Glentress

The ponds lie in a hollow where a grove of Douglas fir once stood. Some of the trees came down in a storm some 40 years ago, and the ponds are now a peaceful, sheltered corner of the forest. There are ten brass rubbings of forest animals and birds along the way, ideal for a family activity.

The Douglas fir trees on ‘Dougie Bank’, just above the ponds, are nearly 100 years old. Some of the trees from this part of the forest now sail the high seas as masts on tall ships. Douglas fir from Glentress has also been used to build the café and toilet block at Glentress Peel.

Starting from the Buzzard’s Nest car park, visit the fortified settlements at Janet's Brae and imagine how our ancestors would have lived in this area over 2000 years ago on this fascinating route through a beautiful and varied area of the forest.

Along the way you’ll find stories about the foresters who’ve built Glentress, including the ‘Lumberjills’ – women who worked here during World War II.

On Saturday 26 August expect mountain bikers crossing the Tower Trail due to the Peebles CC Youth Stage Race. Please look out for signs and follow Marshal’s advice.Starting from the Buzzard’s Nest car park, this trail takes you through remoter, mature woodland to some fine viewpoints to the north. You’ll often see buzzards and roe deer along the way.

A place to practise and perfect your technique, suitable for kids, beginners or those looking for a refresher. Choose from the Blue or Green Loops, or the Red Trail to get warmed up.

Note: The skills area has undergone a makeover, with new features to help make it more attractive to families, kids and beginners. There are now some differences between the grading of the loops in the Skills Area 'on the ground' and what's detailed on the current 7stanes trail map. This will be updated soon.

This trail starts and finishes at the Glentress Peel Visitor Centre. The route has gentle gradients and mellow bends that are a perfect introduction to mountain biking.

This purpose-built singletrack route starts from the Buzzards Nest Car Park, which is sign-posted from the forest entrance. It’s a fair old pedal up to the car park from the bottom of the forest (only 2km, but lots of climbing) so driving up is advised unless you’re feeling really fit!

This route is split into a lower loop and upper loop – each 5 miles / 8km long. Start at the trailhead at Glentress Peel and climb as far as the Buzzards Nest. Then either descend on the bottom loop or continue on, to include the upper loop too. So many highlights, including Berm Baby Berm, Blue Velvet, Good Game. It’s all good. If you’ve got a mixed ability party, this is a great choice for the whole team.

The Red Route delivers some of the best riding in the country, including the legendary 'Spooky Wood' - a stunning 1.5km singletrack descent with sweeping bermed bends. The route's best ridden from the trailhead at Glentress Peel and is recommended for experienced riders only.

Packed with epic climbs and nail-biting descents that’ll make you smile from ear to ear, the Black Route is a physically demanding ride.

Check out the range of features big and small, which are perfect for practising your bike skills on. Whether you’re a novice freerider or a seasoned pro, there are areas built to suit all levels of experience. Read the onsite info panels before you jump on your bike.