On your bike!

May 1 2008 By Paul Lamarra

Cycle: Biggar, Broughton, Kilbucho and Coulter.

Distance: 13 miles.

Grade: moderate.

Map: OS Landranger 72.

THE Biggar Gap is the broad, flat valley which separates the Clyde from the Tweed, through which two roads and disused railway make their way between Biggar and Broughton.

Unfortunately, unlike the old railway line, the roads do not restrict themselves to the flattest route; instead they bump up and down the valley sides.

However, the upside for the cyclist is an entertaining route of short climbs and enjoyable descents.

It is also a good route with plenty of interest to build a whole day around, with a picnic in Broughton perhaps, and a bar meal to round-off the day in Biggar.

The route follows the B7016 out of Biggar along the north side of the gap to Broughton and returns by a minor road on the south side which splits at Kilbucho where there the choice of a big climb over to Coulter village or the short-cut to Biggar.

Throughout both legs you are surrounded by the flowing curves of graceful Border hills.

It was in these hills that John Buchan, the author of The 39 Steps, spent his holidays. He developed a deep affection for this area and the sense of adventure that comes through in his books.

Local legend has it that King Arthur’s magician, Merlin, was also very fond of the area and chose to live out his last days in Broughton.

On the final downhill into Broughton do not descend all the way to Main Street but turn left uphill to the old church and graveyard.

A plaque at the entrance explains that St Llolan or St Maurice may have established a church here in the 7th century and it is alleged that their successor, St Kentigern, baptised Merlin at a place marked on the map as Altarstone.

Also, an area to the south of the village is referred to on the map as Merlindale where a tree marks his grave.

The return from Broughton is by the minor road that leaves the village on the right beyond the Greenmantle brewery, signed Coulter 6, Hartree 5.

At Kilbucho Place the road forks. The left fork takes you up over 1100ft to a point from where the views of Tinto hill and Culter Fell are terrific. The right fork is a shorter easier route to Biggar. Just follow the signs.

From the highpoint, it is a thrilling descent on a road overhung with trees. You can continue all the way into Coulter Village but the best return to Biggar is by taking the first right near the bottom of the hill.

Follow this road to a T-junction just beyond Thripland Farm. Turn left at the next two T-junctions and continue into Biggar.

MORE cycles can be found in Bike Lanarkshire, available from bookshops, online at www.madeinlanarkshire.com or by sending a cheque for £9.95 + £1 P&P to the Rural Development Trust, 1 Powell Street, Douglas Water, ML11 9PP.