Scotland - Mountain bike trip with only highlights

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

We will gather in the morning in Newcastleton (Scotland!) a very suitable place to go after to get acquainted with the 7 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 spending a day at Newcastleton, we travel on through Scotland to Castle Douglas where the hotel (4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor) can be found and where we will stay for the next 3 nights. Owners of the hotel are the epitome of Scottish hospitality and run a good restaurant, as well as a bere friendly pub. There is secure bike storage for us and also facilities to repair and hose down your mountain bike. We are now centrally located in Dumfries & Galloway, right in between the next five locations we will visit.

Day 2

After a traditional Scottish breakfast today it's time to Mabie and Dalbeattie to do. These are close to the hotel so the trip in the car is short today. We start with Mabie where you can continue working on your technique at the Skills Area, especially the drop-offs. Highly recommended! There is also 37 km of red route (a nice combination of flow and technique) and 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 bike rental, you will find the latest models of Specialized and Santa Cruz for if you still have them on your wish list. When everyone has found his/her final way down, it is time to say goodbye and everyone goes his/her own way to the boat or train.

On 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.

... and for those who have extra time to spare and are not driving straight home, we have plenty of mountain bike suggestions!