Awesome starts here just South of Edinburgh in the Tweed Valley …its not as away far as you think and there is loads to do. Cleikum Mill is a perfect destination for a short break or longer adventure holiday.
Cleikum Mill is set up for outdoorsy people. We have a secure internal bike store, a big drying room and all the little details that help guests after an active day. We have won two awards for our cycle friendly facilities and been an Independent Hostel from when we opened 4 years ago. We love welcoming families to our spacious, modernized, character building visited by Royalty in the past when it was a Mill. Explore the magical Tweed Valley and stay at Cleikum Mill Lodge.
This area is world renowned for the two Mountain Biking Centres at Glentress and Innerleithen and the famous dense network of trails surrounding Cleikum Mill Lodge. You have all this within 10km radius of your accommodation, but there is so much more to this stunning area. Hence we recommend you extend your stay and see even more!
You can take gentle flat walks beside the River Tweed or go on longer hikes across the hills from the door. There are some fantastic circular walks using the Southern Upland Way. With various options there is something for everybody, even with wheelchairs.
Road cycling on the virtually traffic free roads gives you some of the best iconic views in Scotland. Ride along impressive glacial valleys and beside lochs. There are some long but steady climbs if you want them. You’ll be rewarded with great views, all linked to great coffee stops of course. Our route guides have all the information you need.
Families can pootle and pedal beside the Tweed on a family friendly railway path. This lovely, flat, tarmac, off-road route takes you between cafés and cake stops. Maybe you will spot an otter or see deer crossing the river. This path links the many cycle routes in the area too.
There are cycle routes for all abilities and the gravel riding is a largely undiscovered secret too. These are great for exploring beyond the trail centres into the Tweed Valley Forest Park with seven forests to explore on foot or by bike. Flat easy routes or more challenging ones. The choice is yours!
The area is packed with history, with historic sites, castles, battlegrounds etc. The local Borders Towns have intriguing tales of the past with interesting abbeys and stunning gardens to visit.
Traquair House is stroll from Cleikum Mill. It is just one of many grand houses and estates to explore. There are some great botanic gardens nearby too.
Edinburgh is near enough for a day trip or an evening visit, whichever you prefer. This vibrant city with lots of history is just over 20 miles away. Travel by car, catch a bus from just outside or take the Border Railway from the nearby town .
We also recommend day trips to the coast. Discover idyllic locations, sandy beaches, character coastal towns, fishing ports and yet more castles.
We have comprehensive information for our guests including a guide of 14 suggested days out in the area (not including biking!!). Ask us for advice if you want to and we will help you make the most of your stay. Its our job! More importantly it’s what we love to do.
We can provide over 30 cycle routes with maps, directions and gps tracks. We have selected the very best routes in the area for tarmac, gravel or dirt! Something for everyone, whatever bike you ride and whatever you want to see too. This area is known as ‘Bike Valley’ due to the sheer amount of choices on offer. We’re even developing our own website to give you all these amazing routes in one place!
Routes are graded and come with their own licensed Ordnance Survey Maps along with written directions, escape routes and short cuts if needed. There’s also GPX tracks available to load on to your phone and other devices. Mountain biking and gravel routes are currently available, all along the Tweed Valley Railway path – so there’s no need to bring a car! There will be much more to follow on top of that, including local road rides. Check it out at: Bike Valley Trails
So extend your stay. We know you will want to have stayed longer, and like many of our families you will return once or twice a year.