ON YOUR BIKE
LEARNIE RED ROCK TRAIL CENTRE, BLACK ISLE
These purpose-built mountain bike trails, between Rosemarkie and Cromarty on the BLACK ISLE north of Inverness, are fantastic fun for all levels, with a range of graded and signposted trails on offer.
You can mix the green, blue and black-graded trails with forest roads and an orange-graded fun park and dirt jump area to round off your day. With well-crafted swoopy trails, jaw-dropping views across the Moray Firth, plenty of rest points and one of scotland’s trickiest black-graded trails, there really is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. see scotland. forestry.gov.uk
INVERNESS BIKE PARK
INVERNESS BIKE PARK in Whin Park will leave anyone, from balance bikers to experienced riders, with a smile on their face. It features an awesome 330yd pump track and can be found right in the heart of Inverness next to the highland skate Park and Inverness Leisure Centre. The park is fully floodlit and open until 10pm every day and is fantastic for mountain bikes and BMX bikes alike.
Whin Park also has a boating pond, a large outdoor play area and a miniature railway, so there’s lots to keep the kids entertained for the whole day. Take a picnic! Visit highlandskateparks.co.uk/ inverness-bike-park
CULBIN SANDS, MORAY SPEYSIDE
CULBIN FOREST is a large plantation situated on the edge of the beach between Nairn and Forres.
It offers fantastic trails for all ages and abilities, with lots to do off the beaten track. The trails are beautiful, family-friendly and on mostly flat, well-surfaced terrain. There are also some interesting natural and archaeological features along the way to keep the whole family entertained and it’s well worth climbing the tower on the HILL 99 trail for amazing views over the trees to the Moray Firth.
The real joy of Culbin is that despite a few selected routes, navigation is left to the user. every junction is clearly marked on the map, leaving you to create your own magical adventure by the sea. see scotland.forestry.gov.uk
GLENLIVET TRAIL CENTRE, MORAY SPEYSIDE
BIKEGLENLIVET in south speyside is a hidden gem nestled at the heart of Glenlivet estate. historically, this is illicit whisky distilling country where smuggling was rife, though production is more official these days!
There are two fantastic trail loops over 13.5 miles (22km) here, one blue-graded loop with an optional red-graded extension. The majority of singletrack is smooth and flows beautifully through the woods. The views of the surrounding area are quite stunning and make the climb worthwhile. These trails are perfect for a mixed ability group, where most technical sections are optional and well constructed to build confidence along the way.
The final descent to the café is a proper whoop-inducing flow and will have you gasping for breath and smiling from ear to ear. see glenlivetestate.co.uk
AVIEMORE TO BOAT OF GARTEN (SPEYSIDE WAY, NCN 7), CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
THIS six-mile (9.6km) route follows a section of the SPEYSIDE WAY, threading its way through heather moors and native birch woodlands, complete with sculptures. There
are plenty of places to stop for a picnic and enjoy stunning views of the Cairngorm mountains, or the steam trains running along the STRATHSPEY RAILWAY.
At Boat of Garten, stock up on snacks at the friendly post office, or pop into the Boat hotel for tea and cakes. From here, you could extend the ride to the popular RSPB LOCH GARTEN OSPREY CENTRE or catch a steam train back to Aviemore – cyclists and bikes are very welcome onboard. see sustrans.org.uk/ scotland
LAGGAN WOLFTRAX TRAIL CENTRE, CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
NOT far from Dalwhinnie, LAGGAN
WOLFTRAX offers 18.5 miles (30km) of lovely graded trails and is a proper slice of highland magic.
Billed as mountain bike trails with bite, there’s everything from a meandering, short and gentle green-graded trail to an intense and rocky black-graded trail including a formidable slab descent to test the nerve of the strongest of riders. The main red-graded loop consists of upper and lower swooping loveliness, allowing riders to build up their ride or take an easy exit if it gets too much.
Bothy Bikes has a small shop on-site for servicing, spares and bike hire and there’s also a friendly café and toilets and showers too. see scotland.forestry.gov.uk
FORT AUGUSTUS TO LAGGAN LOCKS (THE CALEDONIA WAY, NCN 78), HIGHLANDS
LOCATED at the southern end of Loch Ness, FORT AUGUSTUS is a great starting point for a family cycle with its cafés, restaurants and the Caledonian Canal heritage Centre.
