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

Current work operations and status:

Works for the Glentress Masterplan will be taking place throughout 2023 and will cause some trail and facility disruption. Please follow all signage and instructions from staff while visiting the forest.

While works progress at Glentress, we ask all visitors to take care, follow all safety signage, and follow instructions from staff and contractors around the forest.

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. 

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

A trail notice is in effect

• Weekdays until Friday 10 March: Forestry work is taking place in/around parts of the Time Trail. The trail will remain open, with short delays possible - please follow all onsite signage and instructions from staff.  
• From 3 April: The Time Trail will be partially closed to allow Forest Holidays to begin their development. Look out for changes to the waymarked route on the ground. 

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 (diverted)

A trail notice is in effect

• Until end of February: There is a diversion between posts 13 and 14 due to new forest road construction. Please follow the short diversion along the forest road around the quarry.
• From 1 March until end of April: The trail will be fully closed due to forest road construction and to allow Forest Holidays to begin their development.
• From end of April: The trail will reopen with some changes to the waymarked route. 

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

• The trail is open with a diversion. Until the end of April, Blue Velvet will be closed with a diversion from post 27 to post 28 along the forest road, due to new forest road construction. The final ⅓ of Blue Velvet is being decommissioned for the Forest Holidays development. When Blue Velvet reopens at the end of April it will initially exit onto the new forest road approximately ⅔ along, with a short diversion to the start of Berm Baby Berm (post 28). Longer term, Blue Velvet will get a new singletrack ending. 
• From 3 April: Due to the start of the Forest Holidays development, the Blue Route will have a minor diversion to bypass the Buzzard's Nest car park near the exit of the Cardie Hill Climb, post 10 to post 11. 

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 3 April: Due to the start of the Forest Holiday development, the Red Route will be diverted near the exit of the Cardie Hill Climb, rejoining the trail just before the start of Cool Runnings.   
• 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 is 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, and other black graded trails at Glentress, are open. However, there are several diversions due to ongoing works and storm damage. Click 'more information' below to see all diversions.

A long, technical ride that includes epic climbing and thrilling descents that’ll make you smile from ear to ear. The Black Route is a physically demanding and super fun ride.

18 miles / 29.0 km

More information

• The Black Route is open with several diversions. Works are ongoing throughout the forest: For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions.
• From 3 April: Due to the start of Forest Holidays development, the Black Route will be diverted near the exit of the Cardie Hill Climb. Until the end of April, the diversion will run up the Spooky Wood Climb, descending via Ho Chi Min and the forest road, ending at the exit of Soor Plooms.   
• Until end of April: Soor Plooms itself is closed, with a diversion rejoining the Black Route at the exit of Soor Plooms (post 59), due to forestry and construction works. 
• Route closed at post 73 on Carl's Lane with diversion (via Spooky Wood, Super G, forest road and Mild Peril) rejoining halfway down Deliverance. Route also closed at post 87 on Redemption Climb, with diversion to start of Ewok Village (post 90). These sections are closed long term due to storm damage on the Boundary Trail, the first half of Deliverance and the second half of the Redemption Climb. 
• The first part of Ho Chi Zoom link trail is currently closed due to forest works. Ho Chi Min before it is open but diverted near the end to forest road. 
• The forest road between Soor Plooms entry and Careless Whisper entry is open again. Further closures may be needed at times (on weekdays) for the new forest road construction work until the end of April (date tbc). When the road closes, Careless Whisper will remain open to ride (accessible from Shieldgreen side).  

Mountain Biking

Glentress Freeride Park

A trail notice is in effect

• The Freeride Park will close permanently from around 3 April 2023 as the site is redeveloped. The forest road to access the Buzzard's Nest will close to vehicles from this date too.
• Weekdays until 10 March: There will be forestry work in the Zoom or Bust/Time Trail/Skills Area/Freeride Park areas. Some sections of the Freeride Park may be temporarily closed for the tree felling works – please follow all onsite signage and instructions from staff.  

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 to 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, 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. Follow the Project's Facebook page at:www.facebook.com/tweedvalleyospreyproject

Glentress bees

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

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 weekends from 9am - 5pm. 
• The Peel Café is open daily, weekdays from 9am – 4pm (last kitchen orders 3pm with lite bites served until 4pm) and weekends from 9am – 5pm (last kitchen orders 4pm with lite bites served until 5pm).
• The Alpine Bikes shop is open daily: 9am - 5pm. Bike Hire from 9am - 4pm.

Dogs are welcome in the visitor centre and café. There's water and sheltered tie-up points outside the café.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Glentress are:

• £3 for up to 1 hour
• £4 for up to 3 hours
• £6 for all day
• £24 for minibus or coach all day
• Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Pay by coin, card or RingGo

Annual parking pass available:

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 (PDF) before applying.

Blue Badge Holders:

In order for Blue Badge holders to exit the new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) barrier system for free (start date in 2023 to be confirmed), please complete and return the following registration form:

• Glentress Blue Badge registration form

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. 

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.