Trails cost money. It’s a sad, but true, fact, and funding is a constant battle for trail builders throughout the land. The 7stanes crew in Scotland are offering very visible value for money, though – cash raised from car park charges at Glentress is paying to rebuild and reroute the top descent on the red MTB route.

The plan is to incorporate berms and jumps into a fast, flowing trail along the lines of those at the newly-opened Traquair XC trail at nearby Innerleithen, but still aimed at intermediate riders. The builders have already started work and plan to have the trail finished by the end of August.

Flowing trails aren’t just good fun, they also last longer. Alex Maclennan of FC Scotland explains, “The trailbuilders are taking the principle of a ‘zero braking’ design so that you can freewheel or pedal as fast as you can through all the jumps and land them cleanly without skidding on the brakes.” Remember that when you’re riding it: You don’t need to brake – official!

While the new trail is constructed there’ll be some diversions on the red route. More 7stanes info at www.7stanes.gov.uk.