place Peebles, EH45 8NB
Glentress trail centre is arguably the best MTB trail centre in Scotland with loads of trails at a variety of grades with a whole host of awards to its name.
Situated in the picturesque Tweed Valley Glentress is home to Green, Blue, Red and Black trails aswell as a Skills area and a freeride park with a state of the art visitor centre that has almost everything a mountain biker will ever require.
Grade: Green - Easy (3.5km)
An excellent beginner route through Glentress's oldest, tallest and most magnificent trees. This trail starts and finishes at the Glentress Gateway. The route has gentle gradients and mellow bends that are a perfect introduction to mountain biking.
Grade: Green - Easy (4.5 km)
A fabulous trail that provides stunning views of Peebles, the Tweed Valley and the surrounding hills. This purpose-built singletrack route starts from the Buzzards Nest Car Park, which is sign-posted from the forest entrance. It’s a fair old pedal up to the car park from the bottom of the forest (only 2km, but lots of climbing) so driving up is advised unless you’re feeling really fit!
Grade: Blue Moderate (16.0 km)
A hidden gem that's big fun for all - from novices taking the next step up from green routes, to experienced riders. There are options along the way for earlier finishes or you can go for the full whack. This route is split into a lower loop and upper loop – each 5 miles / 8km long. Start at the trailhead at Glentress Gateway and climb as far as the Buzzards Nest. Then either descend on the bottom loop or continue on, to include the upper loop too. So many highlights, including Berm Baby Berm, Blue Velvet, Good Game. It’s all good. If you’ve got a mixed ability party, this is a great choice for the whole team.
Grade: Red - Difficult (18.0km)
This world famous route is sure to put a huge grin on your face with its technical climbs, fabulous views, fast flowing descents, jumps and berms. The Red Route delivers some of the best riding in the country, including the legendary ‘Spooky Wood’ - a stunning 1.5km singletrack descent with sweeping bermed bends. The route’s best ridden from the trailhead at Glentress Gateway and is recommended for experienced riders only.
Grade: Black - Severe (29km)
A long, technical ride packed with epic climbs and thrilling descents that’ll make you smile from ear to ear, the Black Route is a physically demanding ride.
Peebles in the Scottish Borders is around 40km south of the city of Edinburgh. Glentress forest lies on the A72, 3.5km to the east of Peebles. The trail head is beside the turn off into the forest from the A72.
EH45 8NB is the nearest postcode.
Nearest Town: | Peebles |
Website: | forestryandland.gov.scot |
Sat Nav: | EH45 8NB |
Grid Ref: | NX371787 |
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Published: 10 June 2023
Recent good weather means some bad news from the trail builders and Forestry and Land Scotland at Glentress.
Published: 9 September 2021
After almost 18 months of delays, work has started on the Glentress masterplan which includes 16km of new in-forest mountain bike trails and walking trails.
Published: 19 May 2020
As it begins planning for a post-COVID recovery, Forestry and Land Scotland are beginning to think about work at Glentress Mountain Bike Trail Centre.
Published: 5 May 2019
We are delighted to see the Borders Buses X62 have launched a bike-friendly allowing you to travel to Glentress, Innerleithen and the wider Tweed Valley with your bike.
Please note: Distance is calculated as air distance or "as the crow flies" the most direct route between two points, so the distance by road maybe slightly longer.
Disclaimer: All trails and location details have been submitted to this website by independent contributors and resources. We hold no personal responsibility for the accuracy or legality of any trail description or location published herein. All listings are for information only.