Linns Blue is the longer of the two blue-graded routes on offer at Newcastleton. While it sticks to forest roads, it takes you further into the forest, with some great scenery along the way.
From the car park, the forest road climbs up through open fields then over a cattle grid. Carrying straight on, the road flattens out and you'll soon be at the turn off for the Skills Area. Here, a new shelter offers a perfect spot for some rest and relaxation with great views out across the Liddel Valley. A short flat forest road section later and you're at start of the Linns road descent.
Linns Road Descent
One of the highlights of the route, the Linns road descent is a brilliant downhill blast which weaves its way down to the Tweeden Burn. Care is required though as it's easy to pick up speed and some of the corners are quite tight!
The Linns Climb
This section is shared with the Red Route. With the scenic Tweeden Burn valley to your left, the forest road climbs quite steeply at first - selecting a low gear and pacing yourself will help here. The climbing gradually becomes easier but it's still uphill! Finally, near the top of the climb, a huge block of granite will come into view - the Border Stane. Here you are within a stone's throw of the Scottish - English border. See if you can you make out what's inscribed on each side of the stane.
Tweedenhead Bogs
With all the climbing completed, the next part is a pleasant cruise along flat forest roads to the route's furthest away point at Tweedenhead cottage. The route then heads back along flat forest roads to the Linns Road Descent junction, straight on past the Skills Area and downhill back to the trailhead.
Distance: 8km
0% singletrack
Estimated time to ride the route: 1 - 2 hours