Welcome to Mountain Bike Heaven. That is how you can best describe the 7 Stanes. With this unique trip you have the chance to experience all Stanes yourself.

Day 1

In the afternoon we gather before departure. And the journey begins with the crossing to the UK. The evening is free to spend on the boat. There is a cinema, live entertainment, casino, duty-free shops, bars, several restaurants or the tranquility of the cabin. Yes…… the trip has begun.

Day 2

In the morning the boat docks in the UK and we travel by minibus and bicycle trailer to Newcastleton, the first MTB location of the trip. We will make a stop along the way so that everyone has the opportunity to have lunch. Then it's really time to get to work.

Newcastleton is a great place to get to know the Stanes. The start is in the middle of the Scottish village and the route first takes you to the Skills Area to warm up. Each trail center has a Skills Area to warm you up and prepare you for what to expect on the blue route and red route. A total of 35 km of trails await you here on the first day.

After a day at Newcastleton, we travel on to the hotel (4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor) where we will stay for the next 3 nights. Owners Alistair and Tatiana are the embodiment of Scottish hospitality and not only run a good restaurant, but also a very cozy pub. There is a secure bicycle shed for us and also the possibility to repair and hose down your mountain bike. We are now centrally located in Dumfries & Galloway, right between the next five locations we will visit.

Day 3

After a traditional Scottish breakfast or your own choice, today it is time to visit Mabie and Dalbeattie. We start with Mabie where you can continue to work on your technique and especially the drop-offs in the Skills Area. Highly recommended! There is also a 37 km red route (a nice combination of flow and technique) and a mini downhill park.

Dalbeattie is a “one of a kind” Stane that is characterized by its granite rocks. Optimal use has been made of the rocks on each route, which provides a unique experience. Once again a Skills Area at the start and there are a number of Taster Loops (loosely translated: preview loops) of several kilometers long so that you get a good idea of what to expect on the route.

After this day a Scottish “Ale” will taste extra good. The most beautiful experiences will undoubtedly be shared during dinner at the hotel.

Day 4

Today it's time for Kirroughtree and Glentrool. Although these two Stanes are only a short distance apart, they are completely different in character. Glentrool has a small green and blue route but is best known for its Big County Route (58 km). The latter is really for enthusiasts, consists of wide paths and beautiful lochs while you bridge 1000 hm in the meantime.

We spend most of our time in Kirroughtree. It has an extensive visitor center and offers many facilities such as: bicycle repair, bicycle rental (if you want to try a different bicycle), shop, restaurant (for lunch/snacks), showers, toilets, hose-down areas, etc. The mountain bike atmosphere here it's great. The routes are beautiful. According to many the best. We are curious about your opinion.

Day 5

After breakfast we say goodbye to Dumfries & Galloway, but of course not before we visit the last Stane of that region: Forest of Ae.

Once again beautiful views, but there is not much time to view them because the routes are quick. The red route also contains a few beautiful enduro sections where you can express the experience you have gained from the past few days.

At the bottom of the route there is another shop and restaurant, so that everyone can have lunch before we continue to the Scottish Borders where we visit Innerleithen. Innerleithen is the place to be for downhillers with four downhill lines and a commercial up-lift service. The screams of adrenaline can already be heard at the parking lot. This is very spectacular to go and have a look. Next to the downhill there is also a very beautiful and intensive red route. This climbs all the way to the top of the mountain and then arrives at the bottom again in almost downhill style.

We stay in one of the most beautiful hotels near Glentress. For everyone the opportunity to do some shopping for the home front or to stock up on supplies. Of course there is a secured bike storage arranged with the possibility of maintenance/repair.

Day 6

The alarm clock is set early today because we want to make optimal use of the last and largest Stane Glentress. Whoever you talk to about the 7 Stanes, everyone knows Glentress

We drive up-lift several times between the lower parking lot with restaurant and shops and the higher located Buzzard's Nest. On Glentress you will find tracks such as Spooky Woods, Super G, Magic Mushroom, Britney Spears and Berm Baby Berm to name a few.

At the bicycle rental you will find the latest Specialized and Santa Cruz models if you still have them on your wish list. Once everyone has found their final way down, it is time to leave the Stanes behind us and head towards the boat.

Day 7

After a night on the boat we set foot on dry land again. That takes some getting used to, away from rugged nature and vast landscapes. On the way home after a great mountain bike experience. It probably feels like a long time ago since we left and everyone has gained a wealth of impressions and experiences. It will take some time for everyone to get used to riding on the Dutch trail again after these award-winning 7 Stanes trail centers.