Linns Blue is the longer of the two blue-graded routes on offer at Newcastleton. While it sticks to forest roads, it takes you further into the forest, with some great scenery along the way.
From the car park, the road climbs up through open fields. Head over a cattle grid. The road flattens for a while, passing the Skills Area on your right. Once up into the forest, take a gentle spin along the forest road until you come to the Linns junction. You can either go straight on or drop downhill to the right down to the Linns – the choice is yours.
Linns junction options
If you go straight on, it’s a mainly flat pedal along past
Tweedenhead cottage to the route's furthest point. Keep an eye for wildlife in this more remote part of the forest. Heading back, the road remains level before a fun, twisty descent next to the Tweeden Burn. Look out for Red Route riders climbing up this section from the other way though!
A fairly stiff climb back up to the Linns junction lies ahead - it will get the blood pumping and the heart rate up. The route then retraces its steps back to the car park, so it’s a downhill section to finish!
If you head the other way...
If you decide to turn right at the linns junction, the trail heads down hill, and crosses over the
Tweeden Burn before becoming a scenic climb which follows the route of the burn. You’ll be riding through attractive woodlands with great views of the valley below.
At the top of the trail, continue on the forest road, which is fairly flat. Pass the old Tweedenhead cottage ruin and head back towards the Linns junction. At the junction, turn left to do another loop, or head straight on and downhill to return to the visitor centre.
Distance: 8km
No singletrackEstimated time to ride the route: 1 - 2 hours
For more information, including trail conditions, please see the official 7stanes website - the link is on the right hand side of this page.
How to get there:
Linns Blue can be started from Dykecrofts Car Park in Newcastleton Forest which is part of Forests of the Scottish Borders. Newcastleton is the nearest town or village.
From Canonbie or Bonchester Bridge take the B 6357, then take the unclassified road at the southern end of Newcastleton village and follow the signs for Dykecrofts.
OS Grid Reference: NY501874