A delightful section of cycle path leads south-west from here to Laggan Locks, along easy-going canal towpaths and the old Invergarry and Fort Augustus railway line, with its preserved Loch oich railway tunnel and Invergloy station platforms. The scenic viewpoint and café at Laggan Locks marks the end of your journey.
This 11-mile (18km) route is easily accessible from either end with parking, toilets and cafés available and is a great introduction to cycling the Caledonia Way. see sustrans.org.uk/ scotland
NEVIS RANGE TRAIL CENTRE, LOCHABER
NEVIS RANGE is home to the famous World Cup track, at 1.7 miles (2.82 km) one of the longest and most challenging downhill trails on the planet. even the uphill is an amazing experience, with stunning views of lochs and glens to enjoy on the only gondola-assisted uplift in the UK. There’s more to Nevis Range than the World Cup track, though. Bikers of all abilities will find routes to suit, which help build skills and confidence. The familyfriendly Witches Trails have something for everyone. There are new green and blue-graded descents alongside the World Champs course and stunning cross-country in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Find out about the real Leanachan Witch and soak up some highland magic. see nevisrange.co.uk
THE FORMARTINE AND BUCHAN WAY (NCN 1), ABERDEENSHIRE
STARTING in Dyce, on the outskirts of Aberdeen, this peaceful traffic-free cycling and walking route follows an old railway line through the Aberdeenshire countryside. The route heads north via ellon to Maud, where you can continue on to Fraserburgh, or turn east for Peterhead. The 40-mile (64km) route is well signposted and relatively flat, making it ideal for kids. There are many railway relics to discover on the way including bridges, old platforms and abandoned stations, which add interest to this quiet, scenic route. see sustrans.org.uk/ scotland
ABOYNE TO BALLATER ON THE DEESIDE WAY (NCN 195), ABERDEENSHIRE
THIS trail begins at Aboyne’s station square, and follows an 11-mile (18km) section of the old Deeside railway line to historic Ballater on Royal Deeside. The path hugs the River Dee, passing through quiet woodland and open fields, with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Take a detour at Dinnet and explore the BURN O’ VAT, a huge geological pothole, and the MUIR OF DINNET NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, or continue on to Cambus o’May where you’ll find an old station building and an impressive suspension bridge. At TULLICH
KIRKYARD, pause to view the historic Pictish stones and old graves before continuing to Ballater. see deesideway.org.
TARLAND TRAILS, ABERDEENSHIRE
TARLAND TRAILS in Royal Deeside are set in an area of exceptional beauty on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, within a thriving community. The QUEEN’S
VIEW at Tarland was much loved by Queen Victoria. The trails here are perfect for a family day out and have been designed for a wide range of users, from novice to experienced and competent riders and are suitable for balance, mountain and jump bikes. With a flowing blue trail suitable for all, a technical rocky red, a big jumpy orange trail and a large pump track, why not do laps, test your skills or time yourself? Tarland definitely has something to offer every type of rider. see tarland.org.uk
ABOYNE BIKE PARK, ROYAL DEESIDE, ABERDEENSHIRE
YOU’LL find ABOYNE BIKE PARK in the Bellwood Community Woodland just an hour from Aberdeen. It consists of a couple of short downhill runs – The sidewinder and the Rattle snake – a blackgraded and red-graded trail and an awesome pumptrack. The CYCLE
HIGHLANDS PYTHON PUMP TRACK is graded green and suitable for all standards and ages of riders. Use only your momentum to get through the berms and rollers – the less you can pedal, the more you’re showing your skills. Why not have a family race? This mountain bike park has been designed for a wide range of users, from novice to experienced riders and its compact design makes it a great place for a day trip.
BENDERLOCH TO PORTNACROISH, ARGYLL AND THE ISLES
FROM Benderloch, the CALEDONIA
WAY (NCN 78) is well signed and easy to follow north, along the old oban to Ballachulish railway line. stop off at the SCOTTISH SEA LIFE
CENTRE – home to a spectacular aquarium and scotland’s leading seal hospital – before continuing on through the abandoned railway sidings of APPIN STATION. Now look out for the iconic CASTLE STALKER. Famous for being ‘The Castle of Aaargh’ in the cult classic Monty Python & The holy Grail, this 15th century castle stands guard at the entrance to Loch Laich. From here it’s just a short ride on quiet roads to Port Appin for refreshments, or make the short ferry crossing to
LISMORE, a wildlife haven, steeped in local history, which is best explored by bike. see sustrans. org.uk/ scotland
CALLANDER TO KILLIN VIA STRATHYRE AND GLEN OGLE
The pretty town of CALLANDER is also known as ‘the gateway to the highlands’, and for good reason.
