Just looking into booking a large group (20ish) for a weekend of riding Kirroughtree/Glentrool etc.. I’d found the Minnigaff youth hostel in Newton Stewart and wondered if anyone had any experience of it? does it have toilet/shower facilities? because I can’t seem to find that info anywhere. Any other recommendations for large groups in the area?

Cheers in advance

Try http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2443

Or give Clair/Sam a shout at http://thebreakpad.co.uk/

Stronord is within walking distance of the trailhead/bikeshop/cafe. Big kitchen, bunkbeds, seperate area for girls/women/showers/bike shed/workshop.

Only other place is Marthrown of Mabie, maybe too far way for you?

Another option to consider http://www.wigwamholidays.com/Wigwam_Site_Locations

Minigaff hostel is grand, if a bit basic. Has toilets, showers and kitchen area, and if memory serves there’s a wee workshop too. Dunno if I’d bother with Glentrool though, there’s not much there although the blue run is /kinda/ fun.

Glentrool is a 35ml slog.

On the right day and if you are into it the views are ace. It`s not as easy as you may think being an all forest rd ride. We did it late last year for the first time, howling gale & driving rain on occasions made it a wee bit harder.

We will be going back again on a good day. It was just 10 mates having a good ride. Some had never ridden more than 15-20mls so found it harder than some.

We started at the Wallace monument at the foot of Kirroughtrees Heartbreak Hill. This means the cafe is about half way round(if open)

re glen trool yes the trail is woe full and should be advoided however check out the route around loch trool combined with tracks and southern upland way some excellent non trail center riding although kirr is just the best