Glentress

Award-winning mountain biking and so much more

Glentress is rightly celebrated for some of the best mountain bike trails in the country, but that's just the beginning of the story.

Visit for walking, tree-top adventure and magnificent views of the Tweed Valley. Explore our Wildlife Room where you can watch our observation beehive, view our live osprey cams and learn more about other wildlife you may encounter in Glentress Forest. There's great coffee, food and cake in our buzzing café too.

Work is also underway new trails and facilities as part of the Glentress Masterplan. Keep up to date on the project with the Masterplan blog.

Walking trails

Glentress walking trail route card (PDF)

Walking

Ponds Trail

Stroll around the enchanted Glentress ponds, an oasis of ash, birch and pine that is home to herons, bats and red squirrels.

Firm gravel path with regular seats. Short moderate ramps with some loose stones. Includes a wide kissing gate and bridge, and a narrow 0.85m opening.

½ miles / 0.9 km

Allow
¼ hour

More information

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.

Walking

Glen Trail

Discover the charms of Glentress Burn, passing its serene ponds before winding through the magnificent Douglas firs above.

Numerous short steep slopes with some loose gravel. Some narrow and uneven earth sections with exposed tree roots. A short flight of steps, and several kissing gates and narrow openings.

2 miles / 3.3 km

Allow
1 hour

More information

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.

Walking

Time Trail

Get a glimpse of our Iron Age past on this delightful high level promenade above the Tweed Valley, with spectacular views over Peebles to the Caddon Hills.

Mostly firm gravel surface. Some sections of uneven earth and grass with exposed tree roots. Long moderate slopes with some steeper sections.

2 ¼ miles / 3.8 km

Allow
1½ hours

More information

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.

Walking

Buzzard’s Nest Trail

Explore the varied plantations of Glentress Forest, including characterful areas of Scots pine, Douglas fir and Norway spruce, and good views across the valley from the slopes of Cardie Hill.

Firm gravel and earth surface with loose and uneven sections. Long steep slopes for 400m. Includes kissing gates, narrow openings and some steps. Look out for vehicles and other users.

3 miles / 4.9 km

Allow
2 hours

More information

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.

Walking

Tower Trail (closed)

A trail notice is in effect

• From Tuesday 24 January 2023 to Friday 10 February 2023 the Tower Trail will be fully closed due to tree felling work.
• From around mid-February to the end of March the Tower Trail will be diverted (or fully closed at times) due to new forest road construction. Exact dates and details TBC.  

Climb to the top of Glentress Forest and pass the Iron Age settlement at Shieldgreen Tower. Magnificent views over Peebles and Soonhope Burn.

Rough earth and grass paths, often narrow. Several long and continuous steep slopes for over 500m. Some short muddy sections.

5 ¾ miles / 9.3 km

Allow
4 hours

More information

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.

Mountain biking trails

Glentress is one of the world class 7stanes mountain bike venues. It features a wide range of trails for beginners and experts alike.

Glentress 7stanes route card (PDF)

Phytophthora Ramorum, a disease that kills larch trees, has reached nearby Innerleithen’s Traquair Forest. Please help slow the spread of the disease by making sure your bikes, shoes, kit, dogs, horses, buggies etc., are all clean before visiting the Glentress and other forests. Our bikewash in the Peel car park is £1 (accepts coins only) - please help by cleaning your bike after your ride (and before, if required). Thank you. #keepitclean

Get involved

If you’d like to get involved in the mountain biking community, check out the Glentress Trailfairies and the Tweed Valley Bike Patrol.

Mountain Biking

The Lower Green Route

An excellent beginner route through Glentress's oldest, tallest and most magnificent trees.

2 ¼ miles / 3.5 km

More information

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.

Mountain Biking

The Upper Green Route (closed)

A trail notice is in effect

This trail is closed due to storm damage. 

A fabulous trail that provides stunning views of Peebles, the Tweed Valley and the surrounding hills.

2 ¾ miles / 4.5 km

More information

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!

Mountain Biking

The Glentress Blue Route (diverted)

A trail notice is in effect

From Tuesday 24 January to Friday 10 February Blue Velvet will be closed due to tree felling with a diversion from post 27 to post 28 along forest road (delays possible on diversion). From around mid-February to the end of March Blue Velvet will be closed/diverted due new forest road construction – exact dates tbc.

A hidden gem that's big fun for all - from novices taking the next step up from green routes, to experienced riders. There are options along the way for earlier finishes or you can go for the full whack.

10 miles / 16.0 km

More information

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.

Mountain Biking

The Glentress Red Route (diverted)

A trail notice is in effect

From Tuesday 24 January 2023 to Friday 10 February 2023 delays possible on approach to Cool Runnings entry (post 37) due to tree felling at/near this location. Please follow signs and instructions. From around mid-February to the end of March look out for heavy machinery operating in this area due to new forest road construction (Mon - Fri). Please wait for operators to wave you through before passing.     

