This large 15-arch viaduct used to be a part of a railway line between Carlisle and Edinburgh. The line was opened in 1862 and closed in 1969. Today, it's a powerful slight to behold.

Barney

February 11, 2020

Mountain biking

Opened in 1862, the Waverly Line ran for just over 100 years, until it was abandoned in the Beeching Cuts of 1969. The Shankend Viaduct runs for 15 arches and is 60ft (18m) high.

Sadly, you can't even walk across it these days, but to many eyes tainted with a nostalgia for Victoriana, it's a lovely sight nestled sit-in the hills of the Tweed Valley.

At the southern end of the viaduct is a disused station.

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Routes here

Best Mountain Biking Routes to Shankend Viaduct

3.0

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riders

1. Shankend Viaduct loop from Hawick

37.8km

03:07

570m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

2. Eskdalemuir Forest loop from Hawick – Tarras Valley Nature Reserve

115km

09:59

2,240m

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Hard

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3. Shankend Viaduct – Penchrise Pen Track loop from Lynnwood

61.3km

04:52

980m

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 220 m

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Most visited during

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Location: Hobkirk, Scottish Borders, South Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Shankend Viaduct

1. Shankend Viaduct loop from Hawick

2. Eskdalemuir Forest loop from Hawick – Tarras Valley Nature Reserve

3. Shankend Viaduct – Penchrise Pen Track loop from Lynnwood

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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