Thursday, 08 June 2023
Glentress
Where we are
Latest forest information
- Works for the Glentress Masterplan will be taking place throughout 2023 and will cause some trail and facility disruption (details below). Please follow all signage and instructions from staff while visiting the forest.
- Shop and Cafe: The Glentress Forest Cafe and Alpine Bikes shop are closed for building works.
About
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.
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.
Cafe, Shop and Gateway Building closure
The Glentress Forest Cafe and Alpine Bikes shop are closed for up to two months while the boardwalk surrounding the premises is replaced. There are no temporary catering facilities currently available on site. Both the cafe and shop will re-open as normal once the work is completed, which we expect to be in late June. The Gateway Building is also closed at this time and there will be no vehicle access to the public over the Peel Bridge (adjacent to the Alpine Bikes shop). All parking is in new car parks to the left when entering Glentress. Temporary toilet facilities are available in the middle car park.
Storm damage - ongoing
We are still working to repair trails damaged by storms. However, most mountain bike trails are now open with diversions. See the Bike section below for further details.
Buzzard’s Nest Closure
The Buzzard’s Nest car park and Freeride Area is permanently closed for Forest Holidays development works. Zoom or Bust and Ho Chi Zoom Link trails are also closed. No public vehicles will be allowed up the forest road beyond GoApe. Walkers, bikers and horse riders can still use the forest road as normal. The Buzzard’s Nest Skills Area and other designated trails nearby remain open (subject to existing diversions/closures).
All car parking from this date will be in the main visitor hub area at the bottom of the hill. Bike access to the Skills Area from the car parks will be available via vehicle based uplift operated by Adrenalin Uplift. Vehicle access for forest businesses and clubs to the Buzzard's Nest Skills Area can be arranged in advance by contacting our local office, but will be limited to drop-offs only.
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 (diverted)
A trail notice is in effect
- The Time Trail is partly closed to allow Forest Holidays 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
- Some changes to waymarked route. Trail closed between post 9-11 and forest roads above Buzzard’s Nest. Please follow signage on the ground to bypass closures.
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
Glentress Skills Area
Close to Buzzards Nest car park you'll find the skills area. Offering green, blue, red graded trails to help you choose the right trail for you.
More information
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.
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 diversions:
- Minor diversion at the exit of Cardie Hill Climb (post 10 to post 11) to bypass around the Forest Holidays construction site at Buzzards Nest
- Blue Velvet is closed with a diversion from post 27 to post 28 along forest road until mid June, to complete trail exit onto forest road (sorry, work delayed due to dry weather). The final 1/3 of Blue Velvet has been decommissioned for the Forest Holidays development. When Blue Velvet reopens it will initially exit onto the new forest road approx 2/3 the way along with a short diversion to the start of Berm Baby Berm (post 28). Longer term Blue Velvet will get a new singletrack ending.
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
- Route is diverted at the exit of Cardie Hill Climb (post 10), rejoining just before the start of Cool Runnings (to bypass around the Forest Holidays construction site).
- 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, events 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.
- Route diverted at exit of Cardie Hill Climb (post 10) to Cool Runnings then via new forest road (to bypass around Forest Holidays construction worksite). Diversion continues on forest road, ending at exit of Soor Plooms (post 109). Soor Plooms closed until mid June to complete trail joins at new forest road (works delayed due to dry weather).
- 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 to complete trail joins at new forest road. Ho Chi Min before it is open but diverted near the end to forest road.
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
The Wild Watch Centre is currently closed until late June due to development works. There is no public access to the Gateway Building.
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
Opening hours
- The Gateway Building is currently closed with no public access.
- The Peel Café is currently closed due to development works.
- The Alpine Bikes shop is currently closed due to development works.
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.
Tweed Valley Car Park Pass - £90 per car and £135 per mini bus or coach
Valid at Glentress (all sites), Cardrona and Innerleithen.
FLS National Car Park Pass - £100 per car and £150 per mini bus or coach
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
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:
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.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6900 (option 1)
Nearby forests
Beautiful views of Tweed Valley and 2000 years of history
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Glentress': 0.82 miles
Climb through rolling hillside forest for glorious valley views
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Glentress': 1.52 miles
A forested climb to the site of an Iron Age hill fort
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Glentress': 2.72 miles
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