Have you had a look at Stanes site re distances and time travelling?

Not sure how long it takes you to get to around the Manchester area but from there it is approx 3hrs to Dumfries.
From Dumfries to Kirroughtree it is 1hr.
From Dumfries to Mabie, Ae or Dalbeattie is approx 1/2hr.
From Dumfries to Drumlanrigg is 1/2-3/4hr.
From Dumfries to GT/Inners is 1.1/2hrs via Moffat/Beeftub Rd.
From Moffat(just off 75)it is 1hr to GT/Inners.

Look at the map and you will see that Dumfries has the biggest concentration of Stanes trails.

On the way home?
Can you read a map?

Anything from sfb`s Bogtrotters route list;
sfb Bogtrotters routes

Peaks is good. Google for Ladybower routes;
eg http://www.flattyresmtbroutes.com/LadybowerloopII.html

Can struggle to get a 1 night B&B in the Lakes;
Could try the hostel at Keswick and get some route info and maps at Keswick Mountain Bikes;
http://www.vividevents.co.uk/Accommodation%20Main%20Page.htm

Alternatively stay at Maggs Howe on that link and look in at Wheelbase in Staveley for maps and info.

While you're passing, it might be rude not to pop in at Ae and hoon round the trail there. Worth a diversion, as you're clearly not anti trail centres, and definitely good fun.

Be rude and miss Ae, it's guff.

I would stay near Mabie or Dalbeattie, do GT black/red one day. Back down to Base then do the rest the next.

Basing in Peebles/Glentress will add a lot of travel time.

Nick

Unless you have time to do Mabie, Drumlanrig, all the trails at Glentress, and Innerleithen, at least 10 times each, don't go to Ae. It's not terrible, it's just not anything like as good as the others. If you moved it to Carron Valley it'd be worthwhile but I think you've got to be a little bit damaged in the brain to choose to ride there over Mabie, Kirroughtree and Drum to name just 3 within easy distance.

Ive done this trip a couple of times, though not from as far as you are travelling. For my money I would stay the Sunday night in Scotland, maybe at Kipford holiday park. It is right on the trail at dalbeattie, you could get up and knock it out before you drive home

Try Craik Forest red run on the way from Newcastleton to Glentress/Inverlethian

Agree to some extent Northwind but need to know and understand the politics of what happened to that route. A good 25% or more of the "original" planned route dissapeared due to cost cutting. The Edge and Omega Man nearly did nt happen.
Just imagine what it would have been like then.
It would be great if you could just put trails here, there and everywhere, but thats not the way it happens.

The route was, for want of a better word, designed, 10yrs ago. There is a lot more trailbuilding understanding now thatn then

If the same resources could be found the way GT seems to then I am sure the trail would/will be much better.
After all the Area/District Office is at the trail head ❗

Nae bother 😉
We are all entitled to an opinion. Rather people went and formed their own. Fortunately there are 100s/1000s who do not use forums such as this.
If we all want trailhead shops and cafes then it is not good for them if we slag trails off to the general masses. Send your comments to FE via the web site. The more who do that may help the rest.
I remember twice in the past when Mabie almost came to a standstill due to how powerfull/detructive this forum can be in that footfall/rider usage dropped to almost silch. FE heeded what was being said and repared all the dodgy bits. They do monitor these forums but maybe not in a position do do much nowadays with the lack of cash. The prioriy atm is to maintain/enhance 😉 what is already there

eg I live just over the 1hr from GT and have not been for 18mths or so.
Why, done it so often inc long before it was a Stane. I am also about the same distance/time away from the Lakes and Howgills.
Last night took some "youngsters" on a ride from my house which they never knew existed. That is a problem with the "newer" generation of mtbers, lack of adventure.imo ofcourse.

Could say I am spoilt for choice 😆

Trekster

I think it is well established that t'internet is a medium for the petty and ill-informed views of the great unwashed. That is certainly all I am offering.

We are all quick to announce bad experiences with shops, BT etc. Why should we hold back our opinions on trail centres.

I think Drumlanrig is awesome, I think Ae blows, and wouldn't waste my petrol on driving to K'tree. Also wouldn't pay too much attention to what people say on forums, there are plenty of non-facts, this is all from my experience.

You are right though – remember a few years ago when everyone was calling Laggan black "unrideable" because a couple of mincers from these parts went there the day after the SSWC at Aviemore and it was too hard for them ?? What a crock that was.

Proper Scotland trails? We've got some great stuff near Stirling…!