Iconic Scottish biker hotel goes up for sale ahead of 2026

For most riders, motorcycling is very good at draining your bank account and absolutely hopeless at topping it back up again. Bikes cost money. Gear costs money. Riding places costs money. But every now and then, something comes along that flips that relationship on its head. And this could be one of those rare moments.

The Buccleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat, a name that’ll already ring bells with plenty of UK riders, is up for sale. If you ride bikes and have experience in hospitality, this could be a genuine opportunity heading into 2026.

First things first: this isn’t a hotel that merely tolerates bikers, it’s one of the few UK destinations that’s been built around them. Secure parking, washing facilities, drying rooms, garages with power, EV charging and ready-made riding routes you can upload straight to your sat-nav.

The Buccleuch has been run by current owner Dave Smith for over 21 years, and he’s now looking to retire. Crucially, he’s leaving behind a business that’s already working. Several months of 2026 are around 70 per cent booked, with the rest expected to fill early in the year. More telling still is that over 76 per cent of bookings come from returning guests, highlighting a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.

Location does a lot of the heavy lifting here, as Moffat feels remote and peaceful, but it’s only minutes from the M74. Glasgow and Edinburgh are both under 60 miles away, Carlisle is 40 miles south, and the Lake District and North Yorkshire are easy runs. You get the quiet riding roads without being cut off from the rest of the UK.

And the riding really is the point, as the roads around Moffat are said to be some of the best-kept secrets in the country. From flowing A-roads, technical back lanes, sweeping bends and very little traffic, it’s proper riding territory, and not just somewhere bikes pass through.

That said, the Buccleuch isn’t reliant on bikers alone. Walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts and stargazers all come for different reasons. Moffat sits at the heart of southern Scotland’s Dark Sky country, and golden eagle tourism has added another steady stream of visitors.

For the right person – someone who rides and understands hospitality – The Buccleuch Arms could be a rare chance to make a living from the thing that usually costs you money.

For more information, contact owner Dave Smith on 01683 263791, or check out the hotel’s official website.

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