A route which we first rode at the Tour of the Borders sportive in biblical conditions in 2013. It is clearly a testing route worthy of a sportive with plenty climbing and usually typically Scottish conditions.

Starting in Innerleithen you are soon climbing to the first col of the day before descending towards the Gordon Arms hotel. Straight over the crossroads and here comes climb two and onto a section of road used in the 2012 Tour of Britain. The constant feel of either climbing or descending continues past Alemoor Reservoir and onto Ashkirk where a food stop awaits. Continue onto Ettrickbridge and from there you see Witchyknowe rising above. This is the penultimate climb of the day so dig in and be sure to enjoy the scenery in this stunning area. From the top, descend into Yarrow where the road winds along the valley floor before reaching the Gordons Arms hotel, where you retrace your steps back towards Innerleithen. With 4000ft of climbing in the legs the final descent is well worth the sustained effort through the pedals.