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(Average user rating: 3.5/5)

Newcastleton's Red route provides fast, narrow singletrack, bridge crossings and boardwalks. The route now finishes by taking in the Caddrouns Blue Route, extending the overall distance to 16km and squeezing in even more tasty singletrack!

The Hidden Valley and North Shore

A brief forest road climb from the car park takes you to the start of the singletrack trails, and the entrance to the Hidden Valley.

Immediately, the orange bike park-graded North Shore presents itself as an option for the more adventurous, running to the right. It's a highly technical challenge, with sections of North Shore, drop-offs and balance beams.

Sticking to the Red Route, the Hidden Valley is less technical but no less exciting. This narrow trail swoops down through the forest with fast, exhilarating descents punctuated by short sharp climbs. 

There are plenty of bridges and boardwalks to keep you on your toes and even a black grade North Shore line across a pond.  The singletrack seems to go on for ever, but eventually you'll pop out on a forest road and the start of the main climb of the route.

The Linns

The long climb up the forest road from Hidden Valley is known as The Linns. After a couple of kilometres, the Border stane pops into view and from here it's just a short pedal to the next section of singletrack - The Bog.

The Bog

From the forest road the trail plummets into dark forest before crossing the Tweeden Burn over a stunning arched laminate bridge which sets you up for a mellow section of boardwalk across the bog.  A short, steep climb later and time for a breather at the next forest road.

Dead Man's Quarry Climb

The next singletrack climb starts right away and takes its name from a nearby quarry.  It's a steadier climb that lets you find a good rhythm and soon breaks out into a recently felled area of ground.  A short but very sweet section of descending singletrack breaks up the climbing, though you are soon round the back of Swarfe Quarry and at the top of one of the finest descents in the forest - Swarfe Hill. 

Swarf Hill

The trail starts fast and swoopy and maintains this feel all the way down, with rock steps and drops as well as occasional jumps keeping the adrenalin flowing.  The route pops out at the start of Hidden Valley and heads back towards the trailhead before turning right and following the Caddrouns Blue Route. Look out for Pouter Lampert, one of the best sections of singletrack at Newcastleton - 2km of singletrack bliss - before rejoining the forest road back to the trailhead.

Watch our video of cross-country riding at Newcastleton (.wmv 1.1Mb)

• Distance: 16 km 
  Roughly 60% singletrack
  Estimated time to ride the route: 1.5 - 2.5 hours

Your Comments

Name: adrian ()
26/Jun/2009

Red is short but excellent fun. The bike park is extreme but very ridable for most competent riders - it will test your nerve!!

Name: Andy ()
26/Jun/2009

Hidden Valley is the highlight - narrow and fast to test your reflexes. There is too much gravel in places IMO but see it as an opportunity to improve your biking skills but some corners are just dangerous to go at anything more than a gentle cruise. The north shore is a good laugh too. A nice ride, just go round twice to get a decent length.

Name: Anonymous ()
17/Jun/2009

Stopped at Newcastleton on the way back home after a big 3 days in the Borders. It's only small compared with some of the other 7Stanes but the red is great fun, especially the Hidden Valley - good to get a downhill at the start! Thoroughly recommended if you're in the area.