Which Stane?

[3narf]

We're planning a family camping trip to SW Scotland in August, and I was wondering which of the Seven Stanes trail centres to aim for.

I'd be looking for somewhere with gentle forest trails for the whole family, plus some 'real' mountain biking as an introduction for my 9-year-old son.

Preferably a campsite nearby, within riding distance...

Thanks

 

[cubby]

Hi .... i would head for Kirroughtree as there's a bit of everythink there, i have taken my 9 year lad round many a time and he loves the flowy singletrack, but then there's also the Black route if you wanted a bit more ....

Then also try and head to Glentrool, thats brilliant for the younger ones .... also amazing scenery when your at the top

Not sure on campsites etc .... but there'll be some close by im sure

 

[3narf]

Thanks!

 

[Cubist]

Dalbeattie would be another recommendation. Kirroughtree is great, but Dalbeattie has an added blue/red mixed taster trail, as well as a green and a blue. The red's tasty too.

There's no trail head facilities at Dalbeattie, but there's a campsite less than a mile away with bike hire as well. I'll have a quick google and see if I can find it.

Edit :Gorsebank
http://www.gorsebank.com/

 

[3narf]

Thanks! I had saved Gorsebank as a possible site.

 

[GilesM]

Drumlanrig Castle isn't a 7 Stane, but it has really good MTB trails, definitely some stuff to test your 9 year old, and lots of stuff for the whole family, including a bicycle museum, have a look here.

http://www.drumlanrig.com/drumlanrig-outdoor-activities/mountain-biking

I stayed at this campsite a couple of years ago, it was small but really good.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=3394

 

[Cubist]

Drumlanrig Castle isn't a 7 Stane, but it has really good MTB trails, definitely some stuff to test your 9 year old, and lots of stuff for the whole family, including a bicycle museum, have a look here.

http://www.drumlanrig.com/drumlanrig-outdoor-activities/mountain-biking

I stayed at this campsite a couple of years ago, it was small but really good.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=3394

I've got a leaflet somewhere about Drumlanrig Castle, it certainly sounded like it would do the trick.

And that campsite sounds idyllic. Except it has the word Midge in its name

 

[GilesM]

I've got a leaflet somewhere about Drumlanrig Castle, it certainly sounded like it would do the trick.

I've ridden there a couple of times, the trails are excellent, both times we did the red with a diversion to take in the shortish black section, I really enjoyed it, it had a lot of what many of the 7 stanes have, without the initial big/long climb from the car park, which was quite nice, and the trails really do flow in places, which is not something I'd say about nearby Ae Forest.

And that campsite sounds idyllic. Except it has the word Midge in its name

The name was a bit worrying, but it was okay, however, we stayed there mid August, I think a warm evening in June and it might well live up to its name .