Why is the Tweed Valley a must visit destination?

Born out of the passion of the folks that built the initial incarnation of the trail centre it has grown to be loved by many. The jewel in the crown of the Forestry and Land Scotland managed trail centres - it is the busiest (& buzziest) trail centre in the UK. Now with a whole hillside of new flow trails, it's busier than ever!

With miles upon miles of purpose-built man-made trails, weaving their way through stunning forests. And many more of natural trails scattered throughout the forest, you will never be short of trail choices-no matter how many times you visit. Throw in a trailhead featuring a cafe and the excellent Alpine Bikes Shop that offers everything you need for your ride including the hire of bikes and e-bikes, huge new parking capacity and bike washes, it really has all you and the family need for a fantastic day out.

Situated just a few miles from Glentress easily accessed by the multi use path, Innerleithen is suited to the more experienced rider. The DH trails littering the hill, are regarded as some of the best in the UK and beyond. The challenging XC route is not for the faint-hearted either! It includes a leg-burning climb with awesome views at the top a reward for your efforts. And, if you know where to look, you'll find some of the best natural hand-built trails you'll ever be lucky enough to ride. Trail Forks will be your friend here! See link below in 'Inspiration for Your Visit'.

The trails drop steeply through the forest from the summit of Plora Rig back to the base where you can hit the trails again and again if you have booked a space with the onsite uplift service, Adrenalin Uplift. Pre booking always recommended.

Pre or post-ride you'll want to visit the small town of Innerleithen as it is fast becoming a hub of mountain bike businesses. With bike shops offering hire bikes, guided rides and tuition as well as kit and servicing. Alongside several new bike friendly places to eat, awesome, welcoming vibes, great hotels and restaurants for your post ride fuel, it is most definitely worth a visit.

If you have a self contained motorhome, you can park up and stay over at the Innerleithen trail head car park, as part of the Forestry and Land Scotland 'Stay The Night' scheme.

PSA - Innerleithen is a small, friendly and accommodating town, that is in peak periods, exceptionally busy with visiting mountain bikers who have travelled some distance to be there. We know that the vast majority of mountain bikers are extremely respectful and wouldn't dream of riding along pavements, however, at times, this is the main complaint from residents of the town. Please call it out if you see riders doing this. Its not necessary, is dangerous and has a derogatory affect on the image of mountain bikers. Thank you.

On the north side of town is Caberston Forest, the legendary off-piste trails found here are aimed at very experienced riders. These world class enduro trails that are frequently raced at national level are not for the faint hearted and we'd recommend checking them out on Trail Forks before riding to see which trails best suit your level of riding. They are all graded and the qualifier, is the renowned, NYNY. You'd be wise to hit this first, its an absolute belter!

The Tweed Valley Trails Association have partnered with Forestry and Land Scotland to take on stewardship of these trails. They lead dig days, that anyone can join, regularly through the year giving locals and visitors alike a chance to learn how the trails get built and maintained in the area.

Walkerburn is also worth a visit, with a few trails dropping into this small village. It is also on the multi use path route, with a great and very welcoming cafe with a lovely courtyard, with Bosch ebike charging station and the village is soon to have a brand new pump track!

The Southern Upland way links Yair Forest to Innerleithen and offers bike-friendly ridge top riding. It is a classic ride and links into the many technical off-piste and wild trails hidden within Yair forest that many riders might remember from the infamous Selkirk mountain bike marathon events.

Other forests to explore by bike include Cademuir near Peebles that is a local riding spot, that offers short, punchy trails for those staying in the town. If you are looking for a more remote adventure Gypsy Glen is the local classic MTB ride has to be a must-do if you are visiting the area. It offers great ridge top riding straight into Peebles. Best left for drier weather, this natural ride takes you out into remote hills giving a real feeling of space, and adventure. The descent is an absolute epic, long, with stunning views, especially when ridden on a clear day (golden hour is a favourite) and follows part of an ancient cross borders drove road.

Peebles is a lovely town to visit with many opportunities for decent food, coffee, great cocktails and a decent pint if that be your choice, and again is on the multi use path that links all the Valley key riding spots.

The Tweed Valley has endless miles of gravel trails and all the main Tweed Valley Forest Parks can be linked up to form an epic gravel ride. The options are truly endless but a locals favourite takes in the Bowbeat Windfarm tracks near Glentress which offers views as far as the Forth of Firth and even Edinburgh’s Arthurs Seat.

To help you plan your visit to the Tweed Valley we have collated the official trail centre maps and rider-driven apps which can help you discover the best trails across the area.

Rider populated apps are a great way to discover new trails however they may not be up to date with trail conditions and we recommend doing further research before you ride.

Please ride responsibly on all trails - follow our Do The Ride Thing guidance.