You’ll quickly feel like you are on a proper highland adventure as you head north on NCN 7, following the river Garbh Uisge upstream through the forest of strathyre and past the FALLS OF LENY. Cycle along the shores of Loch Lubnaig, and pause for refreshments at strathyre or push on to the village of Balquhidder, home to the historic grave of local outlaw (some say folk hero) Rob Roy MacGregor. Pass through Kingshouse and you will soon be climbing up the spectacular Glen ogle as you enjoy lofty views across heather-clad
mountains. Cross the A85 at the head of the glen and then revel in the fast, sweeping descent through Acharn Forest to the dramatic
FALLS OF DOCHART at Killin. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland LOCH KATRINE – LOCH ARD CIRCULAR ROUTE iN the heart of the trossachs with magnificent landscapes shaped by nature, and immortalised in poetry by Sir Walter Scott, this area is ideal for a challenging day on the bike. in the summer, this route can be shortened by combining it with a boat trip on the SS SIR WALTER
SCOTT or the LADY OF THE LAKE that make sight-seeing trips around Loch Katrine. this is a challenging 35-mile (56km) route, on a mixture of forest tracks and quiet roads, with some steep climbs through Achray Forest. Remote sections give a sense of adventure, so pack everything you may need before you set out. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland THE THREE DISTILLERIES PATHWAY, ISLE OF ISLAY FOR those who (responsibly) enjoy a ‘wee dram’ of peated islay whisky, this four-mile (6.4km) route was made for you. Starting in the picturesque settlement of Port ellen, this traffic-free route takes in the famous distilleries of LAPHROAIG,
LAGAVULIN and ARDBEG. Although only a short route, allow plenty of time, as each of the distilleries offer child-friendly guided tours showing how the whisky is made, as well as an opportunity for adult tastings. Refreshments are available in a fine café at Ardbeg before you return the way you came, taking in the lovely coastal views across the inlet at Sron Dubh as you go. See islayjura.com THE CRINAN CANAL, ARGYLL AND THE ISLES RuNNiNg for nine miles between Ardrishaig and Crinan, the CRINAN
CANAL is a delight for cyclists of all ages. Opened in 1801, this historic waterway provides a shortcut for shipping travelling between the mighty Loch Fyne and the inner hebrides, avoiding the arduous journey around the Mull of Kintyre. Join the towpath at Lochgilphead and turn right to cycle through lush countryside. At Cairnbaan, there’s the first in a series of locks. to the north of the village lies KILMARTIN GLEN which contains hundreds of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments and relics. Continue along the canal by Móine Mhór to reach the harbour at Crinan. See sustrans.org. uk/scotland BROUGHTY FERRY TO ARBROATH, DUNDEE/ANGUS FROM the appealing suburb of Broughty Ferry on the outskirts of Dundee, this predominantly flat and traffic-free route follows the North Sea coastline, with panoramic views across the Firth of tay. Built in the 15th century to protect the estuary, BROUGHTY
CASTLE (now a museum) marks the start of this route and is well worth a
visit. From here, follow the shoreline north through sand dunes and open farmland via Monifieth and Carnoustie until you arrive at Arbroath, where you can sample the Arbroath Smokie – freshly caught haddock, smoke-cured over smouldering oak chips. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland TEMPLETON TANGLE, DUNDEE TEMPLETON TANGLE MOUNTAIN
