I’ve just moved to Glasgow and as the weather forecast actually looks ok for the weekend I thought I’d might go mountain biking somewhere. Since I’m new to the area (and the country) I’m looking for some advice.

Now there’s been a bit of rain lately so the ground might be a bit wet. What’s the practice on going biking at this part of the year? Should I avoid it to keep the trails in good shape or is it ok?

I thought about going to Fort William. It seems like there’s some opportunities for some intermediate cross country mountain biking there. There’s also bike rental there which I need as I haven’t got my bike shipped over yet.

Anybody got some other suggestions that’s easily accessible from Glasgow with public transport?

Mabie Forest is a train ride away in Dumfries, and has bike hire available. Only a few miles from Dumfries train station so you can ride there, or get a bus nearer I would imagine if you are hiring.

head up the west highland way up at milngavie. plenty of singltrack riding to be had up there as its just a web of trails. u could also get in touch with the glasgow mtb club. they leave from milngavie on tuesdays, wednesdays nights

Thanks for the good ideas! I’ll defiantly look into those 🙂

Hi Paul

Mugdock country park is a good bet. There are loads of good trails which we’ll happily show you if you come out on a Wed night with us. With the braes, the kilpatricks, the campsies, mugdock, loch lomond, aberfoyle, stifling and much more, there is plenty to be ridden. Ride all year round. Even in the rain and mud, it’s all good.
Cheers
Sanny
Ps where have you come from?

the link Sanny forgot 😆 :

http://www.gmbc.org.uk/

we will be out Sunday am too at 9

Train or car to Stirling, meet us for a ride (contact us on Flying Fox Bikes website). Brilliant riding on our doorstep.

lots and lots of very good single track to be found in and around Mugdock… will be taking a spin around there on Sunday if you want some one local to show you around..

Now there’s been a bit of rain lately so the ground might be a bit wet. What’s the practice on going biking at this part of the year? Should I avoid it to keep the trails in good shape or is it ok?

Opens can of worms!

http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/out-and-about/recreation-activities/cycling/

Basically be reasonable and think about what you are doing. If we never went out when it was wet we would hardly ever go out. Avoid fragile paths and boggy areas when wet, Don’t piss off the natives (unreasonably)

Basically be reasonable and think about what you are doing. If we never went out when it was wet we would hardly ever go out. Avoid fragile paths and boggy areas when wet

+1. there is a definite benefit to local knowledge, you can pick the more weather resistant paths and still have a great ride, while letting other stuff alone to recover. Unfortunately this is not a view always shared on our local trails here

Second that, Mugdock Park and the West Highland Way which passes through it is the best in the Glasgow area. There’s a bunch of us who normally head up there on weekend mornings (although not this weekend) so drop me an email (in profile) if you fancy joining us any time. There’s a train from Queen Street or Central to Milngavie

Wow, this is brilliant! I’ll definitely check out Mugdock Park and gmbc this weekend or one later! 😀

hey paull me and my mate are heading out to carron valley tomorrow,its about 40mins drive from glasgow,its got trails and a wee section of freeride and jumps,where you living??

Paull

I don’t know where you are from but have a read of my link

basically we have the right to roam anywhere ( other than gardens and the like). With this right comes the duty to behave responsibly. This does not mean you cannot ride in the wet. It means you should take care not to damage the trails. Same as there is no distinction between footpaths and bridleways – you can ride anywhere but it might not be responsible to ride a very popular path on a summer Sunday afternoon – but the same path on a winter Wednesday might be fine.

You should give way to walkers and horse riders – but usually a tinkle on the bell or a polite “excuse me” and people make room. Smile and be polite. Its all about sharing and being reasonable

another link explaining the code

Paull – Member
I’ve just moved to Glasgow and as the weather forecast actually looks ok for the weekend I thought I’d might go mountain biking somewhere. Since I’m new to the area (and the country) I’m looking for some advice.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/ACHS-5RNEEV = 24/7/365

pixelmix – Member
Mabie Forest is a train ride away in Dumfries, and has bike hire available. Only a few miles from Dumfries train station so you can ride there, or get a bus nearer I would imagine if you are hiring.

You can get the train to Dumfries from Glasgow and taxi out to Mabie or Ae where you can hire a bike.
http://www.ae7.co.uk/ Trek or Specialized

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ae7-Bikes/124618880892429?v=wall&ref=ts

http://www.cycle-centre.com/ some nice Genesis bikes

http://af-za.facebook.com/pages/Dumfries-United-Kingdom/GG-Cycle-Centre/106653886030903?v=wall

You could possibly get the train to Sanquahar and if you contact Rik he might/will arrange for you to ride Drumlanrig.
http://www.drumlanrig.com/default.asp?PageId=84