Borders Harmony
Nick Drainey finds that Glentress is ideal for both bikers and walkers
HERE you have some of the best trails in the country for those who love two wheels and adrenalin, but there are also some well laid-out walking routes. These different ascents and descents, whether by pedal or on foot, do cross – but there is plenty of warning, and much common sense seems to make everything run smoothly.
On arriving at the Buzzard’s Nest car park, the walker can feel a little out of place as spanners and Allen keys are put to good work on all things bike. But it is really only a few yards until the peace of the forest is reached. Higher up, as the Shieldgreen Centre is passed, views across the Tweed Valley make this a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Exertion is not absent, however, and by the time you return, your legs will be aching a little. Yet there is a sense of calm gained from being among the trees – albeit forestry – as you make your way back.
I first went to Glentress with the attitude that mountain bikers were not to be trusted, but I have come to learn that they do stop and avoid hitting others at speed. Of course the walker, too, needs to be mindful and always stick to the right tracks.
In other parts of the country I have witnessed a lack of respect for others – whether it is as simple as walkers failing to close a gate or letting dogs run loose near sheep, or landowners padlocking gates on a right-of-way or erecting signs which wrongly say there is no access.
The land access legislation which Scotland has seen in the last few years has done much to improve things but there are still, as always, lessons to be learned. A good way to see how balance and respect can be achieved is to go down to Glentress and see how things work.
This route follows the Tower Trail and can be