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ОглавлениеINTRODUCTION
Mountain biking in southern and central Scotland
Year-round mud on Broomy Law, Ettrick Forest (Route 9)
The hills, glens and forests of southern and central Scotland are home to some of the world’s best mountain biking trail centres, including the famous 7stanes in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders. The region’s rolling hill country is also criss-crossed by an extensive network of minor roads, estate tracks and other trails, providing huge scope for ‘free-range’ cross-country mountain biking.
The Central Belt is the most densely populated area of Scotland and the hills rising above the Forth and Clyde valleys are popular with mountain bikers, horse riders and walkers. Although much less densely populated, the country to the south of the Central Belt is a magnet for mountain bikers from all over southern Scotland and beyond. This is partly because of the proximity of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the good road and rail links to the area, but it is also largely due to the quality and variety of trails here, including the 7stanes trail centres, which make the area a real mountain biker’s adventure playground.
Winter wonderland in the Campsie Fells (Route 18)
The region’s trail centres are immensely popular with good reason, providing excellent facilities and miles of quality trails with innovative features and graded, waymarked routes that provide entertaining and challenging rides for various abilities. While providing a brief overview of what the region’s trail centres have to offer, this guidebook focuses on ‘cross-country’ trails that stitch together a combination of long-distance paths, country lanes, forestry and farm tracks and old drovers’ roads to make the best of the off-road potential in the region.
Unlike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where there’s a system of designated footpaths, bridleways, byways and other rights of way, Scotland has a statutory right of access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This is a good thing – except for when it comes to looking at maps to see where you can go with your mountain bike. Some paths, tracks and trails are marked on OS maps, but by no means all of them; furthermore, where a bridleway marked by long green dashes will indicate a rideable route on a map of, say, the South Downs, you have no way of knowing whether that tempting-looking track marked on an OS map of Ayrshire is rideable or not. That’s where this guidebook comes in.
About the routes in this guide
Along the West Highland Way near Dumgoyne and the Campsie Fells (Route 19)
The routes in this guidebook are day, half-day and shorter routes distributed the length and breadth of central and southern Scotland, and which are divided into area sections in the guide. The route descriptions pay special attention to the nature of the terrain encountered as well as the major climbs and descents involved and any particular hazards to be aware of. Facilities and services en route are also included.
The routes are designed for maximum enjoyment of the mountain biking potential available in the area, hence there is some overlap and repetition in the use of particular stretches of path and track between several of the routes. Roads are avoided wherever practical, although in many cases stretches of road (mostly quiet country lanes) here and there can link up some great off-road trails.
There are also several environmental factors at play in the choice of the routes included in this guidebook. Firstly, where possible, routes that are viable year-round have been prioritised. For example, trails traversing a significant amount of terrain that becomes excessively muddy or boggy after sustained wet weather have been avoided. Of course, mud and wet are all part of the experience, but arguably not to the point where you can’t actually ride. As you may be aware, wet weather comes with the territory in central and southern Scotland, which is why many cross-country tracks and paths encountered out on the hills are metalled or surfaced. That said, the concept of ‘hike-a-bike’ will be familiar to most Scottish cross-country mountain bikers – that is rides where rough, boggy or steep sections require carrying or pushing your bike.
Another environmental factor is the impact of forestry management on trails. Forestry plantations are a bit of a double-edged sword for mountain bikers in the region. On the one hand many forestry roads and tracks can make for great riding and they can also open areas up that might otherwise be inaccessible by bike. Mature forestry plantation also provides great trail-building terrain. The downside is that forestry clearance work often destroys trails and turns the landscape into an un-rideable morass. Where there is a significant likelihood of forestry work impacting trails, these have either been avoided or flagged up in the relevant route introduction boxes.
Wind farms are another factor. The Southern Uplands bristle with them and the building of new arrays continues apace. Where routes in this guidebook may be affected by forestry work or wind farm development, notifications will be made in this guidebook’s ‘updates’ tab (www.cicerone.co.uk/747/updates) as and when they come to our attention. If you are aware of any such developments affecting these routes, please let us know at updates@cicerone.co.uk
Snow biking in the Campsie Fells (Route 18)
Centres
Climbing the Wald Path above Durisdeer in the Lowther Hills (Route 1)
The routes in this guidebook are distributed the length and breadth of the region, although there are more routes in those areas with greater concentrations of excellent trails. Centres include: Glasgow, Greenock, Milngavie, Lochwinnoch, Sanquhar, Moniaive, Wanlockhead, Durisdeer, Glentrool, Traquair, Peebles, Kirk Yetholm, Gifford, Longformacus and Balerno.
