The 7stanes pushes the concept of mountain biking into new and higher realms - bringing out the best of the Forests of South of Scotland through stone and timber. The trails are built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers to ensure that this remains Scotland's Biking heaven!
It's worthwhile to decide in advance which type of trail is right for you so take a look at the 7stanes page to Understanding Trail Grades for more information
Glentress
where do you start with Glentress? It is Scotland's biggest mountain bike centre, its most popular and the unofficial hub of the sport of mountain biking in Scotland. Many experts and riders say Glentress is pure mountain bike heaven; with brilliant trails, a top notch cafe, a fantastic mountain bike shop, quality bikes for hire, changing facilities and a great atmosphere; you can see why Glentress is the best biking centre in Britain - and it is only 40 minutes from Edinburgh!
The Red Route
is a firm favourite with the mountain bike fraternity. Offering a fun challenge, the Red Route is in fact a real favourite with everyone who rides it. The route has been substantially upgraded in parts making it even better than before. You'll be climbing up twisting trails to a superb view point up high in the forest which overlooks the Tweed Valley. Once you've re-grouped at the top you'll want to blast down on three sections of fantastic singletrack; and soon be jumping the doubles at Spooky Wood and getting air on the sloping jumps at Hairy Bear. Soon you'll be entering the Matrix and attacking moguls before the huge berms in Magic Mushroom. It remains the benchmark for red graded trails boasting some beautiful singletrack, massive fast descendants.
If you are new to mountain biking or want an easier ride.
Glentress' other trails
fit the bill. There‘s a choice of easier fun rides including the new skills loop, freeride practice runs, trailquest and of course the popular clue route which offers real mountain biking for starters. …and when you need a break and refreshment drop in to the Glentress Peel Cafe. This is part of the new £8.5m visitor centre opened by Forestry Commision Scotland in 2011 featuring state of the art facilities.
Innerleithen is known primarily as a centre for downhill riding, though it also has a high quality cross country route - the 7stanes XCTrail (Red and Black routes only) will test the best and 90% of it is glorious single track!
The 12mile 7stanes XC Trail is aimed squarely at the connoisseur of technical singletrack, with a mix of built trails designed to offer free ride thrills to natural worn paths that give a more traditional feel. If you like lung-busting long climbs, bermed singletrack and hard technical rock riding then the 7stanes XC Trail will bring a big smile to your face.
Newcastleton
Close to the Scottish - English Border, Newcastleton has trails for all levels of rider and offers a great introduction to the 7stanes. An easier blue trail is available and 16km of singletrack on the red trail has been built. The red features berms, drop offs, table tops and other testing features. You can find bike hire at nearby Rock UK. Already at the forest is a growing network of walking trails, so apart from biking you'll have other options whilst you are there. It's a fantastic area though and one worth visiting.
For more information visit:
7stanes (click here)