BIKE TRAIL is a short blue-graded route through templeton Woods with red-graded options. it’s suitable for young riders, beginners and families in particular. the 0.6 mile (1km) trail winds its way through an underused plantation, providing a range of challenges to help riders learn mountain bike skills and develop confidence. the challenges along the trail include steps and drops, jumps, tight corners, rock and root obstacles and challenging climbs. if that’s not worn you out, then continue carefully over the Coupar Angus road into large and leafy Camperdown Park and continue on the city’s green circular bike track for more muddy meanderings. See dundeecity. gov.uk COMRIE CROFT, PERTHSHIRE COMRIE CROFT, Perthshire, was crowned iBikeRide trail of the year in 2016 and is surely the most ‘natural’ trail centre in the uK. the ten-mile (16km) graded singletrack trails network is small but perfectly formed and includes technical rocky, possibly rooty the singletrack best flowing as well bermy as blue-graded relatively new trail dual in slalom Scotland. course A can blue-graded be found trail, at the which end of is the the most amazing fun. Race your kids to the café for lunch if you dare! With family camping in Nordic Katas and regular festivals and events, Comrie Croft ticks all the boxes for a family holiday. See comriecroft.com LOCH LEVEN HERITAGE TRAIL, PERTHSHIRE StARtiNg from Kinross, this scenic 13-mile (21km) circular route around LOCH LEVEN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE makes for a perfect family day out on bikes. there is plenty to see and do and places to eat as you tour Loch Leven on this flat, traffic-free path. Pause at one of the RSPB wildlife-watching hides where you may catch a glimpse of kingfishers or otters, or take a short boat trip from Kinross Pier to LOCH LEVEN CASTLE, which sits on its own island. in 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots, was briefly imprisoned here, before making her escape across the water – a tale which will be sure to capture imaginations of all ages. LOCHORE MEADOWS, FIFE the mountain bike trails here (also known as the Meedies) are part of the LOCHORE MEADOWS OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE in the lovely Kingdom of Fife. there is one mountain bike track that is seven miles (11km) long and a lovely family ride, which winds around beautiful Loch Ore. there is also an on-site skills area to practise and WHITEWOOD BIKE
PARK has jumps to challenge the big air adventurer in your family. Recently, 2.5miles (4km) of blue trails have been added, including Scotland’s first Adapted Bike trail – which has been designed and built for side-by-side bikes and trikes. See lochoremeadows. org.uk BEECRAIGS COUNTRY PARK, LINLITHGOW DeFiNiteLy bring your bike when you come to BEECRAIGS and explore the many forest roads through the park. there are many other things to do in the park, so why not make a day of it.
if you are cycling up to Beecraigs from Linlithgow, an off-road route is available from Preston Road, through HILLHOUSE WOODLAND linking into the park.
there are plenty of trails to suit all and the recently opened Skills Area enhances the experience for mountain bikers by providing an area for riders to hone their skills and techniques. And most definitely – bring a picnic. See westlothian.gov.uk THE FORTH BRIDGE AND BLACKNESS CASTLE CONStRuCteD in the late 1800s,
THE FORTH BRIDGE is one of Scotland’s most iconic architectural landmarks and our newest uNeSCO World heritage Site. it now sits alongside the Forth Road Bridge and the newly built Queensferry Crossing – an impressive trio of engineering feats spanning more than 100 years. it also marks the start of a dramatic and largely traffic-free cycle ride along the Forth estuary. Following NCN 76, the stark silhouette of BLACKNESS
CASTLE is soon evident, en route to the historic town of Bo’ness. With links to the Roman period, Bo’ness marks the eastern end of THE
ANTONINE WALL – the northernmost frontier of the Roman empire. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland SKELF BIKE PARK, EDINBURGH SLAP bang in the centre (nearly) of edinburgh you will find SKELF
BIKE PARK. it’s an extremely exciting new park, suitable for people of all ages and abilities and a brilliant option for a family day out. there is a 0.6 mile (1km) loop of signposted mountain bike trails at the Skelf. these fast and smooth trails are blue-graded with some optional red-graded features and are rideable in all weathers.
