And the A708 up the Yarrow Valley to Moffat has been identified as a key route.

In the past three years, there have been 10 motorcycling accidents resulting in serious injury in the vicinity of St Mary’s Loch. Last year a biker attending the Steve Hislop Memorial Run was killed in a collision with a fire engine. Most of the casualties have involved riders from outwith the region.

The toll of accidents near the loch represents a staggering 20 per cent of all serious motorcycle accidents recorded across the Borders region over the same period. More than half of all biking collisions in the region happen on bends.

With the holiday season in full swing and warm sunny weather making a belated appearance, more bikers than ever are expected to use the scenic route.

“It’s extremely popular with its mix of straight sections and tight bends,” said a police spokesman this week. “The campaign aims to encourage bikers to use the route but, at the same time, warn them of the potential dangers. The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of collisions and the severity of any injuries.”

Motorcycle ownership is at a record high, most markedly in the 40-49 age group, and the Borders is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for two-wheel enthusiasts.

That trend, along with the accident figures, prompted the What’s Around the Corner campaign, which is supported by a website giving full details of the two routes most heavily used by visiting bikers.

Apart from the A708, which forms part of a 95-mile circular trail including the Crook Inn, Peebles and back to Selkirk, the so-called Reivers Run (95 miles including Jedburgh, Bonchester Bridge, Newcastleton and Hawick) is being targeted.

“Both routes have been assessed by police motorcyclists and their advice has been included in route plans which direct bikers through recognised accident areas like St Mary’s Loch,” said the spokesman.

The routes and advice can be downloaded from the website www.aroundthecorner.org.uk along with film footage of all accident hotspots.