Top 20 Bike Parks in Scottish Borders
Best bike parks in Scottish Borders are found within a region known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and river valleys, providing a natural setting for outdoor activities. The area is a significant destination for mountain biking, featuring purpose-built trail networks. These parks offer a variety of terrain, from gentle forest paths to challenging downhill runs. The landscape supports a range of trails suitable for different skill levels.
Best bike parks in Scottish Borders
- The most popular bike park is Glentress Mountain Bike Centre, an mtb_park that offers a full spectrum of riding experiences. It provides extensive facilities including bike hire, bike washes, and a cafe.
- Another must-see spot is Priesthope Hill, an mtb_park with intermediate trails. From its summit, riders can access various technical trails and enjoy expansive views.
- Visitors also love Newcastleton Trails, an mtb_park with trails for all levels. It features blue and red-graded loops, a skills area, and a pump track.
- Scottish Borders is known for its diverse range of trails, including family-friendly routes, technical downhill tracks, and cross-country trails. The region offers a variety of bike parks to explore, catering to different riding preferences and skill levels.
- The bike parks in Scottish Borders are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and 20 photos shared.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Glentress Mountain Bike Centre
Highlight • MTB Park
Not to mention the riding!
Here's a trail map: forestryandland.gov.scot/images/pdf/rec_pdfs/7stanes-Glentress-bike-trail-map.pdf
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Glentress Forest Lodges
Highlight • Settlement
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Innerleithen XC Trail
Highlight • Forest
A lung-burning switchback climb right from the start to lead you through the trees up to the top of Minch Moor.
Some great singletrack descents with a few black options bring you to the Caddon bank descent with its drop offs, berms and rollers.
Well worth the effort for the views from Minch moor and a great trail to test your skills on.
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Gypsy Glen Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Not enormously steep, but rutted in places, loose and scrabbly in others, it's a high-speed, low consequence (well, relatively - this is mountain biking after all) blast from start to finish.
And when you can drag your eyes up from the trail, the views are simply stunning.
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Spooky Wood Descent (Red)
Highlight • MTB Park
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Priesthope Hill
Highlight • MTB Park
Should they head west and join myriad exquisitely steep, technical trails in the woods therein?
Should they head north, to explore the wind expanses of Glede Knowe And Windelstraw Law?
Or perhaps south to the deserted concrete reservoir of Kirnie Law and the trails off there? Decisions, decisions...
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Gypsy Glen and Cross Borders Drove Road Trail Junction
Highlight • Trail
Stay right for the CBDR, a blue rated trail, or left for the Gypsy Glen singletrack section, rated one step harder at red.
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Newcastleton Trails
Highlight • MTB Park
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Flat White Trail (Golfie, Caberstone)
Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
It's a great first trail to get your eye in, too, or a wonderful way to wind down before heading back into town for a well-deserved coffee.
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Spookywood Descent – 7stanes Glentress
Highlight • MTB Park
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Tips from the Community
The tarmac cycle path following the river Tweed from Glentress makes Innerleithen super accessible which in turn provides you with free range to pedal the ‘old’ XC & DH trails, it also provides easy access to the current ‘trendy’ gravity orientated hot spot of Golfie, named so, as it’s situated above the golf course. First off the Old XC, (starts from the carpark over the bridge by the river) it was very sad to see the current trashed & sorry state of what appears to be the forgotten XC Trail, after having ridden it many times since the early eighties! The long climb at the start is currently cut short & diverted with no access up to the top from what I could see? The remainder of the trails are just trashed with the mighty Caddon Bank DH a shadow of its former self. Golfie is an easy pedal across the village with some great coffee stop opportunities enroute. One in particular Findra on the high st deserves a Big shout out, it’s stylish, MTB rider (muddy bum) friendly, sells fantastic coffee & food has uber cool curated music. Oh it also sells very cool artisan made clothing. There are others in the village which all look fab but Findra was the one we stopped at. The Findra staff ride mountain bikes, are super friendly & great for local riding knowledge 😉👍 Golfie is a short pedal through the village towards the Golf club & then a longish pedal up a Forest road with ‘natural’ trails spilling off the side of the hill in varying degrees of difficulty. Be prepared for full on gnar, chunder, roots, very steep drop offs & lots n lots of muddy gloop if the weather has not been kind. No manicured trails here! If you keep pedalling you’ll eventually reach the old reservoir where the views are magnificent & several trail go off in several directions. My advice, if it’s your first time riding Golfie try & take someone who’s ridden it before as some of the trails start off very benign but then transform like Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde! Wear body armour that allows you to pedal, but all the same wear body armour😜👍
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At a guess there must be 20 to 30 camping pitches. These all have EHU
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Starting point from the campsite. Bike stored in the steel container 50 yards away from this photo
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This is the main campsite building. There is a kitchen with fridges, freezers, cuttlery storage, sink & tables. Other rooms include a drying room, ladies & mens toilets & showers, TV room. On the end of the building there are 4 sinks to wash MTB equipment.
