Time for Talla

As we rose in the morning and looked out from the window at our Bed and Breakfast, the sun was already up and shining with a light mist hanging in the valley, we knew it was going to be a stunning day out on the bikes.

Fulfilled after the very typical B&B breakfast of porridge, eggs and stacks of toast and a pot of strong coffee we were ready to head out and tackle the day. 

With bidons into the cages, head unit mounted and switched on we clipped into the pedals and set off. The route took us through the main street of Innerleithen before turning off onto a cycle route towards Peebles. The popular bridleway follows the River Tweed and winds its way along the valley with a few tight turns and bridges to keep your senses alert for a sudden change in direction.  An old railway tunnel forces eyes to adjust to a moment of darkness, especially if you keep your sunglasses on, and very soon you reach the town of Peebles.

River Tweed

Heading west from the town in the direction of Glasgow, the busier A72 has a few rises and falls and with legs warmed it doesn’t take long to settle into a rhythm. Stunning views of the Tweed and old railway bridges make for a pleasant ride and before long you are onto the B712 in the direction of Stobo. In late autumn the colours of the leaves here are amazing and the kilometres tick by. The landscape also changes as the valley opens up and you can start to pick up the direction for the next part of the route.

At the junction with the A701 the route heads South in the direction of Moffat. A heavy road surface and slight headwind made for a bit of hard peddling however the nerves and excitement were starting to build for our main climb of the day, the wall of Talla. Taking the turn off at Tweedsmuir, we were definitely on the final approach however the climb up to the Talla dam and views of the reservoir certainly took your mind off the upcoming task. As you approach the climb a scar on the landscape gives the first indication of the climb. Surely Not?!!

Talla Reservoir

The climb itself starts immediately as you take the hairpin corner. Engage the leg muscles and core, get out the saddle and start climbing. The views behind are stunning and there is the inner dialogue whether to carry on climbing to the top in a single push or stop to take in some the views behind with some pictures. I chose the latter and certainly glad of it. I just need to go back to attack it properly. There is a great sense of relief at the top and a sweeping descent on good quality tarmac, certainly adds to the reward.

As the road continues past Megget Reservoir we drink in the views and enjoy the descent down towards St Mary’s Loch. The promise of a coffee stop takes us off route and a few kilometres towards the Loch of the Lowes. On seeing the cafe ahead we notice a large gathering of people and expensive sports cars aligned at the roadside cafe stop. Our excitement for refreshments is short lived when we notice the cafe is somewhat closed! Having consumed all our supplies en-route we switch to ‘get me home mode’ and begin to cycle the remaining 20km back to Innerleithen.

St Mary’s Loch

The afternoon sun, a mirror like St Marys Loch and a final climb up Mount Benger kept the spirits high and was not long before a long sweeping descent towards Traquair. Passing the 7 Stanes Cycle centre at Innerleithen we soon join the buzz and community of mountainbikers and locals at No. 1 Innerleithen for some well earned Wraps and Flat Whites coffees.

An excellent route, amazing scenery and useasonable November conditions. I just need to return to test my Strava Time up the wall of Talla!