Bike Riding
There are waymarked cycle routes right across the region, and routes to suit all levels of ability and energy. If you don't want to bring your own bike, you can hire one locally.
Cyclists who want a real shot of adrenalin should head for the superb scenery and spectacular forest trails of Glentress - just 15 minutes from Cringletie, and described as 'pure mountain bike heaven' by riders. Brilliant trails, a top notch café, a fantastic bike shop, quality bikes for hire, changing facilities and a great atmosphere make Glentress the best biking centre in Britain.
Also nearby is Innerleithen, situated just a few miles south east of Glentress, and renowned for its downhill routes, it's a venue for the more experienced rider.
Glentress
The Trails
For the beginner, the Skills Loop has differently graded sections to help you get started. Once you're ready for the next step, the Blue Route offers 'real' mountain biking, but with none of the scary stuff found on the harder routes.
The Red Route boasts some fine singletrack climbs as well as massive, fast descents with jumps and berms in good measure.
The black-graded V trail provides an epic ride. It starts from the valley bottom, climbs to Dunslair Heights (600m) and is testing, steep and often on the gnarly side. Elevated North Shore wooden sections and rocky chutes add yet more challenge, and the final descent has a real sting in the tail. Packed full of advanced level features, the extreme graded Freeride Park is an ideal spot for riders looking to push their skill levels, style it up, learn new tricks or just hang out and ride with friends. The Essentials trail in the park has been built with novice freeriders firmly in mind.
Facilities
Glentress has several parking options and you can choose where to park depending on where you want to start and finish your ride. The trailhead is at the Osprey car park (see the trail map for details).
There are showers, toilets and changing facilities by the Osprey car park. Showers cost £1 for 5 minutes.
On-site bike hire is available from the Hub bike shop by the trailhead. Note that advanced booking is essential.
Innerleithen
The Trails
Innerleithen is renowned for its downhill routes. There are currently four of them - all Bike Park Extreme grade - and an uplift service is sometimes available.
The black-graded Traquair XC route also starts and ends here. The long climb to the top of the Minch Moor (570m) leads to a fast descent, the rock garden at Plora Craig and a great freeride finish.
Facilities
Car parking is available at the trailhead. Nearby Innerleithen village has a range of facilities for before and after your ride including bike hire.