Mountain Bike Tracks in Glasgow

[150bhp]

Hi guys, anyone know of any good mountain bike tracks for a beginner in or around Glasgow? Seen theres one in Pollock country park but says its closed temporarily due to storm damage, is it still closed and is it suitable for a slightly over weight, unfit 30something beginner!? Got a bike a few years ago and its just sat there gathering dust, think its about time i got off my ass and put the bike to use.

[Terzo123]

Half an hours drive or so out of Glasgow will get you here

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/carronvalley

[150bhp]

Looks good, think i'll give the black trails a miss for a while though.

[Terzo123]

It's a nice drive up there as well

Head for Kilsyth then take the Tak Ma Doon Rd

[a11y_m]

Believe me, there' s nothing at all technical or scary on the trails at Carron Valley. Perfect place for beginners or getting back into MTBing. Only problem is the most interesting bits, i.e. the two best descents, are closed/closing due to trail maintenance and forestry works.

There's plenty of natural trails in Mugdock Park but it's not somewhere I know. Same too with Cathkin Braes. Further west there's some trails in Glennifer Country Park to the south of Paisley - that's where I MTB'd as a kid. Glentress in Peebles (more than 30mins...) is the best man-made centre if you're looking for a range of trails though.

[SB10]

a11y_m said:

Believe me, there' s nothing at all technical or scary on the trails at Carron Valley. Perfect place for beginners or getting back into MTBing. Only problem is the most interesting bits, i.e. the two best descents, are closed/closing due to trail maintenance and forestry works.

There's plenty of natural trails in Mugdock Park but it's not somewhere I know. Same too with Cathkin Braes. Further west there's some trails in Glennifer Country Park to the south of Paisley - that's where I MTB'd as a kid. Glentress in Peebles (more than 30mins...) is the best man-made centre if you're looking for a range of trails though.

I would personally go for Carron Valley over Mugdock though for the fact that you will get less dog walkers, children kicking about etc.

[Stuart70]

Absolutely agree with Carron valley. Great day out and not too challenging, if you do not want it to be; fast rather than furious.

bit of a drive but the the national mountain biking centre is a complete joy. Especially the lift to the top in thelandie if you are a lazy fat shote like me! It is just next to Peebles at Glentress Forest, well worth the drive for day out...

Cheers

Stuart

[150bhp]

Looks like i'll give Carron Valley a go first then as it sounds ideal for a novice like myself, thanks for all the replys guys

[a11y_m]

Not sure exactly where you're located, but another (short) option is the new trails being developed by Callendar Estates on the south-west side of Falkirk. Not far from the Falkirk Wheel. I've ridden them once and heading back tomorrow night: nothing technical or difficult but just really well designed trails: great drainage and they just flow well (apart from one corner...).

http://www.callendarestate.co.uk/EZ/ce/ce/index.ph...

There's actually more trails now than are on their downloadable map - their facebook site is more up to date.

Or 2nd last page here: http://www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/development/pla...