the Skelf also features a pump track full of berms and rollers. try and ride the track without pedaling! it’s suitable for BMXs, jump bikes, mountain bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and even balance bikes and can also be ridden in all weathers. See theskelf.org.uk HELIX PARK, THE KELPIES AND THE FALKIRK WHEEL, FALKIRK thiS route begins at the fantastic
HELIX PARK in Falkirk and goes past two of Scotland’s most spectacular landmarks – THE KELPIES by Andy Scott and THE FALKIRK
WHEEL. the 16-mile (26km) route also passes many interesting places such as CALLENDAR PARK & ESTATE, a great place for a break to see wildlife and learn about the local history. there are numerous cafés and picnic spots for stop-offs and lots to keep the kids entertained. For a bigger challenge, the Falkirk Wheel marks the junction between the union and Forth & Clyde canals and NCN 754 follows the towpaths of these, providing a virtually traffic-free cycle route from edinburgh to glasgow. See thehelix.co.uk BESPOKE TRAILS, NEAR FALKIRK THE CALLENDAR ESTATE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS (including greenrig Bike Park) are situated just outside the town of Falkirk. Owned by the Callendar estate, the site offers four different trails, each named after the beautiful woodlands which they run through. these trails range from a family-friendly green-graded loop to a more technically challenging red-graded route. there is also GREENRIG BIKE
PARK on the estate. Along with the trails the site also offers a wide range of facilities such as Bespoke Bike hire and the Milk Barn café. the trails are maintained by the Bespoke Community Development organisation. See www.bespokefalkirk.co.uk
BOWLING HARBOUR TO BALLOCH, NEAR GLASGOW The picturesque BOWLING
HARBOUR marks the western gateway to the historic Forth and Clyde Canal and is also the start point for this scenic and largely traffic-free route. Follow NCN 7 west to Dumbarton, for views across the mighty Clyde, where you can stop off and visit
DUMBARTON CASTLE – where Mary, Queen of Scots hid as a child, and which has the longest recorded history of any British castle – before turning north for a meander alongside the once industrial River Leven, towards Balloch at the southern tip of Loch Lomond. There are a number of rail stations on this route, which may come in handy should little legs become tired. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland CATHKIN BRAES, GLASGOW The trails in CATHKIN BRAES
COUNTRY PARK in south-east Glasgow opened in June 2013 and were specifically built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The trails are well located, 650ft above sea level, giving stunning views over the city. The terrain is a mix of ancient woodland and more exposed wide open spaces. The trail is red-graded with blue and black options. At 3.4 miles (5.5km) long and designed in a figure of eight, it is graded to suit different skill and fitness levels. This year will see a massive expansion of the trails and facilities here, making it more family-friendly. A new floodlit car park and access road, one of the biggest Velosolutions UK pump tracks, and a skills coaching area are planned. CUNINGAR LOOP, GLASGOW A New and exciting woodland park on the banks of the River Clyde, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise or just relax. The bike track is designed to introduce biking to a wide range of ages and abilities, so it is ideal for families. There are three tracks: balance bike, pump and skill building, all within an amazing woodland setting with so many other activities to enjoy as a family. From Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park to an adventure play area, there really is something for everyone. See scotland. forestry.gov.uk THE STRATHKELVIN RAILWAY PATH, EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE ThiS path follows the line of the old Campsie branch of the edinburgh and Glasgow railway line and provides a traffic-free and family-friendly escape from the Central Belt town of Kirkintilloch into unspoilt countryside. Follow this tree and wildflowerlined cycle path close to Glazert water, past the site of the former railway station at Milton of Campsie where the old platforms and tunnel have been renovated by the community, and admire the backdrop of the beautiful Campsie Fells as you pedal on towards Strathblane. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland THE LOCHWINNOCH LOOP, RENFREWSHIRE FRoM Paisley Canal station this path follows the railway line and continues for ten miles all the way to Lochwinnoch and beyond. Look out for spectacular artworks including the BROKEN
PENCILS and the BEDROCK BIKE. There’s wildlife to spot, spectacular loch views to enjoy and 17th century architecture to see. THE CASTLE SEMPLE VISITOR CENTRE is a fantastic excuse to stop off for a cup of tea or an ice cream and, if you still have some energy after your cycle, there are plenty of family activities available. wildlife lovers can also head for RSPB LOCHWINNOCH NATURE RESERVE, just next to Lochwinnoch station. it’s also possible to extend your ride to Kilbirnie four miles (6.5 km) and then take the train back to Paisley from Glengarnock station. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland THE SOUTH BEACH, TROON ThiS short section of the longer
