Talla and Megget Reservoir Road — Tweedsmuir Hills Circuit via the Southern Upland Divide

The back track connecting Talla Reservoir to Megget Reservoir through the Tweedsmuir Hills in the Scottish Borders is the kind of road that appears on OS maps as a thin dotted line and delivers exactly what that promises. Starting off the B712 near Tweedsmuir village, the track climbs above Talla Linns waterfall — a legitimate drop worth stepping out for — before crossing the high moorland divide at around 1,700 feet and descending to the Megget Reservoir dam wall. The surface is deteriorating estate track; expect deep ruts after rain, exposed bedrock on the crest, and a handful of gates. St. Mary’s Loch and the Tibbie Shiels Inn sit at the end of the Megget arm and provide a legendary excuse to stop.

Moderate to difficult depending on season — autumn rain turns the upper section greasy and the descent to Megget holds water badly after prolonged wet spells. A high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain tyres handles it without drama in dry conditions; mud-terrain rubber earns its keep in October. No permit required but Talla Estate manages the upper section — keep gates closed and don’t push through if the track is visibly deteriorating under your wheels. Nearest fuel is Moffat or Peebles. No cell service across the plateau. Bring lunch; the scenery on the Megget side looking south toward the Ettrick hills is genuinely outstanding.