I went up to Ae on Saturday (Billy no mates this weekend), it’s only an hour or so from Brampton. I haven’t been for a few years and couldn’t really remember anything about it except the Omega Man descent. I thought it was pretty good – there appear to be lots of new bits since I was there last. There’s a good contrast between rough and smooth surfaces and the climbing’s not too prolonged. I did one of the downhill tracks (Shredder?)too and then rode back up the push up track and did the end of the Omega man again. Good bacon butty at the café, too. Recommended for a shortish blast IMHO.

I really like Ae, and your post has reminded me that its been a year since I was there and I need to get back out on it.

Has the cafe re-opened then?

Yes, open Tuesday-Sunday IIRC

I’ve never really enjoyed Ae. But, up until this weekend I’d have said the same thing about Dalbeattie and after a double-whammy there on Sat & Sun I’ve completely changed my mind and absolutely loved it.

So, I think it’s time I gave Ae another bash.

imo you need to put a bit of effort and commitment into Ae & Dalbeattie to get the best out of them 💡

The cafe at Ae is open 😆 along with a bike shop selling Mondraker, limited stock atm. Son of the owners is a Mondraker sponsored rider and has just started on the Borders college DH course.
if you are in the area the cafe opens on a Tues eve for night riding followed by a meal 😀

Unfortunately the Mabie cafe has closed again 🙄

Trekster do you mean shut for good? was there a shop at Mabie as well? Is that still going?

Yes, closed afik. Lease actually expired last year. Shop was given an extension but their circumstances changed and keeping the Shed open was a drain on resources. The old saying “use it or lose it” springs to mind. Having to close for extended periods during the last 3 winters due to the weather probably had an effect I would imagine.
FC reviewing use of steading area so it is a wait and see what’s going to happen situation again.
A lot of the usual local suspects have gravitated over to Ae which has got quite a buzz about it now 😆

Alternative eating, coffee shops are;
Mabie House
http://www.kilnford.co.uk
http://www.gardenwise-dumfries.co.uk

http://www.locharthur.org.uk/creamery-and-farmshop/

Mabie House are pretty biker-friendly too- they don’t do takeaways, but don’t seem to mind mud too much.