Guide to 7Stanes MTB Centres

If your MTB bucket list doesn’t include the 7Stanes trail centres, we think you might have to put it straight at the top after reading this guide. What’s better than a series of trail centres highlighting Scotland’s best mountain biking?

Stretching along the border of England and Scotland, Newcastleton Forest is a great introduction to the 7Stanes. It’s a remote spot, tucked away from many of the tourists that head for Kielder just across the border.

A mix of green, blue and red routes means novice mountain bikers can improve their skills while more confident riders can test themselves on fast, flowy trails. Notable trails include the switchbacks of the Hidden Valley, Dead Man’s Quarry Climb, Swarfe Hill and Caddrouns. There’s nothing too technical at Newcastleton, so you’ll have time for plenty of runs with barely anyone else around - bliss!

You can’t go mountain biking in Scotland without going to Glentress. Along with its neighbour Innerleithen, we think it’s one of the best places to ride your mountain bike in the UK. It’s an award-winning trail centre just an hour from Edinburgh. The trails suit all levels of experience from easy ungraded gravel paths suitable for kids and families, to black and orange freeride trails for adrenaline junkies.

Choose between a fire road climb from the visitor centre or include the Cool Runnings flowy descent first to get yourself in the mood for what’s to come. Once you’re at Spooky Wood, the real fun begins with berms, drop-offs and even the odd jump.

If you want twisty climbs, technical descents and rewards on every berm, look no further than Ae. A three-hour (ish) red trail is chock-a-block with more fun than you can shake an airborne rear wheel at. The climb reveals panoramic views of the rolling hills before the tree-lined trails take you on an enchanted yet thrill-seeking adventure.

The dry trails in summer make for incredible riding. There’s plenty of off-piste riding at the Forest of Ae, so look out for the lesser known, exciting trails through the woods.

For granite slabs, coastal views and sweet singletrack, Dalbeattie is your answer. Its USP is rock - huge slabs of it, in fact. You’ll need to concentrate over the technical sections and refuel on the fire roads between them.

Between the black-graded rocky slabs on the red trail, you’ll find boardwalks requiring balance and speed. For those who want to practice and take it a little easier, the blue trails pack enough punch to keep a smile on your face the whole time.

Refuel at the café in the car park or in the nearby village and soak in the day’s efforts.

As the first of the 7Stanes trail centres, it has made a name for itself as the testing ground of trails. The flowy red trails offer up a real rollercoaster of berms, expansive views, rocky sections and tight singletracks.

There’s nothing too extreme at Mabie, so it’s great for building confidence, taking the kids and improving your technique.

If you’re a beginner mountain biker, Glentrool is an ideal playground. Green and blue trails await you at Glentrool in the Galloway Forest and provide opportunity to increase your speed, hone your technical skills or simply enjoy your surroundings.

The real draw card for this trail centre is the Big Country Route. Sweeping views along this 58 kilometre loop are aplenty and it’s a great day out. Not only is it suitable for mountain bikes but gravel bikes too. There’s nothing technical but it’ll get your heart racing anyway.

If you have a love affair with rocks, Kirroughtree should be high on your list. Fast flowing singletrack peppered with rocky technical sections will get your heart pumping. Look out for the black-graded Black Craigs trail with its slabs and ridges of granite and boulder causeways.

The Twister is a better option for those building up to gnarlier terrain. This red trail has options to take on black-graded sections, so you can keep riding without committing to features you’re less confident with.