Welcome to Mountainbike Heaven. That is how you can best describe the 7 Stanes. With this unique journey 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 with minibus and bicycle trailer to the Scottish Newcastleton, the first MTB location of the trip. On the way we will make a stop, so that everyone has the opportunity to have lunch. 

Newcastleton is very suitable to get acquainted with the Stanes. The start is in the middle of the Scottish village and the route takes you first to the Skills Area to warm up. At each trail center there is a Skills Area to warm up and prepare you for what to expect on the blue route and red route. On the first day, a total of 35 km of trails await you here.

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. The owners are the embodiment of Scottish hospitality and run a good restaurant and a very cozy pub. There is a secure bike shed for us and also the possibility to repair and clean 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 today it's time to Mabie and Dalbeattie to do. We start with Mabie where you can continue to work on your technique in the Skills Area and in particular the drop-offs. Highly recommended! Furthermore there is 37 km of red route (a nice combination of flow and technique) and there is a mini downhill park..

Dalbeattie is a “one of a kind” Stane who is characterized by the granite rust. The rocks on each route have been used optimally, which provides a unique experience. At the start there is again a Skill Area and there are a number of Taster Loops (loosely translated: taster loops) of a few 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 from each other, 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 the enthusiast, consists of wide paths, beautiful lochs while you bridge 1000 hm.

Kirroughtree is where we spend most of our time. It has a comprehensive visitor centre and offers many facilities including: bike repair, bike hire (if you want to try a different bike), shop, restaurant (for lunch/snacks), showers, toilets, wash down areas etc. mountain bike atmosphere the one hanging here is great. The routes are beautiful. According to many the best in Scotland. We are curious about your opinion.

Day 5

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

Again beautiful views, but there is not much time to see them because the routes can be called fast. The red route also contains a few nice enduro pieces where you can share the experience you have gained over 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 with four downhill lines and a commercial up-lift service the place to be for downhillers. The screams of adrenaline can already be heard in the parking lot. This is very spectacular to go and have a look. Next to the downhill is also a very nice 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 in the region, close to Glentress. For everyone still the opportunity to do some shopping for the home front or to stock up on supplies. Of course there is again a secured bicycle storage arranged with the possibility of maintenance/repair.

Day 6

The alarm goes off early today because we want to see the last and biggest Stane Glentress make the most of it. Whoever you talk to about the 7 Stanes, everyone knows Glentress

We drive up-lift a number of times between the lower parking lot with restaurant and shops and the higher Buzzard's Nest (if parking is open). On Glentress you will find tracks such as Spooky Woods, Super G, Magic Mushroom, Britney Spears and Berm Baby Berm to name just 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 the rugged nature and vast landscapes. On our way home after a great mountain biking experience. It probably feels like a long time ago since we left and everyone is a wealth of impressions and experiences richer. It will take some getting used to for everyone to ride on the Dutch course again after these award winning 7 Stanes trail centers.