It was just north of Dumfries that in 1839 the pedal driven bicycle was invented by a blacksmith called Kirkpatrick Macmillan. Nearly 200 years later Dumfriesshire still offers excellent cycling opportunities.
Road cyclists will find our roads relatively quiet (by UK standards) with routes that are neither mountainous nor flat and the most beautiful rural countryside to enjoy as you ride. You can lock your bikes in our games room and clean them at our courtyard. Everything is relatively secure.
Mountain bikers can bike around Kirkwood itself where there are some tracks and farm roads or even go off road – ask us where! It’s natural and challenging in places but these are not specific mountain bike tracks. For those you want to go to 7stanes or Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate.
Kirkwood is ideal for the 7stanes being located right in the middle of them all and with facilities at Kirkwood such as lockable rooms, good car parking, cleaning and laundry, as well as showers/baths in the accommodation, we attract quite a few bikers.
More about the 7Stanes…
Operated by the Forestry Commission, the 7Stanes are internationally renowned and offer forest trails suitable for all abilities in seven locations across Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders. Green trails are available for beginners, families and novices right through to black trails for the skilled rider! Take your pick, and a fun and exhilarating experience can be had by all.
Glentrool
Start gently on the Big Country Route, 58km of green & blue graded trails with testing climbs leading to magnificent views.
Kirroughtree
Home to some of the best single track in the country including the red graded Twister, a 17km physically demanding loop with some real technical challenges.
Dalbeattie
Don’t be deceived by its relaxed feel & coastal setting – the rough terrain is home to the Slab, the Terrible Twins & the Volunteer Ridge.
Mabie
Fly round the Phoenix, a classic trail with test-ing climbs, fast descents, berms & water splashes. Or the Kona Dark Side 3.8km orange bike park graded trail with elevated wooden sections & loads of granite outcrops –one for the experts!
Ae
13.5km of green & blue graded trail, the red graded Ae Line –Scottish Power Renewables Trail, an aggressive freestyle ride & The Shredder, an orange bike park graded downhill ride.
Glentress & Innerleithen
They share a stane & an awesome reputation for having some of the best mountain biking around including some great downhill, freeride & the red graded XC route.
Newcastleton
It’s got the lot including a 16km red route with fast, narrow singletrack crossing bridges & boardwalks.
Remember you can book in with our masseuse to ease your aching muscles!
Make sure you check out our 7Stanes Challenge when all 7 trails will be tackled over the course of 1 week! Are you up to the challenge??