m turn right back onto another fire road. Continue straight down, being careful
to ease into the corners as the surface can be loose and dusty, for about 2km. Passing
the nature reserve pond on your right, keep going until you come across a track to
your left. Head along this narrow path down another fast descent, turn sharp left
at the bottom and you should have the car park in sight.