Getting there and getting around
Essentially, there are two options for getting around the region. Firstly, most of the area is well served by the rail network. There are good rail links between Glasgow and the main towns in the region, and the branch-line stations in-between. Many of the rides in this guide can be started from and finished at nearby railway stations, and there are also options for extending or cutting short rides by means of other railway stations near some of the routes.
Most trains serving the region have dedicated space for two bikes. This is hardly adequate, although bikes can also go in the door areas – which can be a hassle if you have to keep moving your bike to let people off and on. Engineering works sometimes take place at the weekend on the Scottish rail network, and rail replacement buses do not carry bicycles – so check before travelling. Services on certain lines require bicycle spaces to be booked in advance. Timetable information, as well as information on engineering works and on bike restrictions, can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk, tel 08457 484950.
The second option is to travel by car. There are car parks close by most of the routes in this guidebook (they’re indicated on the route maps), which can make travelling by car easier and more convenient than by train due to time restrictions, engineering works and long-winded rail connections.
Accommodation
There’s a diverse range of accommodation available to suit most budgets throughout southern and central Scotland, from campsites and bunkhouses to B&Bs, hotels and guesthouses. The Visit Scotland website (www.visitscotland.com) is a good place to start as it also lists cycle-friendly accommodation providers.
Book your accommodation well in advance of your trip, particularly during the summer season. Scotland is a very popular small country!
When to go
Big puddles in Mugdock Country Park during the West of Scotland monsoon season (Route 19)
Each season has it’s own particular charms, but paths, tracks and trails are obviously at their driest in summer, when you can fairly zip along ridges and enjoy greater traction on the uphills. The summer months are also busier than other seasons – especially at weekends and during the school summer holidays – which requires greater vigilance for other mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other folk out enjoying the landscape.
Spring and autumn are quieter, but the weather and therefore conditions on the ground are obviously less predictable. Winter can be an excellent time for mountain biking in the region, so long as you’re not frightened of getting a bit (or a lot) muddy. However, after prolonged periods of rain the predominantly peaty terrain can be transformed into a highly adhesive quagmire in places, completely clogging up your bike and actually rendering cycling impossible. Furthermore, wet sand and grit and can be remarkably efficient at grinding down your bike’s drive-train. Areas that are particularly prone to mud are indicated in the route descriptions.
Safety
Crossing moorland along the Maich Water, Muirshiel (Route 15)
Most of the time, mountain biking is a perfectly safe activity and far safer than cycling on roads. However, rutted, slippery and loose surfaces are frequently encountered and if you take a tumble at speed, you risk causing yourself considerable damage. Cycling downhill at speed is one of the great joys of mountain biking, but it’s essential that you maintain control. If you can’t see what (or who) is coming round a bend, slow down. Likewise, if you’ve never ridden a particular downhill before and don’t know what to anticipate, moderate your speed.
Make sure that your brakes are working efficiently and that your tyres are inflated properly (30–40psi depending on terrain, conditions, your weight and so on). Under-inflated tyres are more vulnerable to ‘pinch’ punctures. Check that all quick release levers are tight and wheels are secure.
Wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, and carry a first-aid kit, plenty of water, some high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS as well as a mobile phone, and wear some sun block in summer. Carry waterproofs in wet weather (see below). Carry spare inner tubes, puncture repair kit, a pump and basic tool kit. Carry lights if there’s any chance you’ll be returning after dusk (equipment is covered in more detail below). If you go riding on your own, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. In the event of a serious accident requiring urgent assistance, dial 999 and ask for the police or ambulance. Be ready to give a map grid reference.
Hospital accident and emergency departments in the region are listed in Appendix B.
Equipment
Retro mountain bike? There’s no bike Carl at Bike Love in Glasgow can’t fix
Your bike
Out on the hills, glens and forests of central and southern Scotland you’ll encounter mountain bikers riding machines costing between a few hundred pounds and a few thousand. Your choice of bike is contingent on a number of factors, but is generally the sum of disposable income divided by degree of enthusiasm. There’s no doubt that a top-of-the-range, lightweight bike with high-specification components can only add to the enjoyment of off-road cycling. However, there’s little point spending thousands on a bike that only sees action a few times a year. For those who are serious about their sport a good quality machine is essential, but choosing the right type of mountain bike for you is a far more important business than the relative cost alone, and it’s best to seek advice from reputable bike retailers before buying.
