Scotland’s rugged, varied topography is perfectly suited to mountain biking, and it’s therefore no surprise that we have some superb trail networks.
The 7stanes are the gold standard, dotted across southern Scotland. Between them they offer world-class trails with difficulties ranging from benign to bananas. They’re named after 7 sculptured stanes (or stones), with one located at each centre (except Innerleithen). In addition to the 7stanes, there are several other excellent spots, plus numerous smaller trailheads.
There are countless other places which, while not specifically dedicated to mountain biking, provide plenty of riding potential within the bounds of the 🔗 Scottish Outdoor Access Code. We also feature a couple of flatter cycling routes which probably fall outwith the mountain biking definition:
>> Great Cumbrae circular ★★
>> Leafy Loch Katrine ★★★★
What’s it like?
Mountain bike trails are graded by the internationally-recognised colour system, ranging from green trails suitable for mountain biking newbies to black (or even “extreme” orange) routes reserved for expert riders. Whether you’re a keen mountain biker, or just fancy giving it a try, there should be something suitable here – but not at every trailhead, so check details before you go!
Most of the fun happens on narrower “singletrack” sections, though trails often also make use of wider forestry tracks to link the more interesting parts.
Many – but not all – of the main trailheads offer bike hire either on site or nearby, as well as bike wash facilities. Some locations also have dedicated skills areas, uplift facilities and / or refreshments.
Find out more
You’ll find a brief A-Z guide to the mountain biking centres we currently feature on SOBT below, with links to their detailed feature pages. More should appear with time!
7stanes Ae ★★★★
📍 Ae, Dumfries & Galloway
⬤ 9 km
⬤ 14 km
⬤ 24 km
⬤ variants only
⬤ downhill trails
💚 Good for: A fantastic, flowing red trail, but something for everyone else too
7stanes Dalbeattie ★★★★
📍 Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway
⬤ 12 km
⬤ 14 km
⬤ 25 km
⬤ variants only
⬤ skills area; taster loop
💚 Good for: Rocky red-grade riding, plus some easier stuff
7stanes Glentress ★★★★★
📍 Peebles, Scottish Borders
⬤ 5+4 km
⬤ 16 km
⬤ 18 km
⬤ 29 km
⬤ freeride park
💚 Good for: Singletrack heaven, for all levels from beginner to expert – the undisputed best in class.
7stanes Innerleithen ★★★
📍 Innerleithen, Scottish Borders
⬤ 19 km
⬤ 1 km
⬤ downhill trails
💚 Good for: Steep downhill strails, a tough red & little else!
7stanes Kirroughtree ★★★★
📍 Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway
⬤ 6 km
⬤ 10+4 km
⬤ 17 km
⬤ 14 km
⬤ skills area
💚 Good for: SW Scotland’s best mountain biking centre, with over 50km of trails above and around Bargaly Glen.
Drumlanrig ★★★
📍 Carronbridge, Dumfries & Galloway
⬤ 3+13+5+9 km
⬤ 9 km
⬤ 15 km
⬤ 8 km
💚 Good for: Woodland rides, good fun for all levels.
Kielder Mountain Bike Trails ★★★★
📍 Kielder Forest Park, Northumberland (England)
⬤ 6 km
⬤ 40+13 km
⬤ 40+33+21+7 km
⬤ 10 km
⬤ Trials Park
💚 Good for: Vast red & blue networks just across the English border, above & around a scenic reservoir.
