Reviews for Red Trail - Newcastleton

Summary:
Awful

Review:
This place is a joke. I can’t believe it’s included as on of the 7 Stanes, considering some of the others (Glentress, AE, Kirroughtree, Inners).

There are no technical sections at all. Barely any good singletrack.

There are zero facilities at the car park, which is about 2.5 miles from the start of any singletrack, and is included in the trail length total.

Avoid this dire place at all costs.

Summary:
You need to be fit to get the most out of this trail

Review:
I'm just getting back on my bike after a while off it. I've done a few of the other stanes and this is the closest to home so thought I'd give it a go.

The reviews I'd read suggested there wasn't a huge amount of climbing involved and it was good, fast trail. If I was as fit as I used to be then I'd fully agree with this however with low fitness I struggled. There seemed to be a lot more climbing than I was hoping for and I'm pretty sure that's only because I struggled up the hills.

If you go there looking for technical trails and loads of singletrack on a 160mm enduro bike then you'll be disappointed. A hardtail is all you'll need here. The highlight of the trail for me was probably the new berm section towards the end of the red route. It's been well thought out and flows nicely, however I went in January after some strong winds and there was a fallen tree just after the last berm. I'm sure this will be moved soon enough though.

I'd like to go back here when I've built up my fitness. I also read that it's good for a night ride and while I was there in full daylight, I'd agree with that.

If you're up for a massive ride there's a link between here and Kielder.

Summary:
Quick, flowing and fun

Review:
I completed this the other day (25/9/2010). I really enjoyed this trail. It's far from the most technically challenging but it can be ridden very, very quickly and as more of an XC rider than a technical rider that suits just fine. The back-end route, I have to agree but it's lots of fun.

Summary:
Entertaining but short

Review:
Went there for the first time today. Thought it was quite nice really, or at least what there was of it. The singletrack sections are well thought out and really enjoyable. The fire road sections are never too long apart from the long stretch at the end of hidden valley.
Tried a little of the northshore, but thats still too scary for me :P
The one thing i would say is just not bother with the blue extension, just go around twice if you want more.

Summary:
Only worth riding if you are aiming on completing all of the 7stanes

Review:
I did enjoy this trail but considering for an extra 20min drive i can get to Glentress I can safely say i wont be ging back to Newcastleton. Its shortness and lack of very technical stuff make it by far the weakest of the 7Stane red trails. You find yourself very near to the beginning after 10km then the new addition to the trail takes you away for another 3km, this part of the trail was not worth doing, its a long, easy, uphill fire road climb with no real downhill to speak of, I think its actually a part of the blue route.