Tweed Valley
Over the past two decades, Tweed Valley Forest Park has earned its reputation as one of the premier mountain bike destinations in Scotland.
Keep reading to find out more about the mountain bike scene in Tweed Valley, and how your business can prepare to welcome the growing mountain bike tourism market.
Mountain Biking in Tweed Valley
Hosting over 400,000 visitors every year, the area prides itself on its quality, design and award-winning dedicated MTB trails. And with its proximity to Edinburgh airport, national and international tourists flock to the region to explore all this wonderful part of the world has to offer.
At the heart of Tweed Valley lies Glentress. This 7stanes trail centre comprises 45 miles of purpose-built forest trails and an array of natural trails, so there is something for every rider and skill level.
The small town of Innerleithen is located just a few miles away. More experienced riders can find some of the best downhill trails in the UK in Traquair Forest, with an onsite uplift service to ferry riders back to the top of the hill! Advanced riders can head to nearby Caberston Forest to take on some off-piste routes.
Further east, riders can indulge in ridge-top riding and wild trails within Yair Forest. And for those looking for a quick fix near Peebles, Cademuir Forest encompasses a smaller hill with shorter trails, but a whole load of fun.
The area is also home to an endless network of gravel trails, a particular highlight being the Bowbeat Windfarm Tracks that reward riders with views of the Forth of Firth and Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat.
If you are an accommodation provider in the Tweed Valley, 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 on the Tweed Valley Ride Guide on the DMBinS website.
Tweed Valley's Mountain Biking Community
Towns and villages in the Tweed Valley corridor recognise the popularity of mountain biking in the area and embrace opportunities to cater to the demographic.
With so many accommodation options in the area, MTB tourists will never be short of somewhere to stay with the area’s range of accommodation at Glentress, Peebles and Innerleithen. Whether on a campsite next to the action or in a nearby hotel, guests can always find a home-away-from-home.
Bike-friendly cafés and restaurants offer tasty treats and hearty meals, and a whole host of bike shops are located along the A72, at Glentress’ trailhead, and in Innerleithen and Peebles.
Adrenalin Uplift are also on hand in Innerleithen to take bikers to the top of trails overlooking Tweed Valley - perfect for enduro-loving thrill-seekers who want to spend as much time as possible riding downhill.
The Future of MTB in Tweed Valley
Though the region is already establishing itself as a premier destination for mountain biking, Tweed Valley is continually developing new ways to support the MTB community with exciting plans already underway.
Glentress - Growth Plans
In its mission to remain a centre of excellence for recreation, Glentress has a master plan to continue expanding mountain bike tourism in Scotland and increase the length of visitors’ stays. The plan includes maximising connections in the surrounding area, diversifying the trail centre’s use and becoming a sustainable, low-carbon home for outdoor pursuits.
Innerleithen - Mountain Bike Park & Innovation Centre
Plans are currently underway to convert Innerleithen’s Caerlee Mill into a new mountain bike innovation centre. It is estimated that the centre will generate 400 jobs over ten years and contribute £141m in gross value added.
2023 Cycling World Championships
Glasgow will play host to a thrilling 11-day event in August 2023 - the UCI World Championships.
Featuring Championships in Downhill, Cross Country and Marathon, one million people are expected to attend, with an additional one billion tuning in to see the action.
Tweed Valley Media Files
We have lots of information about mountain biking in Scotland, but sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look through our library of stunning imagery and action-packed videos to see what Scottish MTB is all about.
Self Assessment Tool
Our handy questionnaire allows you to quickly evaluate how you currently cater to MTB tourists, while identifying any gaps and the opportunities that may help enhance your offering.