Mountain Biking in Southern and Central Scotland

Southern and Central Scotland is famous for its trail centres, but beyond the well-known 7stanes and Tweed Valley lies an extensive network of tracks, forest roads, hill paths and ancient byways offering some of Britain's most varied free-range mountain biking. From the rolling Lowther Hills and remote Galloway Forest to the Campsie Fells north of Glasgow and the Lammermuirs east of Edinburgh, there are plenty of opportunities to explore by bike. This guidebook presents 21 circular routes ranging from 17 to 66km, taking in Scotland's most diverse riding terrain. Routes are graded moderate, hard and very hard, suited to experienced mountain bikers with reasonable fitness, and are accessible from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The routes are organised into three areas: Southwest (Dumfries and Galloway, Galloway Forest, Lowther Hills), Southeast (Tweed Valley, Lammermuirs, Cheviots, Pentland Hills) and Central (Campsie Fells, Kilpatrick Hills, Glasgow waterways). Highlights include the Glentrool and Galloway Hills loop, the Tweedsmuir Hills Natural Tweed route, the Pentland Hills rollercoaster, the Campsie Fells circuit via Dumgoyne and Earl's Seat, and the Lowther Hills loop via Durisdeer and Daer Reservoir. Each route is accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping and practical information on getting there, navigation, rights of way and access. The guide includes a dedicated overview of the famous 7stanes trail centres in Dumfries and Galloway (Glentress, Innerleithen, Kirroughtree, Newcastleton, Ae, Mabie, Dalbeattie and Glentrool), alongside other regional trail centres. Appendices cover bike shops and mechanics across the region, with introductory chapters on equipment, maintenance, safety, food, hydration and when to go.