Hi All,
We're driving from Devon to near Elgin next weekend, with three kids (4-7 y/o). We normally slog it out overnight but are thinking of going soft with an overnight stop, likely between Glasgow and Perth.
Is there an obvious trail centre to aim for, where we can get out and stretch the legs for a couple of hours? Ideally with pump track/skills area, cafe, and really cheap hotel on the doorstep. Oh, and within spitting distance of the M80/A9....??
Many thanks 🙂
Can I be the first of about 4,874 people to suggest Comrie Croft
+100 Comrie Croft
2nd meh 3rd to suggest Comrie Croft
Comrie Croft
Is this a stealth ad for Comrie Croft?
I'm not sure if Comrie Croft are paying everyone, but Comrie Croft has everything he's asking for and more! Comrie Croft even has it's own accommodation available right at the trails, so you can shred till bed at Comrie Croft!
Don’t go to Comrie Croft................................................................
.............otherwise you might not actually make it to Elgin as you won’t want to leave.
The answer is definitely comrie croft but another possibility would be the trails at callender estate near Falkirk . It's pretty much halfway between Glasgow and Perth and is about 5 mins from the m80 and the trails are great for kids with a pump track and blue trails , my 7 year old loves it there . I assume there must be a travel lodge somewhere near .
In all seriousness, Falkirk.
The kids are small so a shred up of Callendar Park combined with a look at the Kelpies would see you right. Loads of Premmier Inn type hotels.
As nice as Comrie is it is a fair bit off the A9 if you're already driving that far.
What @moonsaballoon and @Tomd said
The cafe at the Callendar Estate Cycle Trails is amazeballs!
https://www.callendarestate.co.uk/
As an alternative I'll suggest Beecraigs nestled in the legendary Bathgate Alps.
More XC than full Gnar although they do have a skills loop pump track thing!
Pods at the campsite and a cafe as well!
Everyone knows that you ride at Callendar then drive to the Milk Barn (but admittedly the cafe is much better again after a dip last year)!
OTOH it doesn't have a pump track, I think moonsaballoon must be talking about a wee snakey blue skills trail thing, but does have a couple of wee jump lines right next to it. It's much pretty flat compared to Comrie's winch and plummet. Comrie's blue trail is one of the best i've seen, Callendar's is good but not on the same level
Comrie Croft's skills area might be enough for 4-7 yr olds, but the whole of Callendar Estates trails would be very well suited. I'm local and it's a perfect place for my 5 and 7 yr olds.
Premier Inn Falkirk Central is 1.5 miles along the traffic-free canal path from Falkirk Wheel, with Callendar Estates trails another mile or so from the Wheel (with a bit of a climb). Don't bother with Premier Inn Falkirk East as the carpark was car-roof-deep in flood water last week and is still full of flood debris and a couple of abandoned cars...
Canada Wood Cafe: https://www.cafecanadawood.co.uk/
Milk Barn (best icecream): https://themilkbarn.co.uk/
Many thanks all,
I've booked Comrie Croft. Went for two nights in fact, because it looks cool and the speed/enthusiasm of replies on here got me all excited.
Will look at Falkirk next time. Maybe even for the return journey.
Thanks again.
Correct call i reckon. Nobody had even mentioned yet that Comrie is in a nice scenic location, whereas Falkirk....
If you’re staying at Comrie Croft for 2 nights with kids I can heartily recommend http://www.auchingarrich.co.uk/ for other things to do close by.
Auchingarrich is closed and up for sale.
Late to thread. Heart warmed seeing you are going to the Croft. You will have an amazing time. If you want a big xc loop there is even a gate to the loch turret loop which is a good day out.
Comrie rules...
Heart saddened by Auchingarroch. Not just because I had a voucher to use that ran out in Covid, lovely place that served a great soup and sandwich.
Auchingarrich is closed and up for sale.
Are you sure? The website seems to be taking bookings.
I wouldn't be surprised if they were selling up to concentrate on the catering side of their business though - they did our wedding at Comrie Croft and apparently almost every one since.
Callendar Estate bike trails near Falkirk are undergoing building works, extending and upgrading the the Auchingean red routes, so they're out of use at the moment. Comrie was the right call.
