Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries provides an excellent base for a mountain biking holiday. MTB tourists can take a trip north to cycle a scenic trail along the River of Ae or head south to Mabie to visit the original MTB centre in the area.

The Ae Forest, located just a short car ride away from the centre of Dumfries, gives mountain bikers access to a whole range of trails for all skill levels, including some great downhill and hand-cut trails for the more adventurous.

To the northwest stands Drumlanrig castle - the centerpiece for a range of mountain bike trails built by MTB legend Rik Alsop.

Located just south of Galloway Forest Park, you’ll find Kirroughtree Forest, which provides outdoor activities suitable for all interests and abilities. And though it may appear to be full of adrenaline-pumping black and red bike trails, the forest also includes plenty of quiet roads and forest tracks for a more relaxed experience.

To the southwest of Dumfries, Dalbeattie also offers lower routes for more casual mountain bikers and a skills area for visitors to build their confidence. But for those seeking adventure, The Slab offers a black or red trail depending on how far riders want to push themselves.

Gravel routes also play an essential part in Dumfries & Galloway’s MTB heritage. Galloway Forest, the largest forest park in the UK, is internationally renowned and hosts many gravel mountain biking events. And though nearby Glentrool has the smallest of the 7stanes trail centres, this centre packs a punch with an array of small, medium and long gravel rides.

If you are an accommodation provider in Dumfries and Galloway, take our self-assessment tool to find out your current level of service and how you can improve your offer. You will receive a score out of 100 and then have the option to have your business advertised for free in the Dumfries and Galloway Ride Guide on the DMBinS website.

Dumfries is, without a doubt, a bike-friendly market town. Bustling with independent bike shops and familiar national brands, the area is equipped to provide riders with everything they may need for their MTB adventures.

A few of the independent bike shops also have cafés attached, so riders can stock up on essentials and fuel up with some delicious treats before heading out on the trails.

A wide selection of bike-friendly accommodations can also be found all over the Dumfries & Galloway area, allowing MTB tourists to choose from hotels, bed & breakfasts and glamping options, to name just a few.

At the trails themselves, onsite bike shops are on-hand to provide any last-minute essentials before setting out or hose down bikes before heading home.

Already a fantastic place for MTB tourists to visit, Dumfries & Galloway continues to invest in a new generation of mountain bikers.

Dumfries - New Pump Track

In 2021, a brand new asphalt pump track was installed on Dumfries’ Glentrool Road. Perfect for building skills and confidence on a variety of rollers and berms.

24:SEVEN Cycling Event

Following the inaugural event in July 2021, the 24:SEVEN event will return to take participants on a tour of all the 7stanes trail centres from Glentrool to Glentress.

Dalbeattie - Rocks and Wheels Project

Managed by Dalbeattie Community Initiative (DCI), Rock and Wheels is a community project aiming to convert the area’s old primary school into an activity centre (including a pump track) with immediate access to Dalbeattie Forest and the Solway Coast.