Choosing the right frame size is a crucial factor, bearing in mind that a smaller frame than you would need for a road bike is better suited for off-road riding. An increasing number of mountain bikers ride full-suspension bikes, which take the edge off the bone-jarring sensations experienced on rougher terrain; a smoother ride also means greater control, especially on downhills and ‘technical’ terrain. Many of the trails encountered at the trail centres throughout southern and central Scotland are as appropriate terrain for full-suspension bikes as anywhere, although many people still prefer to ride ‘hardtail’ machines – that is, front suspension only – which are lighter and faster uphill. This is a matter of personal preference, dictated in part by the kind of riding you do.
Helmet
Looking over to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs from the Campsie Fells (Route 18)
The vast majority of mountain bikers wear a helmet with very good reason. The nature of the activity means that taking a tumble is a likelihood at some point. If this happens when you’re travelling downhill at speed, you’re at risk of serious injury. As well as injuries such as broken bones and serious gashes, a head injury can be fatal or cause permanent disability or paralysis. A helmet may not prevent such serious injuries in some cases, but in others it might.
Body armour
Some of the region’s trail centres are popular venues for downhilling and freeriding – highly technical riding that involves negotiating jumps and various obstacles (both natural and those made by ‘trail builders’), preferably at high speed. Unsurprisingly, enthusiasts often wear full-face helmets, neck braces and body armour – with good reason.
Body armour is cumbersome and unnecessary for the less death-defying activity of cross-country (or XC, as some style it) mountain biking, but if you like to take on a few jumps here and there, then shin, knee and elbow pads are a consideration.
First aid kit
Through the forestry on Windy Standard in the Glenkens (Route 6)
Taking a tumble at speed in rocky or wooded terrain can result in broken bones or nasty gashes – all the more reason to wear a helmet. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many mountain bikers don’t carry a first aid kit with them. If you break a collarbone – a not uncommon injury among mountain bikers – a triangular bandage can be used to make a sling. Wound dressings, plasters, antiseptic wipes, latex gloves and painkillers can also be very useful.
Gloves
These improve grip on your handlebars, keep your hands warm in winter and provide protection when you fall off – which is inevitable on occasion.
Eyewear
Many riders wear sunglasses to reduce glare on bright days, but also as protection from mud, debris and flying insects – especially on fast descents. There are many bike-specific sunglasses on the market, some of which have interchangeable lenses with different colours for different light conditions. Downhillers and free-riders sometimes wear ski goggles.
Clothing
There is no shortage of biking-specific clothing on the market, and specialised off-road gear comprises a significant part of this. With the funds and inclination, many hundreds of pounds can be spent on equipping yourself for mountain biking, and for dedicated enthusiasts it may constitute money well spent. However, there are some essentials worth considering even for infrequent mountain bikers. Wickable base layers, underwear, mid-layers and top layers can make what is often a sweaty activity much more comfortable. Stopping for a breather in a sweat-drenched cotton top is asking for trouble even in a light breeze. Shorts or wickable undershorts with a padded seat ensure a more comfortable relationship with your saddle, especially on longer rides.
Biking-specific waterproofs are designed for a close fit and freedom of movement so as to avoid drag or getting caught up in your bike’s moving parts. Waterproofs should be a ‘breathable’ material, such as Gore-Tex.
Many mountain bikers use the SPD pedal system with shoes that clip onto the pedal using cleats, which provides greater stability and makes pedalling more efficient by engaging the ‘backstroke’. Whether using SPDs, ‘platform’ pedals or other systems, waterproof overshoes and/or waterproof socks can be useful in wet conditions.
Tools and maintenance
Heather in bloom in the Lammermuir Hills (Route 12)
Whatever choices you make about the type of bike you ride, the more use it gets the more maintenance it will require. However expensive or inexpensive your bike, it needs to be looked after. Off-road riding can take it out of a bike, especially in wet and muddy conditions. It’s important to keep your bike at least reasonably clean and keep its moving parts lubricated. A well-maintained bike performs better and its components will last longer.
