If you’re visiting the Bike House, it’s safe to say cycling is pretty high on your to-do list, and with Innerleithen, Glentress, numerous trails and quiet country roads on your doorstep you definitely won’t be disappointed. But the Tweed Valley also boasts plenty to keep non-cycling friends and family busy – from walking and golf to ancient castles, boutique shops and luxury spas.
Local Activities
7 Stanes
The flagship mountain bike centres of Glentress and Innerleithen form the cornerstone of the Forestry Commission’s nationwide trail network. Both are only a stone’s throw from the Bike House. 7 Stanes website has all the details.
Dirt School
Partnered with the Bike House, the UK’s leading mountain bike coaching company has formed plenty of champions from the trails around the Tweed Valley. Whatever level you’re at, let Dirt School cast an expert eye over your skills to maximise your time on the bike.
Golf and fishing
Innerleithen offers a friendly nine hole golf course, while nearby Peebles and Cardrona offer 18. The River Tweed is famous for its salmon and daily permits are available locally. Click here for more details.
Walking
The stunning scenery of the local area makes for perfect walking. From challenging hill hikes and the Southern Upland way to gentle strolls along the River Tweed, all abilities and fitness levels are catered for. Click here for more information.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s vibrant capital city is just a 45 minute drive from the Bike House. Explore the city’s history by visiting the castle, the Scott Monument or taking a tour of the underground network of vaults - reputed to be the most haunted place in the UK. But if you’re after a more modern slant why not discover Edinburgh’s cosmopolitan side; theatres, cocktails, michelin starred restaurants and the best shops outside of London.
Spa and gym access
There are three spas with gym access very close to the Bike House; The MacDonald Cardrona Hotel, Stobo Castle and Peebles Hydro. All offer beauty therapies, swimming pool and spa facilities as well as dedicated gyms. See the links page for more information.
Alpine Bikes
With one store a two minute walk from the Bike House and another at Glentress, you’ll find everything you need here. Bike hire, sales and repairs are offered with friendly service and unlimited local knowledge.
Food
From haute cuisine to an awesome chippy, there’s plenty to keep you fuelled after a day in the saddle. If you fancy cooking in the house there is a supermarket just a two minute walk away. More detailed descriptions of local cafes, restaurants and takeaways are provided in the house.
Traquair House
Scotland’s oldest inhabited house has featured prominently in the country’s history. Kings, Queens, rebels and renegades have all sought shelter in this imposing mansion. Unfortunately for them, back then it probably didn’t have the maze, restaurant or micro brewery that it boasts now. All their info is here.
Kailzie Gardens
A great place to entertain kids, Kailzie offers a children’s zoo, putting green and fly fishing as well a live osprey viewing centre during the summer months. There are also acres of stunning gardens, river walks and an award winning restaurant.
Map of Local Area
View The Bike House in a larger map
Directions & Transport
Address for your GPS/ Satnav
58 High St
Innerleithen
Scottish Borders
EH44 6HF
How to get here
Flying
We are only an hour’s drive from Edinburgh International airport and you can hire bike locally if you’d prefer not to fly with yours. Most major airlines will get you to Edinburgh but you can also fly to Glasgow or Newcastle if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive (2 hours estimate). The best option is to hire a car but you can also arrange collections and shuttles with Go-Where Scotland.
Train
Innerleithen doesn’t have a train station but you can get the train to Edinburgh Waverley. The number 62 bus will take you from central Edinburgh but won’t be easy with bikes. Your best bet is to contact Go-Where or hire a car from Edinburgh.
Road
From Edinburgh
The easiest drive from Edinburgh takes you through Peebles and past the trail centre of Glentress. From the Edinburgh city bypass join the A701 and then A6094. Once at the Leadburn junction, join the A703 and head for Peebles. From there follow signs to Galashiels. We’re right in the middle of the High Street in Innerleithen so very easy to find once you’re here. Just look out for the red door.
From Newcastle
Head north on the A696 and then the A68 through Jedburgh and Newton St Boswells. Turn left onto the A6091 for Melrose and head for Galashiels. At Galashiels, join the A72 to Innerleithen.
From Glasgow
Join the M8 motorway heading for Edinburgh (East). At Newhouse take the A73 to Lanark. Once at Lanark the A721/A72 will take you to Peebles. Once there follow signs for Galashiels – taking you past Glentress trail centre and on to Innerleithen.
From Carlisle
After traveling north on the A74(M) turn onto the A701 at junction 15. Pass Moffat and continue on the A701 until you reach a right turn to Stobo (B712). You will eventually meet the A72 which will take you through Peebles and on to Innerleithen.