A challenging route, popular with the Edinburgh cycling clubs. The ride begins in Musselburgh, heading south where the climbing begins almost immediately. Continuing towards Pathhead and Crichton, there is a short spell on the A7 before seeing the infamous ‘Granites’ ahead. The climb is constant in gradient (about 4%) and usually into a headwind, where after a few twists in the road you soon turn the corner topping out the climb and head down into the Scottish Borders. A well deserved descent and a stunning road through Heriot, you are en-route towards the next test of the day. From the A7 a steep ramp launches you into the next climb towards Soutra Hill. Continue along the scenic country road and soon you are rewarded with stunning views back towards Edinburgh.

A perfectly placed café stop at Soutra and you can be refuelled and ready to continue back down towards the coast.