In dry periods during the summer months – even in Scotland! – some paths and tracks can develop a layer of fine dust, which combined with ordinary chain oil produces a highly effective grinding paste that will punish your bike’s drive-train. Using a ‘dry’ teflon chain lubricant reduces this phenomenon.
Learning the basics of bicycle maintenance and equipping yourself with elementary bike tools is a good idea. You should carry a small tool kit and pump with you while out riding and, at the very least, be able to repair a puncture, fix a broken chain and adjust your brakes and gears when necessary. A basic tool kit – including puncture repair kit, spare inner tubes, tyre levers, allen key set, spoke key and chain link extractor – can be carried in a saddle pack or back pack.
For details of bike shops and mechanics in south and central Scotland, see Appendix A.
Navigation
Descending Glenaggart in the Lowther Hills (Route 1)
Many walkers and cyclists now use GPS for navigation, and there are a number of biking-specific GPS systems on the market. GPS systems can make navigation easy and accurate. On the down side, they’re not cheap and they’re not infallible. For those without a GPS, a map and compass are just as useful for mountain bikers in unfamiliar territory as they are for walkers, although very few of the former seem to carry compasses. For many of the routes in this guidebook – outside of trail centres – there is little or no waymarking and it can be very easy to lose your way, especially in wooded areas. A compass can help prevent you heading miles off course.
Hydration
Always make sure you have plenty of water with you, especially during the summer and on longer rides. Many mountain bikers use hydration packs – a water reservoir with a drinking tube, usually with two or three litres capacity, carried in a purpose-designed, small backpack. Hydration packs allow you to carry more water than water bottles carried in frame-mounted bottle cages – which are more popular with road cyclists – that can easily be dislodged when riding off-road. Be sure to be adequately hydrated before setting off on your ride.
MTB-specific back packs, which are designed to carry water reservoirs, come in various capacities and are usually able to carry the essentials in internal pockets: tools, pump, waterproofs, snacks, mobile phone, first-aid kit, map etc. They are also designed for a comfortable and stable fit for cycling. If you’re thinking about acquiring one, consider how much capacity you’ll need for the kind of riding you do.
National Cycle Route and John Muir Way signs at Gartness near Loch Lomond
Food
Carry enough food and/or make certain you can buy some food en route. If your energy levels dip when cycling it’s difficult to maintain output on an empty tank. When walking, hunger can be ignored to a certain extent, but cyclists are prey to the phenomenon of gnawing pangs that won’t go away, which is known in some parts as ‘bonking’. It makes sense to carry lightweight, high-energy foods such as flapjack, trail mix, ‘hi-energy’ bars and bananas – but try not to take a tumble if carrying the latter.
Rights of way and other users
Since the establishment of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003, mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders have had unrestricted access to vast tracts of Scotland’s magnificent landscape. Unlike England and Wales, however, there are no dedicated bridleways and relatively few way-marked footpaths; indeed, path signposts and waymarkers are generally thin on the ground in Scotland. Because there is no parable system of footpaths, bridleways and byways marked on OS maps covering Scotland, it’s difficult to plan MTB routes in a given area merely by studying the relevant maps. Outside of the trail centres, popular mountain biking routes tend to be established through word of mouth and internet forums by mountain bikers living locally. For people travelling from different parts of the country or from outside of Scotland, the whole prospect of seeking out viable, quality mountain biking routes provides something of a challenge, which is where this guidebook comes in.
Mountain bikers should always give way to walkers and horse riders. Don’t approach walkers or horse riders at speed from behind or in front. When approaching from behind, slow right down and announce your presence with a ‘hello’ so as not to startle man or beast. When approaching from the front, slow down and give a wide berth or stop and make way for them to pass you (some riders use a bell, but experience suggests that some walkers and horse riders find bell-tinkling mountain bikers irksome in the extreme!).
This is more than a matter of politeness; if you approach walkers or horse riders at speed and/or fail to warn of your presence then you might cause a serious accident. There are already far too many walkers and horse riders with a low opinion of mountain bikers as it is, and poor behaviour could lead to some paths and tracks being closed to mountain bikers in future. We’re all ambassadors for our sport and for each other when we’re out on the trails.
Forestry plantation on the Three Brethren, Ettrick Forest (Route 9)
Maps
Ordnance Survey provide map coverage of central and southern Scotland in 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scales (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/leisure).
ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:25,000 EXPLORER SERIES
342 Glasgow, Paisley, Rutherglen & Kirkintilloch
341 Greenock, Largs & Millport
348 Campsie Fells, Kilsyth, Strathblane & Fintry
OL 38 Loch Lomond South, Dumbarton & Helensburgh, Drymen & Cove
328 Sanquhar & New Cumnock, Muirkirk & Moniaive
329 Lowther Hills, Sanquhar & Leadhills, Wanlockhead & Crawford
318 Galloway Forest Park North, Glentrool, Loch Doon & St John’s Town of Dalry
345 Lammermuir Hills, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg & Gifford
344 Pentland Hills, Penicuick & West Linton
337 Peebles and Innerleithen, Eddleston & Ettrickbridge, Traquair & Yarrow
336 Biggar & Broughton, Culter Fell & Dollar Law
338 Galashiels, Selkirk & Melrose, St Boswells & Lauder
OL 16 The Cheviot Hills, Jedburgh & Wooler
ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:50,000 LANDRANGER SERIES
64 Glasgow
63 Firth of Clyde, Greenock & Rothesay
57 Stirling & The Trossachs
77 Dalmellington & New Galloway, Galloway Forest Park
71 Lanark & Upper Nithsdale
78 Nithsdale & Annandale
66 Edinburgh, Penicuick & North Berwick
67 Duns, Dunbar & Eyemouth
73 Peebles, Galashiels & Selkirk, Tweed Valley
80 Cheviot Hills & Kielder Water
Digital Ordnance Survey mapping of the region is available from www.memory-map.co.uk, www.anquet.co.uk and direct from the Ordnance Survey (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk).
The most up-to-date 1:50,000 scale Ordnance Survey mapping has been used for the routes in this guidebook. At the time of going to press, the information on the maps included in this guide was accurate. Older copies of some maps may contain information that is at odds with what is included here.
How to use this guide
Each of the routes included in this guide are graded according to the degree of physical effort they require. The grades are as follows:
Medium
Hard
Very hard
The grades reflect the length of the route, the number and severity of climbs and the nature of the terrain traversed. Aside from the dedicated downhill and freeriding trails to be found at the various trail centres (route descriptions of which are not included in this guide), there is little difficult or ‘technical’ mountain biking encountered in the areas covered, hence there is no ‘difficult’ grade. There are no ‘easy’ routes included here and, therefore, there is no ‘easy’ grade.
Timings
Each route description has an estimated time for how long it should take to get around. These timings are a rough guide and the actual time will vary depending on fitness and experience, time of year, weather conditions and possible punctures or mechanical problems, as well as ‘re-fuelling’, pub or café stops. Allow yourself extra time for your first try-out of each of the routes in this guidebook.
Distances
Distances are given in kilometres and metres throughout the route descriptions. The total distance given at the beginning of each route is given in kilometres with the equivalent in miles given in brackets. All distances given in metres are linear distances and not height gain, unless specifically stated. ‘Climb for 200m along the bridleway’ means the climb is over a distance of 200m as opposed to: ‘...ascend 200m as you climb along the bridleway for 500m’.
The total route distances are also broken down into off-road and on-road distances, with the off-road total given as a percentage. These off-road/on-road distances are as accurate as possible, allowing for a few grey areas where there’s some uncertainty as to whether a particular section of a route really qualifies as a ‘road’ or not!
The route descriptions are detailed and map references are given where opportunities for uncertainty with route-finding occur. Once you’ve ridden the routes a couple of times they will become more familiar and you can spend less time with your nose in this book! Like following recipes from a cookery book, interpreting these routes in your own way and indulging in a spot of improvisation will adapt them to your own taste.
Although the routes in this guide incorporate the most up-to-date Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 mapping available at the time of publication, you should also carry the relevant OS map sheets with you; you may also want to carry a GPS. Should you get lost or want to find railway stations, pubs, car parks or villages that are off the route, they will allow you to see the wider context.
ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS USED IN THE ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS
left
right
straight ahead
path crossing/junction
N north
S south
E east
W west
NW etc. northwest etc.
LH and RH left-hand and right-hand
Mentions of left and right (and left-hand and right-hand), other than specific directions, are given thus: ‘where the road curves to the right ignore the turning on your left-hand side, instead go onto a farm track’.
