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.

Nearby routes

Best routes near Shankend Viaduct

3.0

(1)

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

115km

09:59

2,240m

This difficult 71.5-mile mountain biking loop from Hawick through Eskdalemuir Forest and Tarras Valley Nature Reserve offers challenging cli

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Hard

riders

3. Shankend Viaduct – Penchrise Pen Track loop from Newmill

61.3km

04:52

980m

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

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 220 m

Weather

Today

Monday 16 March

8°C

1°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 33.0 km/h

Most visited during

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See nearby routes

Take Me There

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

3. Shankend Viaduct – Penchrise Pen Track loop from Newmill

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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