The third of the 7stanes MTB trails being built in FC forests in southern Scotland has been officially opened. The Phoenix Trail in Mabie Forest, south of Dumfries, is a 10.6 mile loop based on a a trail originally built by the guys at Rik’s Bike Shed. The original trail was one of the first purpose-built singletrack trails in the country. The new incarnation is twice the length and features the tricky rock outcrops that have become a trademark of the Scottish trails.

The trail building team are now working on a second trail in the forest, known as Mabie’s Dark Side. As you’d guess, it’s intended to be a difficult, technical trail which will “test the nerves of even the most daring riders,” according to project co-ordinator Karl Bartlett.

With the Phoenix and Dark Side trails, plus Dalbeattie and its already well-known Hardrock trail not far away, there’s definitely scope for a few days in the area. And there’s four more trails to complete in the 7stanes project – that’s going to be an essential road trip when they’re all finished…

As well as a new trail, the 7stanes project also has a new website – visit www.7stanes.gov.uk for all you need to know about the trails.