Easy to miss paths are noted in bold green; warnings of steep, dangerous or possibly crowded routes in bold red.
Place names in route descriptions that appear on their maps are noted in bold.
Roads are shown as A74, motorways as M8.
Grid references are shown as SU 123 456.
Important signs along the way are noted in red italics in route descriptions.
ABBREVIATIONS
LDP – Long-distance path
NNR – National Nature Reserve
WHW – West Highland Way
SUW – Southern Upland Way
SCW – St Cuthbert’s Way
JMW – John Muir Way
PW – Pennine Way
THE 7STANES
Ae Forest
About the centre
Located to the south of the Lowther Hills in Nithsdale, Dumfriesshire, the Ae mountain bike trails have something for all abilities, from green and blue routes for beginners and families to a challenging red route for technical MTB trail riders. Ae has been popular as a downhill venue for some years and has two competition-level orange-graded routes.
How to get there
Follow the A701 north out of Dumfries towards Moffat. Turn left after 12km onto a minor road, signposted Forest of Ae (or head south along the A701 for 19km from junction 15 of the M74). The trail centre is on your right, just after Ae village. Grid ref: NX 984 894, sat nav: DG1 1QB
Facilities
Bike shop – including bike hire and servicing, pay & display parking, showers, toilets, uplift service. Ae Café open Monday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (except winter). Tel 01387 860805 for further information.
The trails
Larch View (blue, 13.5km, technicality 2/5)
This blue route follows the Ae Valley family trail and extends to take in more of the surrounding forest, returning through the valley, following the river and taking in some easy wooden duckboards. Around a third of the route is on singletrack paths and the rest follows forest roads.
Ae Line (red, 24km, technicality 3/5)
The Ae Line is a fast, challenging cross-country trail with plenty of climbing. A couple of new sections were introduced in 2014 – a fast, flowing descent and a climb packed with 22 switchbacks. The final descent, The Omega Man, is filled with jumps and drops and is an absolute joy to ride.
The Shredder (orange, 1km, technicality 4/5)
The Shredder is a downhill run for beginners and gives a good taster of the discipline with fast berms, open corners, tabletops and rocks, and off-camber sections.
Ae Downhill (orange, 1.6km, technicality 5/5)
The Ae Downhill course combines technical root and dirt sections with huge manmade features, including berms, tabletops, triples and a couple of very big drops.
More information
Dalbeattie
About the centre
Dalbeattie has a good range of trails, including one of the most famous features at any trail centre: the Slab – a 14-metre high lump of granite forming one of the Hardrock Trail’s descents. The waymarked trails include a green-, blue- and red-graded trail with numerous black options. There’s also a skills area and short taster loop.
How to get there
From Dumfries, head southwest on the A711 for 21km to Dalbeattie, then follow the A710 for 2km where the car park can be found on your left a short way south of the town. Grid ref: NX 837 590, sat nav: DG5 4QU
Facilities
Bike wash, pay & display parking, toilets.
The trails
Ironhash Trail (green, 11.4km, technicality 2/5)
A little over 11km, the Ironhash Trail is a fairly level route that will suit inexperienced riders and families. The green trail mostly follows forest roads, although it also includes two brief sections of singletrack.
Moyle Hill Trail (blue, 14km, technicality 2/5)
The Moyle Hill Trail covers a considerable distance without any real technical difficulties, although there are a few climbs to contend with. The route provides a good introduction to riding singletrack and to the granite rock that gives Dalbeattie its distinctive character. Some grand views too.
Hardrock Trail (red, 27km, technicality 3/5)
The Hardrock Trail is characterised by narrow singletrack with lumps of granite across the trail to help you stay alert. The trail winds along rough singletrack to the infamous Slab. It’s a great ride for the technically adept and there are also optional black sections along the way.
More information
Glentress
About the centre
Café and campsite at Glentress 7Stanes trail centre in the Scottish Borders
Scotland’s biggest and best-known trail centre, Glentress is something of a mountain biker’s Shangri-La. It’s home to 73km of varied trails, which will suit everyone from beginners to technically adept freeride enthusiasts. The range of trails on offer, the location and the centre’s wealth of facilities account for the huge popularity of Glentress with riders from all over Scotland, the rest of the UK and beyond.
