This route starts at Balmangan near Kirkcudbright and follows the Kirkpatrick Way to St. Abbs Head near Eyemouth on the east coast. - around 220 miles, over 8 days.

The ride is in support of the Butterfly Conservation project to save the Northern Brown Argus in the Scottish Borders, working closely with farmers.

This is my fifth Bike For Butterflies, raising money for Butterfly Conservation. Thanks to the generosity of donors, and with the help of many supporters, we have raised over £50,000 for Butterfly Conservation in this way. 

Just Giving site www.justgiving.com/campaign/bikeforbutterflies2026 

• The Scottish Borders is a key region for the Northern Brown Argus in the UK

• Changing agricultural practices and widespread new tree-planting schemes, mean that habitat for the butterfly is under threat

• Many sites are being invaded by bracken and gorse following removal of grazing stock, and good-quality unimproved grassland has been lost to tree plantations

• The 6-year project builds on volunteer-gathered survey data to target areas for providing landowner advice

• By working closely with farmers, landowners and local contractors, the project will trial innovative, costed methods to restore degraded grasslands

• BC is raising awareness of the loss of species-rich grassland habitats and highlighting the area’s importance for the Northern Brown Argus

Fri 12th June - Northern Brown Argus training workshop, Kirkandrews, 10.00-16.00

Sat 13th June - Balmangan to Mabie Forest - Butterfly and Wildflower Walk at Balmangan Farm, Kirkcudbright, 10.00-11.30. Look for Northern Brown Argus eggs

Sun 14th June - Visit Mabie Forest Nature Reserve; cycle to Lockerbie 

Mon 15th June - Lockerbie to Langholm

Tues 16th June - Langholm to Hawick

Weds 17th June - Hawick to Dryburgh, Northern Brown Argus training workshop, Selkirk Deer Park, 11.30-13.00

Thurs 18th June - Dryburgh to Coldstream. Meadow walk and talk at Dryburgh Abbey, 10.00-11.00

Fri 19th June - Coldstream to Eyemouth

Sat 20th June - Eyemouth to St Abbs Head - Field trip to St. Abbs Head for Northern Brown Argus, 10.00-14.00