Our big weekends

Dumfries, Scotland

Typically 4 days in March-April (Easter Weekend)

We start the season at Easter by covering some of the best 7Stanes trail centres on offer in Dumfries & Galloway, including Mabie, Dalbeattie, Kirroughtree and Ae. In all these forests you have wonderful red trails that are super flowy and definitely blow the cobwebs away.

In some forests, like Kirroughtree and Ae there’s also black and orange (downhill) trails which we offer as an option. If black trails aren’t your thing, however, don’t worry as we will split the group for these.

We typically stay in Wigwams at Solway View campsite in Kirkcudbright which, while remote, has stunning views of the coast. Wigwams are well-equipped and there’s 4G reception.

North Wales

Typically 2-3 days in May

We’re madly in love with Wales’ natural beauty; and trail centres like Coed-y-Brenin, Penmachno and Llandegla are rated among the best by everyone, beginner or pro. We usually stay in sleepy Betws-y-Coed and have a wonderful time on one of the first rides of the season.

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About every other year we also have one of the last rides of the season in Wales – at BikePark Wales. Though expensive due to the separate uplift pass, this is gravity heaven and we always come back here as we simply can’t get enough.

Cairngorms, Scotland

Typically 4 days in late May

The Cairngorms are definitely worth the trip, and reward you with stunning vistas you won’t get anywhere else.

Staying in spacious lodges near Aviemore, in the middle of the rough and beautiful Cairngorms National Park, we visit some intermediate trail centres like Laggan Wolftrax, Glenlivet and the newly opened Tarland 2 trails. The latter particularly was a fan-favourite as most of us left there an inch shorter, due to the excessive G-forces. 😉

There’s also great XC trails like Heartbreak Ridge, as well as easier days riding around Loch Morlich to Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge, with plenty beautiful landscape and delicious cake stops.

This event is offered in cooperation with our partner OutdoorLads

Lake District, Cumbria

Typically 4 days in July

Staying at a beautiful National Trust campsite at the end of the Langdale Valley, this is as beautiful as Mountain Biking gets. The views are stunning, the water pressure in the shower is ample and there’s the option to stay in Apex pods for those seeking extra creature comforts.

We’re doing some challenging rides like Kentmere XC loop from Staveley, or Borrowdale Bash from Keswick. But there’s also easier – yet still exciting – riding available at two of Northern England’s Super6 trail centres, Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest from where we do a XC route to Parkamoor. We also do an easier route around the campsite called ‘Little Langdale’ that brings us from Chapel Stile via Elterwater to a wonderful cafe called Chesters By The River in Skelwith Bridge.

This event is offered in cooperation with our partner OutdoorLads

August: Glentress, Scotland

Glentress 7Stanes is probably the trail centre we visit the most throughout the year, so if you’re from Edinburgh or the surrounding area keep an eye on our calendar.

We tend to stay at Glentress Forest Lodges, which is right next to the trailhead (and therefore has free parking). From here we can easily do the red route to Spooky Woods, or the black route to the antenna mast, past the famous waypoint named Britney Spears (it’s a real waypoint, and no we didn’t name it).

Then of course there’s the new blue, red and black trails added in 2023 which we just can’t seem to get tired of doing. But we also venture over to Innerleithen where we do the red XC/Enduro trail, as well as the option to head up to Golfie for those that seek the extra thrill. If you’ve not run out of energy, we might even go for a cheeky night ride on the blue trail in Glentress (it feels a lot faster in the dark).

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Typically 2 days in October

To round out the season we visit this very remote area, which is home to England’s largest forest and largest reservoir. Part of Northern England’s Super6 trails, we typically have an easy ride on the first day on the blue (Osprey) and red (Lonesome Pine) mountain bike trail which brings us to a mile-long boardwalk that offers supreme views of Northumberland National Park.

On the evening we try and have a relaxed dinner at the Pheasant Inn, offering some of the best local cuisine (and it gives you a chance to get to know the group).

On the second day, we slightly up the ante with the Deadwater trail that is both red and black. We’ll offer the black section as an option by splitting the group, and it’s definitely worth the extra 45 mins climb as you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views and one of the best natural downhill sections in the country.