Situated just outside Peebles in the Tweed Valley, Glentress caters to all abilities with green-, blue-, red- and black-graded trails. There’s also a skills area and an orange-grade freeride park, not to mention various opportunities to incorporate some of the ‘natural’ trails in the area, such as the classic Gypsy Glen (see Route 10) for example.
How to get there
From Edinburgh, get onto the A720 ring road and head south on the A702, A703 and A701 through Penicuik then the A703 again towards Peebles. At Peebles turn east on the A72. The trail centre is on the left 3km outside town. Grid ref: NT 284 397, sat nav: EH45 8NB
Facilities
Bike shop with bike hire and bike wash, café, pay & display parking, showers, toilets.
The trails
Green routes (3.5km and 4.4km, technicality 2/5)
The two green routes both feature smooth singletrack that drops, climbs and weaves through the trees. There’s also a Skills Area loop to practice your riding technique on.
Blue route (8–16km, technicality 3/5)
The blue route is characterised by flowing singletrack, sweeping corners and jumps that encourage you to wind up the speed. The route comprises two loops – the lower and the upper – both of which are 8km long.
Red route (18km, technicality 4/5)
This is one of the most enjoyable trail centre routes anywhere, and it’s also home of the magnificent Spooky Woods descent. It’s not too tight or twisty, but it’s all about speed. There are rocky sections and log skinnies to negotiate too. This is a real trail centre classic.
Black route (30km, technicality 4/5)
This is a 30km route with 24km of superb, hard-packed singletrack. There are plenty of rocky climbs and switchback descents, and some lovely swooping sections of trail for good measure.
Freeride park (orange)
The freeride park is ideal for technically adept riders looking to push themselves and hone their skills. Here you’ll find jumps, wallrides and North Shore woodwork. Not for beginners or the faint-hearted.
More information
Innerleithen
About the centre
On the Traquair XC red route, 7Stanes (Route 9)
A few kilometres east of Glentress along the A72, Innerleithen is a venue for experienced riders. It’s also a popular downhill (DH) centre, with a regular uplift service (www.upliftscotland.com).
How to get there
From Edinburgh, get onto the A720 ring road then head south on the A702, A703 and A701 through Penicuik then the A703 again towards Peebles. At Peebles turn east on the A72, pass Glentress and continue along the main road to Innerleithen. Once in the village, turn right, following signs to Traquair. The car park is on your left at the T-junction. Grid ref: NT 336 358, sat nav: EH44 6PW
Facilities
Pay & display parking, uplift service.
The trails
Innerleithen XC (red, 18km, technicality 4/5)
This cross-country route starts with a long climb, winding up through woods and on to rocky moorland. After the first singletrack descent comes the technical Plora Craig, with singletrack snaking through the trees and optional black-graded rock gardens. The finale is Caddon Bank – a fast, steep section with berms, big drops and rows of doubles.
Downhill (orange)
The main downhill trails are the hard and fast Matador, the tight Natural Gold and Cresta runs, and Make or Brake – a high-speed trail including plenty of jumps, drops and berms.
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Kirroughtree
About the centre
Situated just east of Newton Stewart in the Galloway Forest, the Kirroughtree trails feature carefully crafted singletrack and impressive natural trail features together with a compact skills area. A new visitor centre, bike shop and car park were opened in 2014.
How to get there
From Dumfries, take the A75 west towards Newton Stewart. Turn right onto a minor road about 6.5km before Newton Stewart. Take the first left and follow the lane to the centre. Grid ref: NX 452 646, sat nav: DG8 7BE
Facilities
Bike hire, bike shop, bike wash, café, pay & display parking, toilets, visitor centre (seasonal opening).
The trails
Larg Hill (blue, 10.5km, technicality 2/5) and Doon Hill extension (blue, 4km, technicality 2/5)
The Larg Hill loop climbs along The Twister, but sticks to forest roads when the red route moves onto singletrack. The Doon Hill extension adds singletrack and more forest roads to the route.
The Twister (red, 17.5km, technicality 3/5)
The Twister combines narrow singletrack trails with tight corners and delicate rocky sections to create an effortlessly flowing whole.
Black Craigs (black, 31.5km including red route, technicality 4/5)
The outstanding feature of the excellent Black Craigs route is McMoab – a large granite outcrop with waymarker arrows indicating the best line across it. There are also steep slabs to climb and rocky drops to launch off or pick your way down.
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Newcastleton
About the centre