AYRSHIRE COAST CYCLEWAY is an absolute delight and a perfect introduction to cycling for young children. The flat, easy to ride route follows the South Beach Promenade, with views across the Forth of Clyde to Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Kintyre Peninsula. with spectacular sunsets, the sound of the waves crashing onto the beach, and the sea breeze in your hair, you’ll fly along this short traffic free route See sustrans.org.uk/scotland THE TWEED VALLEY RAILWAY PATH, SCOTTISH BORDERS LiNKiNG the popular Borders towns of Peebles and innerleithen, this path follows the picturesque River Tweed for much of the way, past the ruins of
HORSBURGH CASTLE, with open views across the river to the forested hills on either side of the valley. The path also provides a perfect link between the highly popular mountain bike trail centres of 7STANES Glentress and innerleithen. Cardrona marks the mid-point of the route, where there is a pump track, and the energetic can practise cycling stunts – use at your own risk. See sustrans.org.uk/scotland 7STANES AE TRAIL CENTRE, AE VILLAGE, BY DUMFRIES The 7STANES are world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from all over the UK and beyond. THE FOREST OF AE, just outside Dumfries has a superb variety of green, blue and redgraded trails, an extreme downhill section for the serious experts, and a skills area for honing your technique. A new uplift service is now available at Ae for those who want to cram as much downhill into a visit without the pedal up. See scotland.forestry. gov.uk 7STANES GLENTROOL TRAIL CENTRE, BY BARGRENNAN, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY TAKe a gentle day-long ride into the wild heart of GALLOWAY
FOREST PARK and enjoy magnificent views of lochs and hills. The trails are really beautiful and are fun for families and beginners. The Green Torr climbs gradually up through the forest to stunning views over Loch Trool. This ride is mainly on purpose-built singletrack and is ideal for less experienced mountain bikers. The most challenging section is the steady 715ft climb through the forest to the Green Torr, after which you can enjoy the long final descent back down to the visitor centre.
it is a great blue-graded trail with stunning scenery.
Glentrool really is a great place for families and novice riders and there’s also a beautiful little café in a stunning spot with picnic tables next to a lovely stream to complete your trip. See scotland.forestry.gov.uk DRUMLANRIG TRAIL CENTRE, THORNHILL, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ChALLeNGe yourself to an exhilarating mountain bike ride on these fantastic world-class mountain bike trails through some of Scotland’s finest scenery. Since the introduction of the mountain bike trails in 2002 they have been constantly evolving year on year, providing a new challenge every time you visit.
You will find a variety of trails to suit every ability and interest. There are gnarly ‘old-school’ technical, single-track routes, swooping family trails through the beautiful DRUMLANRIG
WOODLANDS and quiet country back roads. There are three different trail types: moderate (blue routes), difficult (red routes)
and hard (black routes), giving you the chance to find the right one for you. The castle grounds are absolutely stunning. with a castle to explore and an adventure playground too, you really cannot help but plan your next visit before you leave. 7STANES GLENTRESS TRAIL CENTRE, PEEBLES
GLENTRESS is the jewel in the crown of Scottish (if not UK) mountain biking centres and is the most popular of the 7STANES centres in the south of Scotland. You’ll find more than 43 miles (70km) of trails, with something for every level of biker. Another ten miles (16km) of trails are planned in the next few years. The trails are world renowned and rightly so as they link together effortlessly and beg you to keep going. The family-friendly green trails are beautiful to ride with wee ones and even tots on balance bikes are found scooting round them! The famous red and blue trails are legendary and
SPOOKY WOOD is probably the most ridden trail in the country and its features are quite addictive. The main hub offers a large café and Alpine Bikes offers spares, servicing and bike hire here too. You can also stay at the foot of the trails at GLENTRESS
FOREST LODGES and Forest holidays are planning to build 50 eco-lodges here over the next few years. See scotland.forestry. gov.uk 7STANES NEWCASTLETON TRAIL CENTRE, SCOTTISH BORDERS iF you’re planning a peaceful picnic with lovely views, a quiet cycle or an adrenalin-rush mountain bike ride, NEWCASTLETON
FOREST offers the perfect setting. The forest is also a wildlife haven: don’t miss the hide overlooking Priesthill and the stunning Liddel valley. There are traces of ages past here too – look out for ancient settlements and burial cairns as you ride by.
The trails do cater from beginners to intermediate level and are fun for all the family. The blue-graded loop is perfect for beginners or families – this route offers a gentle introduction to mountain biking complete with stunning views, forest paths and some fun descents. The red route is fast and narrow singletrack which guides you through the forest and around this adrenalinpumping trail. There are also plenty of special features to keep you on your toes and climbs to test your cardio fitness. See scotland.forestry.gov.uk