On Magic Mushroom the first boardwalk is closed for maintenance with a short diversion to bypass.

This world famous route is sure to put a huge grin on your face with its technical climbs, fabulous views, fast flowing descents, jumps and berms.

11 ¼ miles / 18.0 km

More information

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.

Mountain Biking

The Glentress Black Route (diverted)

A trail notice is in effect

• The Black Route is open with several diversions, and around 75% of the unwaymarked mountain biking trails are open
• Sour Plooms will be closed until the end of March 2023 due to tree felling works followed by forest road construction. A diversion will rejoin the Black Route at post 59 or 60. 
• Ho Chi Min unwaymarked trail will be fully closed until Friday 10 February 2023 due to tree felling works. Final section of Ho Chi Min also then closed until end of March due to new forest road construction.
• The forest road between Soor Plooms entry and Careless Whisper entry will be closed with no through access (Mon - Fri) until 10 February 2023 due to tree felling work. Further closures may be needed at times for new forest road construction work until the end of March (tbc).   
• Long term Black Route closures due to storm damage: route closed at post 73 on Carls Lane with diversion (via Spookywood, Super G, forest road and Mild Peril) rejoining Route half way down of Deliverance. Route also closed at post 87 on Redemption climb with diversion to start of Ewok Village (post 90). Sections remaining closed due to storm damage are Boundary Trail, first half of Deliverance and second half of Redemption Climb.  

A long, technical ride that includes epic climbing and thrilling descents.

18 miles / 29.0 km

More information

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.

Mountain Biking

Glentress Freeride Park

A trail notice is in effect

• The timber wallride features on the CycoPath trail have now been removed (had reached the end of their lifespan). The timber hucks above remain open and the run out through where the wallrides were is open to ride

Packed full of advanced level features, the Freeride Park is an ideal spot for riders looking to push their skill levels, style it up, learn new tricks or just hang out and ride with friends. It's located right next to the Buzzards Nest Car Park.

¾ miles / 1.4 km

More information

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.

Activities

Go Ape tree-top adventure

For a day you’ll remember, try the tree-top course at Go Ape. Climb rope ladders up into the branches and experience the thrills of trekking from tree to tree, some 40 feet above the forest floor! There’s a really long zip wire to finish, whizzing high over the ponds in the valley.

Tweed Valley Osprey Project

Since the 1990s, ospreys have been coming to the Tweed Valley to breed. The Tweed Valley Osprey Project works to make sure they’re protected and can find good places to nest. In the Tweed Valley Wild Watch centre view a summary of the 2019 nest footage through a short presentation video created by one of the volunteers. Up to date information from the various migration journeys can be found at tweedvalleyospreys.com.

Glentress bees

The bees did not manage to return to Glentress this year so we have taken the hive away in order to spruce this up for next season.  

Tweed Valley Recreation Zones

Glentress is known for its world class mountain biking trails, but there is plenty to see and do for everyone who visits the forest. Find out more about how we’re working to create ideal environments for walking, mountain biking and horse riding in the Tweed Valley Forest Park.

Tweed Valley Zoning Plan (PDF 6MB)

Facilities and access

Walking

Toilets

Mountain biking

Parking (charge)

Easy-access facilities

Treetop adventure

Cafe or refreshments

Wildlife hide

Visitor centre

Viewpoint

Bike hire

Shower

Picnic area

Opening hours

• The Gateway Building is open daily, weekdays from 9am - 4pm and 9am - 5pm at weekends. 
• The Peel Café is open daily, weekdays from 9am – 4pm (last food orders 3.30pm) and 9am – 5pm (last food orders 4.30pm) at weekends.
• The Alpine Bikes shop is open daily: 9am - 5pm. Bike Hire from 9am - 4pm.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Glentress are:

Payment options: coin, card or RingGo

• £3 for up to 1 hour
• £4 for up to 3 hours
• £6 for all day
• £24 for minibus or coach all day 
• Payment by card available at Peel and Buzzard's Nest car parks only.

We recommend you bring both coins and cards with you, just in case. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking pass available:

• £90 car, £135 mini-bus/coach (valid for 12 months)
• Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office or take your completed form to the Glentress Peel Cafe.
• Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.
• Valid at the following sites: Glentress (all sites), Cardrona, Innerleithen

Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

More parking info

Facilities for cyclists

• Bikes can be hired from the Alpine Bikes shop onsite. Book your bike online before you visit.
• Bike wash facilities can be found in the lower car park.
• Changing rooms, lockers and showers can be found in the Gateway Building. Lockers (coin returnable after use)  and showers accept £1 coins only. 

Stay the night

Our Stay the Night trial has now closed for the season. All participating car parks have now reverted to no overnight parking permitted, in line with all our car parks.

Accessibility

Getting here

The turn-off for Glentress is well signposted on the north side of the A72 between Peebles and Innerleithen.

Using SatNav?

EH45 8NB is the nearest postcode.