The Devil's Beeftub: Stage-by-Stage

The Devil’s Beeftub, motorcycle route, South-East-Scotland

This glorious 80-mile motorcycle route takes you through some of Scotland’s most picturesque lowlands. With an award-winning chippy en-route - and a name like ‘The Devil’s Beeftub’ - there’s not a lot to complain about.

Route stage 1 (32 mins)

• Moffat – St Mary’s Loch
  Tip: Take care on this undulating stretch of route – it’s quite narrow in places with no road markings. The road has some tight corners crossing bridges over the streams that feed St Mary’s loch. Remember to ride the corners at your own pace and regroup on the straights. This is motorcycling in Scotland at its best; enjoy!

Stage 2 (25 mins)

• St Mary’s Loch – Innerleithen
  Tip: Expect a bit of a rollercoaster for the climb and epic descent into Innerleithen. For those riding in convoy, ride as smoothly as you can to keep the group safely together. You will experience stunning scenery; remember to keep your focus on the ride. There is a great pit stop along the way where you can sit, relax and take in the views across the Loch.

Stage 3 (20 mins)

• Innerleithen – Peebles
  Tip: Take it easy on this stretch as it can get busy. Expect to see plenty of cyclists on the route as Innerleithen and Peebles are extremely popular with mountain bikers. Use your hand signals to communicate upcoming hazards to other riders. Stop for a break in Peebles if you can. It’s a good spot to chat to other motorbiker groups.

Stage 4 (35 mins)

• Peebles – Biggar
  Tip: Get good use of your mirrors on the way to Biggar. There are some serious twisties and plenty of traffic to navigate. If you’re riding in a group, make sure you know what to do if you end up losing each other. Look beyond the rider in front of you at the road ahead to assess what’s coming or any hazards, then you’ll be able to anticipate what the rider in front will react to. In any case, be mindful not to get too close to the bike in front of you so you can stop without colliding in an emergency.

Stage 5 (15 mins)

• Biggar – Broughton
  Tip: This section is relatively flat and it’s worth keeping an eye out for things like sheep (they are everywhere), water on the road and unexpected hazards (e.g. slow-moving farm traffic). If you’re riding in a group, make sure you’re riding at a speed that’s comfortable for everyone. You don’t have to be going fast on this Scottish motorcycle route to enjoy it.

Stage 6 (35 mins)

• Broughton – Devil’s Beef Tub – Moffat
  Tip: This section has a gradual climb which sinks right down into the Devil’s Beeftub and back into Moffat. If you do stop to take a look over the Beeftub, make sure you pull over and come off the road. If there is a large group of you, consider splitting up into two smaller groups of five or less.

Recommendations and detours on the motorcycle route

• Watch out for cyclists – especially around Peebles and Innerleithen.
• Moffat and Peebles are decent stopping places with cafes, pub grub, and petrol stations.
• If you’re doing this route in a group – have a pre-ride chat so everyone knows the route, the stopping places, what to do if you get split up, and who’s riding in what position.
• There are a few sections with adverse camber so keep your speed comfortable and under control.
• If you’ve not been out for a while go easy! Or, even better, why not get a refresher course from our experts
• Live Fast, Die Old.