Mountain biking has something for everyone - from easy woodland rides to the exhilaration of a downhill course. It's a great way to keep fit and, at the 7stanes, to enjoy some of Scotland's fine forest scenery at the same time. If you're new to the sport, we've provided some information below to help you get started.
You might also like to refer to the mountain biking glossary.
What equipment do I need?
The three essential items in any novice mountain biker’s kit are a helmet, gloves and a bike.
What if I don't own a helmet or bike?
Equipment hire is available at onsite at Glentress, Mabie and Kirroughtree, with seasonal bike hire available at Glentrool. There are also bike hire shops throughout the 7stanes area. See the individual 'stanes' pages for more details.
If you already have a helmet, or want to buy one, make sure it is approved for mountain biking.
Do I need a special bike?
We recommend your bike has some form of suspension if you want to ride the 7stanes trails.
For the green-, blue- and red-graded trails, suspension forks – ‘front suspension’ – should be sufficient. As you progress, and want to try riding the black-graded routes, then a ‘dual suspension’ bike – with a suspension system at the rear as well as the front – will make the most difficult trails seem a little bit smoother, and easier to ride.
What does the trail grading colour code mean?
At the 7stanes centres, the colour-coding system – from the relatively level and smooth green trails to the highly technical black trails – provides a great framework for progression. Start with green and, once you are comfortable, move up to blue; then progress to red, and eventually you might be ready to tackle the black-graded trails.
The trail grades page has full details of what the different trail grades are.
You can get a flavour of the types of trails by looking at some of the 7stanes videos.
Where can I practice?
Skills loops at a number of the 7stanes sites are a good way to practice the techniques you’ll need to tackle the obstacles found on many of the trails. There are skills loops at Glentress, Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie. Our skills and riding tips page has some useful advice too.
Always take small steps and don’t try sections of trail, such as steeply bermed corners or jumps, that you aren’t comfortable doing. Ride within your limits and you will progress smoothly, and safely, as your confidence builds.
For anyone starting out it is vital not only that you build confidence but also that you learn good habits. One way to progress more quickly is to take lessons. There are qualified instructors who work at some of the 7stanes centres. Contact the individual centres for details.
Anything else I need to know?
Just get out there and enjoy yourself!