The Great British Mountain Bike Trail Guide

FACILITIES

Car park and charges: Yes; charges apply (per person)

Cafe: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Bike wash: Yes

Nearest bike shop: On site

Bike hire: Yes

Accommodation: B&Bs, hotels, self-catering accommodation and camping around the area. Amenities in nearby Thornhill and Dumfries.

Other trails on site: Green, Blue, Black, permissive paths and estate roads.

Ordnance Survey map: Explorer 329.

ENJOYMENT FOR SKILL LEVEL

Beginner: 7/10

Intermediate: 9.5/10

Advanced: 7/10

Getting there: From Thornhill head north on the A76 for 4.5km. Pass through the village of Carronbridge and in just over 2km you will see the brown signs for the castle pointing left down a narrow lane. Follow the lane down the hill over the bridge and bear right, the car park is located to the right of the castle at the top of the drive.

Grid ref: NX 85087 99333

Sat nav: DG3 4AQ

More info: www.drumlanrig.com

THE OLD SCHOOL

On-site grade: Red

Clive’s grade: Red

Distance: 13.5km

Technicality: 8/10

Ascent: 330m

ENJOYMENT FOR SKILL LEVEL

Beginner: 3/10

Intermediate: 810

Advanced: 7/10

The trailhead is located at the upper end of the car park. Follow the red tarmac road over the cattle grid before turning right and climbing up an estate road (forest road). The climb is only short but the gradient can be a shock to cold muscles. As you crest the hill you will bear round to the left on a double track before turning left on another double track and almost immediately left again into single track.

This opening section of trail will give you a good idea of the type of technical trail features you’re likely to find further round the loop. If you decide this is not for you it is advisable to cut out on one of the double tracks you cross while descending, head back to the car park and review your route selection: this trail is at the upper end of the grade. The single track traverses the hillside climbing slightly before descending through a series of switchbacks. The surface is rough in places and root beds, rocks, drops and tight turns are the order of the day.

After the second road crossing you will come to a split in the trail. The Red trail bears right and climbs up slightly before descending again to another estate road. Taking a right turn on this estate road, start to climb back up the hill. Once again the gradient is quite steep but the climb is not that long. Nearing the top of the hill you will come to a stone wall on your right and a 4-way junction. Bear round to the left and follow the trail as it continues to climb slightly (the trail is now single track).

A short climb switchbacks up the hill. At the top of the climb, run parallel to an estate road (you will return up this road having completed this next loop). The trail descends and you encounter some more tight switchbacks and large root beds throughout this section. There are also some parts that are quite rough and the gradient can get quite steep in places.

At the bottom of the descent you briefly join a double track before peeling off to the right and climbing up on a single track. A couple of steep switchbacks lead you up onto an estate road/forest road where you climb up, passing the trail you just rode on your outbound loop. Within a few metres you’re directed off to the left and you climb up slightly, running parallel to a fence with an opening round to your left. This section continues for a few kilometres and climbs upwards: you will join on to a forest road and continue to climb up to a junction.

At the junction the trail climbs up through a series of single-track switchbacks into the trees. This section is quite tight and twisty and those of you with wide bars will have to take caution as some of the gaps between the trees are quite narrow. Once you cross the hill you will descend through a series of bermed corners and small jumps before a drop to your right takes you on to an estate road. Climbing up the estate road you have some fantastic views out to your left. Catch your breath and get ready for another tight single-track link across the top of the hill.

The next forest road section runs downhill. This is a fast descent and a shared trail so keep your eyes peeled for other trail users. You will also have to take a fork off to the left which drops you into a single-track trail. Take care when doing so as the trail narrows down significantly and passes over a ditch!

The next section of single track is very fast. Some of the corners tighten up on themselves so stay on your guard and cover those brakes. After the single track you will climb on a very rough double track before forking off to your right and into more fast single tracks: take care further down this section as you will cross over a public road!

After the public road you have a few more kilometres of narrow single track. There is a short forest road link between sections and it provides a welcome break from the intense concentration required on the narrow trail. The lower part has some very tight turns to deal with and some sections of trail are quite exposed. There are also a few steep gradients and chunks of bedrock to deal with as you continue to descend down towards the river.

At the bottom of the descent you join a double track that runs parallel to the river. Here you have a chance to take a quick rest and enjoy the spectacular views of the river Nith before taking a right turn and climbing up through a series of steep and tight switchbacks. Traverse the hill on a single track and join into one of the estate roads for a few metres before entering the final section of single track, which drops back down towards the river. Once again you will join into a double track that leads you round to a white gate. Pass through the gate, making sure you shut it securely, and climb up onto the red tarmac drive. Taking a right turn climbing up on the tarmac back towards the castle and car park.

DRUMLANRIG