This is a 30km black grade trail that has been voted the best trail in Britain. Described as “tough, steep, technical, long but loads of fun”, this is an exciting trail not for the faint hearted. Some of the real enthusiastic, and fit, have been reported to do it in around an hour and a half, but “normal” folks can expect to take somewhere between three and four hours. It certainly isn't a novice track. The track takes you through a climb to one of the the highest view points in the forest, and then a descend down through 'Britney Spears' . Another short but steep climb to "The Mast" and then a fast drop towards the infamous 'Boundary Trail'. Here you will find rough singletrack with jumps, big berms and some drop offs. On to the quarry section to the steep descent of 'Deliverance'. “Redemption” is the climb back up and this will really test your stamina. EwokVillage is the timber extravaganza to test your technical ability to the full.
It doesn’t end there, you will continue through some very technical, narrow and exhilarating singletrack back to The Hub café. Its said that “You'll not get a riding experience like it anywhere else. The V Trail is quite unique”.
Image courtesy of Forestry Commission Scotland
Image courtesy of Forestry Commission Scotland
The Red Route (Red)
The red route at just over 19 km is probably the most popular with the mountain bike fraternity. This is a challenging but great fun trail with a real emphasis on fun. It holds many real treats with some fast flowing singletrack, wooded trails through dense forest, and some exhilarating stretches with great double jumps for those who like to take to the air.
After some ups, and downs and a magnificent ride, you will climb up through "Sleepy Hollow" to reach one of the forests many view points. The Observatory on Caresman Hill has a magnificent view overlooking the stunning Tweed Valley. This is a great place to sit, collect your thoughts and your composure, and re-group. You can then enjoy the exhilaration of the next section that offers drop offs, jumps, moguls and some fantastic burms before reaching the next singletrack sections. “Spooky Wood” descent has to be one of the best in the world for fun factor.
Free Ride Park
This is where you can take to the air with ease and practice those double jumps before hitting the trails. The free ride areas can be found near the Buzzards Nest car park about half way up the main forest road, all grades are only about one mile in length but they are magnificent for practicing. You might want to do a loop before heading onto the trails, or you might want to spend the day practicing those “aerials or drop offs”, whatever you do you'll have a blast.
"Whether you’ve ridden everywhere or nowhere, Glentress has something for you.Expert or complete beginner? – Glentress has trails for all abilities, in all styles from sweet flowing singletrack to monster berms and jumps.Ride them all this year and decide which is your favourite.
Image courtesy of Forestry Commission Scotland
The Green Route
The newly modeled Green Route is a must for the family, its a huge favorite already with cyclists of all ability. The trail is a testament to how serious the Forestry Commission Scotland are about investment into this area, it has been superbly modeled in a fantastic part of the forest to create an excellent novice/family trail.
For the hard core enthusiasts, why not do a quick run around the green loop after the climb from "Janet's Brae", just as an extra warm up before climbing on up the Black or Red routes.
You could also check with Forestry Commission Scotland about Trailquest. Trailquest is a type of orienteering by bike using checkpoints to keep you on the right trail. It's popular with families and it's a really fun way to learn more about the forest and surrounding area. Glentress has two Trailquest routes. The Janet's Brae route is about one and a half miles long and passes some interesting structures on the way, you also have some fantastic views through the Tweed Valley. The second and more challenging is the Green Hill route , around four miles in length.
Trailquest is organized by the Forestry Commission and you can pick up the leaflets locally for further information, or visit the Forestry Commission cycling web page: www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/achs-5rnfvj
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