Discover Glentress

Celebrated for having some of the best trails in Scotland, Glentress is a full-day destination. And not just for those on two wheels …

Seen by millions on TV when it hosted the cross-country mountain bike events at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs, Glentress Forest has long offered a stunning network of marked trails to suit every ability of rider. However, the opening of many kilometres of new blue, red and black-graded trails in as part of the wider Glentress Forest masterplan in 2024 has put even more smiles on even more faces. From fun and flowy to seriously testing, the trails offer excitement and challenge in equal measure. Get a flavour of what these new taster trails and main descents have to offer here – then come and ride them for yourself!

Work has already started on a Next Generation Skills Area, designed to mirror the wider mountain biking experience at Glentress. With features including berms and rollers, those new to biking – and younger members of your riding clan – will soon have a place to progress their skills.

It’s no surprise that Glentress is also home to Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, the body charged with developing the sport throughout the country and putting Scotland on the world map as a premier destination for mountain biking (see their excellent ride guide to the Tweed Valley here).

There is bike rental available from Alpine Bikes and eBike Hire Scotland, a Tweed Valley shuttle and uplift service courtesy of Adrenalin Uplift, plus excellent coaching and skills courses for all ages and abilities from local companies Ridelines and Dirt School.

And while it’s hard to tear yourself away from the great riding, there is much more to Glentress than just bikes! This vast forest also offers fantastic walking trails (including a 4km multi-use footpath for walkers, cyclists and those with limited mobility), a Go Ape Treetop Adventure course, an interpretive wildlife room, nearby Riders Retreat Hotel and camping pod accommodation, Forest Holidays lodges nestled in the trees, plus the laid-back Glentress Forest Café that’s perfect for post-ride nourishment.