Destination: Glentrool, Dumfries and Galloway
With no trails above a blue grade, ‘serious’ mountain bikers might think that Glentrool is below them. Fair enough, if you want technical thrills, spills, jumps and bumps, it’s probably not for you but, if you get your kicks from logging some serious off-road distance, conquering hills and big days out in the countryside, you’re in for a treat.
How to get there
From Dumfries, take the A75 west to Newton Stewart. In Newton Stewart, turn right onto the A714 for about 8 miles, before turning right to Glentrool Village. The centre is up a small lane on your right just after the village.
Sat Nav: DG8 6SZ then take the right hand fork just after Glentrool village and head to the visitor centre.
Facilities
Food and toilets at the visitor centre and seasonal bike hire.
Trails
The two green grade trails, the 6km Glen and 14km Palgowan, and the 9km blue grade Green Tor all start off together.
Once they split, the Glen is a fairly gentle meander through the woods, the Palgowan a more committing and sometimes exposed ride taking in farm tracks and open countryside and the Green Tor is a fun but not significant step up in level with a fair chunk (218 m) of climbing and a swooping couple of descents to finish.
The real challenge though is the 58 km ungraded Big Country Route. Don’t expect singletrack as it’s all dirt tracks and quiet lanes but, for a full day in the saddle with stunning scenery, it’s a reminder of pre trail centre mountain biking.
Nearest bike shop
Other info
Parking is £3 for the day.
Useful sites
Seven Stanes guide to Glentrool
Forestry Commission guide to Glentrool
Location Map:
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