Got a pal wanting to relive some old BMX/MTB days with other middle-aged chaps, and he was fondly recalling Aberfoyle as their past playground.
Now, however, they're all spread around the south-side suburbs, with families to keep them from straying too far.
I suggested I would ask on here - on his behalf - for any comparable areas or routes to the south of the city that might offer a decent alternative.
I appreciate that the landscape is very different, and a lot of Ayrshire is agricultural, but might any of you in the know wish to share knowledge, or recommend a publication that offers such? I think the Cathkin Braes is one option, but it might be rather lacking in the 'epic' department. He's also done Whitelees windfarm and felt that it too doesn't hold any potential for adventure.
Any sensible suggestions gratefully passed on, thank you.
In and around Loch Bradan. Mainly fireroad but there's a nice singletrack route around the loch with the option of a longer trail over to Loch Doon with a fireroad return. Checkout OS maps of the area
Loch Bradan loop
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Loch-Bradan-Loop
It's short but you can throw in a fair bit of other riding in the area
Aberfoyle area is steep, rooty, rocky in places and much fun. As you say its not like that in the south! Butcher does amazing bacon rolls and pork pies. School holidays at the moment so kingston brige and m8 are not too busy. No reason not to head north. Stirling area is good. Excellent riding in the ochils too.
Doesn't exactly qualify as epic but there is some surprisingly decent stuff up the Glennifer Braes if you know where to look. There is also clyde muirsheil park and the greenock cut / loch thom, but while that gives more sense of being in the countryside the riding isn't as good.
Loch Bradan is a good choice , and if you fancy another challenge try The River Ayr Way starting at Glenbuck and finishing at the the pier at Ayr , its about 42 miles , we did it in a day (New Years Day at -4c) only problem is the number of gates on route which take up a bit of riding time . Well worth doing and has some good fast and fun sections , some you have to look for , plenty of climbs to keep you on your toes and lots of the steps can be riden down or to the side of . The terrain and landscape changes constantly as you get nearer to Ayr .
May be worth checking out Craufordland (sp?) Fishery, just to the east of Fenwick. Some decent forest trails around the lakes. Not much in the way of climbs/descents but not bad for a small outing. There's also Neilston Pad south of Barrhead for a bit more hilly ride, and some really good ST....if you can find it!
Drumlanrig is a bit of a root fest, is it not? Might be a bit further south than you were thinking though!
Some great stuff round Glennifer over towards Johnstone. Fast and flowy. There is some nice stuff over towards Neilston as well. I tend to ride the crosser there but it's good mtb terrain. Go for an explore and you'll be surprised at what you find!
mugdock is the obvious and closest option, technically not south of glasgow though but...