Scotland’s Mountain Biking Heaven

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Maximum adventurers: 10
Departure point: Edinburgh 09:00
Drop off point: Edinburgh Waverley 17:30 

The mountain bike centres and trails of Southern Scotland are rightly described as “Mountain Biking Heaven” and the reason that Scotland is now recognised as one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations. 

On your journey through Scotland’s mountain biking heartland, you will ride mind blowing trails, meet the people behind this mountain biking revolution, visit historic castles and discover the rich history of this unique corner of Scotland. 

If you are passionate about mountain biking, this three day trip will have you grinning from ear to ear from beginning to end. Led by the local guides who have contributed to the development of this area, you will ride world class bike parks, sweet single track and hidden natural trails. Every ride offers a choice of grades ranging from expert to intermediate so no matter what your skill level, you can have a great time (although you do need to be reasonably fit to get the most from the tour). 

Not only will you enjoy wonderful riding but you will also visit magnificent homes and castles and discover the rich heritage and history of this remarkable region of Scotland. 

Highlights of the tour include the riding the sublime Spooky Wood at Glentress Forest, swooping down the natural single track of the Tweed Valley, enjoying a guided tour of historic Traquair House and Brewery, the magnificent Abbotsford House and the beautiful coastline of this region. 

Day 1 – Friday, 1st October: Mountain Biking Heaven in the 7 Stanes 

Leaving the manmade beauty of the City of Edinburgh we head south into the natural beauty of the Tweed Valley and Scottish Borders, where a day of world class mountain biking awaits. 

Glentress Forest has played a significant role in the mountain bike revolution.  The Hub in the Forest, who will be looking after you at Glentress, has been a driving force in the success of Glentress.  This site is one of 7 sites that makes up the world famous  7 Stanes. It is impossible to describe just how much fun the Glentress Forest trails are! 

Regardless of whether you are a cross country freak, a downhill racer, or a weekend warrior, the range of graded trails cater for all abilities. 

Eventually you will have to drag yourself away from the trails and to your comfortable hotel where you will be wined and dined in the inimitable style of the Tweed Valley.
Overnight: The Tontine Hotel, Peebles 

Distance/Grade/Height Gain: Variable depending on trails ridden. Choice of blue, red, black and extreme trails. Over 70km of trails available. 

Day 2 – Saturday, 2nd October: Natural Single track and History in the Tweed Valley 

Today we discover the true delights of the Tweed Valley; the sweet natural single track of the Tweed Valley, the historic Traquair House and the magnificent Abbotsford House. 

The natural single track of the Tweed Valley is a closely guarded secret, but no one knows it better than local guiding company MB7. As long as you take a vow of secrecy they will share their intimate knowledge f these fantastic trails with you on a day of magic riding. Leaving Peebles via Gypsy Glen, a steep climb rewards you with a rollercoaster ride high in the Borders hills with a glorious descent to Traquair House. 

Traquair House dates from 1107 when when it was a hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland and is famous for its long association with the Jacobite cause.  Beautifully restored, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the house and brewery, followed by a delicious lunch. 

You will be pleased to hear that after lunch there is even more riding to be had. Using the Innerleithen network of purpose built mountain bike trails we climb to Minch Moor and then follow a network of heavenly trails to Melrose. Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, is a magnificent period house and explores the life of this towering literary figure. Melrose is a delightful market town and boasts several other fascinating historical sites including Melrose Abbey. 

Overnight: Burts Hotel , Melrose 

Distance/Grade/Height: Morning – 25km/intermediate/700m Afternoon – 22km/intermediate/500m (there is an easier and shorter cycle track option both morning and afternoon) 

Day 3 – Sunday, 3rd October: History and Coastal Wildlife Experience 

On our final day in this beautiful part of the world we will return to Edinburgh via the scenic North Sea coast. 

A leisurely exploration of the beauty spots of the Scottish Borders and North Sea coast lies in store on our final day. Discover the scenic beauty, miles of sandy beaches and abundant wildlife of this enchanting corner of the Scottish Borders and East Lothian. 

Our day starts at Scott’s View, reputedly one of Sir Walter Scott’s favourite views in Scotland before we then continue east to Floors Castle, home of the Duke of Roxburghe since 1721 and the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. 

The picturesque village of St Abbs is our next stop. Once a thriving fishing port, it is now dominated by a flourishing diving scene due to St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve offering a fantastic diversity of marine life. After an early lunch we enjoy a wildlife watching boat trip to St Abbs Head with one of the local expert skippers. 

Finally we visit the Scottish Seabird Centre and enjoy a one hour boat trip to Bass Rock, described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the twelve wildlife wonders of the world” and the largest single island gannet colony in the world (over 150,000 gannets). 

We will return to Edinburgh by 17h30 in time to join the transfer to Aviemore. 

Trip Design, Logistics & Guiding

Tweed Valley Tourism Consortium
Less than an hour from Edinburgh you enter a glorious part of the Scottish Borders bisected by the River Tweed and containing some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland – perfect for a true Scottish Holiday and one of the best places if you want to mountain bike in the UK with its world class mountain biking trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

These trails – part of 7stanes – offer graded trails, a freeride park as well as downhill and cross country routes.

But it’s not just about the biking: there is good food, high quality accommodation, history and picturesque towns.

This Pre-Summit Adventure is supported by