Mountain Biking in Southern and Central Scotland. Peter Edwards

bikers – that is rides where rough, boggy or steep sections require carrying or pushing your bike.

      Another environmental factor is the impact of forestry management on trails. Forestry plantations are a bit of a double-edged sword for mountain bikers in the region. On the one hand many forestry roads and tracks can make for great riding and they can also open areas up that might otherwise be inaccessible by bike. Mature forestry plantation also provides great trail-building terrain. The downside is that forestry clearance work often destroys trails and turns the landscape into an un-rideable morass. Where there is a significant likelihood of forestry work impacting trails, these have either been avoided or flagged up in the relevant route introduction boxes.

      Wind farms are another factor. The Southern Uplands bristle with them and the building of new arrays continues apace. Where routes in this guidebook may be affected by forestry work or wind farm development, notifications will be made in this guidebook’s ‘updates’ tab (www.cicerone.co.uk/747/updates) as and when they come to our attention. If you are aware of any such developments affecting these routes, please let us know at [email protected]

      Snow biking in the Campsie Fells (Route 18)

Centres

      Climbing the Wald Path above Durisdeer in the Lowther Hills (Route 1)

      The routes in this guidebook are distributed the length and breadth of the region, although there are more routes in those areas with greater concentrations of excellent trails. Centres include: Glasgow, Greenock, Milngavie, Lochwinnoch, Sanquhar, Moniaive, Wanlockhead, Durisdeer, Glentrool, Traquair, Peebles, Kirk Yetholm, Gifford, Longformacus and Balerno.

Getting there and getting around

      Essentially, there are two options for getting around the region. Firstly, most of the area is well served by the rail network. There are good rail links between Glasgow and the main towns in the region, and the branch-line stations in-between. Many of the rides in this guide can be started from and finished at nearby railway stations, and there are also options for extending or cutting short rides by means of other railway stations near some of the routes.

      Most trains serving the region have dedicated space for two bikes. This is hardly adequate, although bikes can also go in the door areas – which can be a hassle if you have to keep moving your bike to let people off and on. Engineering works sometimes take place at the weekend on the Scottish rail network, and rail replacement buses do not carry bicycles – so check before travelling. Services on certain lines require bicycle spaces to be booked in advance. Timetable information, as well as information on engineering works and on bike restrictions, can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk, tel [phone].

      The second option is to travel by car. There are car parks close by most of the routes in this guidebook (they’re indicated on the route maps), which can make travelling by car easier and more convenient than by train due to time restrictions, engineering works and long-winded rail connections.

Accommodation

      There’s a diverse range of accommodation available to suit most budgets throughout southern and central Scotland, from campsites and bunkhouses to B&Bs, hotels and guesthouses. The Visit Scotland website (www.visitscotland.com) is a good place to start as it also lists cycle-friendly accommodation providers.

      Book your accommodation well in advance of your trip, particularly during the summer season. Scotland is a very popular small country!

When to go

      Big puddles in Mugdock Country Park during the West of Scotland monsoon season (Route 19)

      Each season has it’s own particular charms, but paths, tracks and trails are obviously at their driest in summer, when you can fairly zip along ridges and enjoy greater traction on the uphills. The summer months are also busier than other seasons – especially at weekends and during the school summer holidays – which requires greater vigilance for other mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other folk out enjoying the landscape.

      Spring and autumn are quieter, but the weather and therefore conditions on the ground are obviously less predictable. Winter can be an excellent time for mountain biking in the region, so long as you’re not frightened of getting a bit (or a lot) muddy. However, after prolonged periods of rain the predominantly peaty terrain can be transformed into a highly adhesive quagmire in places, completely clogging up your bike and actually rendering cycling impossible. Furthermore, wet sand and grit and can be remarkably efficient at grinding down your bike’s drive-train. Areas that are particularly prone to mud are indicated in the route descriptions.

Safety

      Crossing moorland along the Maich Water, Muirshiel (Route 15)

      Most of the time, mountain biking is a perfectly safe activity and far safer than cycling on roads. However, rutted, slippery and loose surfaces are frequently encountered and if you take a tumble at speed, you risk causing yourself considerable damage. Cycling downhill at speed is one of the great joys of mountain biking, but it’s essential that you maintain control. If you can’t see what (or who) is coming round a bend, slow down. Likewise, if you’ve never ridden a particular downhill before and don’t know what to anticipate, moderate your speed.

      Make sure that your brakes are working efficiently and that your tyres are inflated properly (30–40psi depending on terrain, conditions, your weight and so on). Under-inflated tyres are more vulnerable to ‘pinch’ punctures. Check that all quick release levers are tight and wheels are secure.

      Wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, and carry a first-aid kit, plenty of water, some high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS as well as a mobile phone, and wear some sun block in summer. Carry waterproofs in wet weather (see below). Carry spare inner tubes, puncture repair kit, a pump and basic tool kit. Carry lights if there’s any chance you’ll be returning after dusk (equipment is covered in more detail below). If you go riding on your own, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. In the event of a serious accident requiring urgent assistance, dial 999 and ask for the police or ambulance. Be ready to give a map grid reference.

      Hospital accident and emergency departments in the region are listed in Appendix B.

Equipment

      Retro mountain bike? There’s no bike Carl at Bike Love in Glasgow can’t fix

      Your bike

      Out on the hills, glens and forests of central and southern Scotland you’ll encounter mountain bikers riding machines costing between a few hundred pounds and a few thousand. Your choice of bike is contingent on a number of factors, but is generally the sum of disposable income divided by degree of enthusiasm. There’s no doubt that a top-of-the-range, lightweight bike with high-specification components can only add to the enjoyment of off-road cycling. However, there’s little point spending thousands on a bike that only sees action a few times a year. For those who are serious about their sport a good quality machine is essential, but choosing the right type of mountain bike for you is a far more important business than the relative cost alone, and it’s best to seek advice from reputable bike retailers before buying.

      Choosing the right frame size is a crucial factor, bearing in mind that a smaller frame than you would need for a road bike is better suited for off-road riding. An increasing number of