Dalbeattie is my current favourite trail centre. It has smooth single track with obstacles, spaced just far enough to allow recovery in between. It undulates up and down hills, rather than having any massive climbs. It has some classic features including “the slab” (not for mere mortals), “rock don’t roll” a section of rock slabs (and the trail is laid out so that you can go round again and again!) and lots of skinnies near the end, although all the skinnies have massive consequences, so no good for practicing.
Kirroughtree is Rich’s favourite trail centre, and probably my second favourite. The red route starts off on the blue, which for those used to southern trail grades seems like a bit of a disappointment. Until you realize that in Scotland, blue is still windy single track, just without any obstacles, and it just gets more fun the faster you ride! The red continues the fun, but with more obstacles. There’s also a black here which we didn’t have time for but is on our hit list.
Mabie is another great trail centre nearby. I recall some incredibly bumpy sections which were no fun on a hardtail – these may have bedded down now. There is also a final descent with black options, which I didn’t take. Nice cafe.
Ae was a bit of a disappointment – at the end it just seems to fizzle in to muddy bridleways, and the only outstanding bit I can recall is a bermed descent in the middle. But this could be that it was the fourth Stane we went to in three days, and really, Ae would be outstanding if it were any further south! Nice cafe.
Camping it this part of the world is a bit of a nightmare. All the campsites are family orientated with prices to match. And southern Scottish pubs are no match for their northern English or Scottish counterparts. So I have nowhere to recommend!
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