A survey of Scottish Borders cyclists has unveiled a little known scenic circular route “Megget and Talla” as the best in the region.  Conducted by the Scottish Borders Recreational Cycling Group to discover the route in the area that local cyclists would most recommend visitors explore, “Megget and Talla” a challenging 53 mile circuit, received 50% of the survey vote.

Neen Kelly, Recreational Cycling Officer for the Scottish Borders explained:

“The Scottish Borders is  Scotland’s leading cycling destination. The quiet scenic roads make this area a road cycling paradise. Local cyclists always know the very best routes, ones that visitors to the area might not always find so we asked them to vote for their favourite day route. “Megget and Talla” came out on top and we have produced a guide to the route on our website so that more cyclists visiting the region can experience the “locals’ favourite”.”

The “Megget and Talla” route starts and ends in the central Borders town of Innerleithen. Travelling through stunning countryside and passing by historic Traquair House, it features a steep climb towards Megget Reservoir from which spectacular views of Broad Law (the Borders highest hill) can be enjoyed. It then descends towards Talla Reservoir, continues past the beautiful Dawyck Botanic Garden to the pretty town of Peebles and
follows the Tweed Valley back to Innerleithen.

Cyclists participating in the survey described the route as having fantastic views, great terrain/contours and as a good ride and a good challenge.

Other routes which featured in the survey included: Tweed & Ettrick Valleys (42 mile circular) which came second in the poll and the way marked 4 Abbeys Route (55 miles) which was third.

Other great routes can be found here.

The film, shot by Calum Darling, is titled ‘The Men Who Would Be King’ and focuses on TweedLove Bike Festival’s major new enduro event  - the POC King & Queen of the Hill race at Glentress on 27 May 2012. It features Chris Ball and Ruaridh Cunningham checking out the course.

Check it out here.

Check it out here.

Put the date in your diary and come along.

More details on the full race can be found on the Tour of Britain site.

Newcastleton Cycling Festival summary

Invitation To Quote -SBRCG Schools activityFinalapril 2012

12-16 yrs

1st prize Neil Robertson

2nd Ewan Kennedy

3rd Sam Downey

4th  Callon Herd

17+

1st Ross Laidlaw    Langholm Cycling
Club

2nd Paul Pickett     Kielder

3rd Matt Williams  Run & Ride

This event forms parts of the Newcastleton Cycling Festival, a week long program of activities and cycling events taking place in and around the village of Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders.

The Scottish Borders Recreational Cycling Group is asking local cyclists to assist in its bid to further the region’s reputation as Scotland’s leading cycling destination by voting for their favourite cycling routes.

The results of the vote will be used in a marketing drive to bring visitors to try out the top choices.

Neen Kelly Recreational Cycling Officer for the Scottish Borders explained:

“Cyclists really value the opinion of their peers.  We want as many people as
possible who cycle in the Borders to complete a quick on-line poll to let us
know which cycle route they would recommend to someone visiting the area.  The results of the survey will become the focus for some of our marketing as we plan to use this insider knowledge to compile a list of top routes that we can then encourage cyclists from out with the area to come and try out for themselves.”

The survey is available to complete here. All those who participate stand the
chance of winning a £50 cycle shop voucher.

Neen continued: “I really hope local people will help us out, spend just two minutes completing the form and play a part in bringing more visitors to the Borders and boosting our economy.”

Julian Cram, member of the Scottish Borders Recreational Cycling Group and owner of Borders Cycles added: “The Borders benefits from brilliant, scenic cycle routes and a really enthusiastic and knowledgeable cycling fraternity. As a Group we are keen to take this  opportunity to shout about what our region has to offer and I’ll be encouraging all of my customers to take part in the survey and help us to attract more recreational
cycling visitors here.”