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... doable for a 7 yo on a 24"er and a fearless 5 yo on 20" wheels with a bit of a tow/push on the climbs? I haven't been there for 10 years and I have no idea how it has bedded in/degraded/improved.
My personal recollection was "mleh", but I was a different rider looking for different things BC.
Mostly non-technical with a few short rocky and/or steep bits. The grade of substrate on the trails is a bit rough in spots IICR, so maybe not ideal for little wheels. Probably fine with a bit of care. Pump track at Cathkin Braes is a good option for kids.
It's been completely reworked in the last ten years. Everything is much smoother and anything remotely technical removed. I reckon the kids will love it. You'll probably be reduced to tears of boredom, but the kids will have a great time.
I should add in a disclaimer here that I don't actually have kids...I have two cats and can barely cope with the distain that they show me,,,, heaven help what I'd be like with kids. However, I was a kid once and reckon I'd have had a whale of a time at Carron Valley on my Raleigh Tomahawk!
As an alternative, Callendar Estates trails in Falkirk might be a good shout better suited for the 5yo. Very tame even in comparison to CV but IMO well designed and flow well. Much less weathered with smoother substrate than CV too.
Also a good wee pump track / skills area the kids can do loops of while you get a coffee...
Thanks. We have ridden Callendar Estate a number of times. It is excellent. The boys like it and the Loch Ore trail too. Looking for something new.
Carron will be OK. One steep section of climb, only maybe 400m of it in total, with flat bit in middle.
Way down is totally doable, with two bits to properly inspect on lowest bit...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_outandabout/albums/72157632431093729
Aye, it'll be fine...as Matt says, couple of bits to look at then ride for the youngsters.
Forgetting the tow ropes didn't help, but we managed the climb with few tantrums, a lot of "helping hand on the back pushing" and bit of walking. No hernia though... Some of the surfaces on the climb are quite rough. Not technical, just large clast sizes.
Both boys enjoyed the downhill. The Eas Dubh bit has totally changed from what I can remember. The Runway was maybe a bit too much for the boys, but no-one died.
Cathkin Braes is worth a visit if you havent been before. its not too much of a drive from falkirk.