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a well know myb centre kitted out with bike washers, shop and cafe.
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Tired trail really with holes full of water. Needs maintenance by the owners. Still fun though.
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Builders are in making big changes now October 23
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Standing at 549m above Innerleithen this is a great peak to run to. You can carry on along the ridge and make a great loop across the moors or drop back down on either side to loop back down the valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mountain biking trails can I expect in the Scottish Borders?
The Scottish Borders offer a wide variety of trails, catering to all skill levels. You'll find everything from gentle, family-friendly routes through tranquil woodlands to adrenaline-pumping black diamond runs. Parks like Glentress Mountain Bike Centre provide a full spectrum, while Innerleithen is renowned for its technical downhill and enduro trails. Newcastleton Trails offers blue and red-graded loops, a skills area, and a pump track.
Are there bike parks suitable for families and beginners in the Scottish Borders?
Yes, several bike parks are excellent for families and beginners. Glentress Mountain Bike Centre has green and blue graded trails, perfect for those new to mountain biking or riding with children. Newcastleton Trails is also a great choice, offering blue-graded loops and a skills area designed for various skill levels, including beginners.
Which bike parks offer challenging trails for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Innerleithen is a world-class destination, particularly celebrated for its technical downhill and enduro trails, ranging from red to extreme black grades. Glentress Mountain Bike Centre also features challenging red and black graded trails, including flow trails and sizeable jumps, such as the 'Spooky Wood' descent.
What facilities are available at the main bike parks?
Many bike parks in the Scottish Borders offer excellent facilities. For example, Glentress Mountain Bike Centre provides bike hire, bike washes, showers, lockers, changing rooms, and a café. Newcastleton offers free parking and trails that are free to use.
Can I hire bikes at the bike parks in Scottish Borders?
Yes, bike hire is available at some locations. Glentress Mountain Bike Centre has an Alpine Bikes shop on-site where you can book bike hire online. It's advisable to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
What are the best times to visit the bike parks in Scottish Borders?
The bike parks in the Scottish Borders are generally enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is typically from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and trails are drier. While winter riding is possible, conditions can be wet and muddy, and some facilities might have reduced hours.
Are there scenic viewpoints or natural features to enjoy while mountain biking?
Absolutely. The Scottish Borders are known for their rolling hills, dense forests, and river valleys. Trails often offer stunning views. For instance, from the summit of Priesthope Hill, riders can enjoy expansive views before dropping into technical trails. The Gypsy Glen Trail is also noted for its stunning views.
What other outdoor activities are available near the bike parks?
Beyond mountain biking, the Scottish Borders offer a range of outdoor activities. You can find excellent road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and hiking trails. Popular hiking options include the St. Abb's Head Trail and loops around the Eildon Hills.
Are there cafes or pubs near the bike parks?
Yes, you'll find amenities near the bike parks. Glentress Mountain Bike Centre has a great café on-site, perfect for pre- or post-ride refreshments. The towns and villages surrounding the bike parks, such as Peebles and Innerleithen, also offer various cafes and pubs.
What are the parking options at the bike parks?
Parking facilities are generally available at the bike parks. Glentress Mountain Bike Centre has plenty of car parking spaces. Newcastleton also offers free parking. It's always a good idea to check specific park websites for any parking fees or capacity information.
Are there any permits required for mountain biking in the Scottish Borders?
Generally, the trails within the established bike parks like Glentress, Innerleithen, and Newcastleton are free to use, and no specific permits are required for riding on them. However, always check the latest information from the Forestry and Land Scotland website or specific park operators for any updates or changes to access policies.
What makes the '7stanes' network significant for mountain biking in the Scottish Borders?
The '7stanes' network is a collection of seven mountain biking centres across southern Scotland, and several of its premier parks are located in the Scottish Borders, including Glentress and Innerleithen. These parks are purpose-built, offering diverse, graded trails and excellent facilities, making the region a renowned destination for mountain biking enthusiasts of all levels.
Most popular routes in Scottish Borders
Most popular attractions in Scottish Borders
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