Ae

Larch View Route

Larch View Route Stats

Grade: Blue - Moderate
Distance: 13.5Km
Singletrack: 30%
Estimated Time To Ride The Route: 1.5 - 2.5 hrs

The blue-graded Larch View Route combines forest road with some singletrack (shared with the Ae Valley Route). The trail is ideal if you want to step up from the green-graded trail and to take in a little bit more of the forest.

 

The outward route is shared with the green and red-graded trails. Cross the Water of Ae go past the start of the Ae Valley Route, then take a left turn onto forest road. At junction 9 go past the start of the red route (on the right). Turn right and continue on the forest road.

Towards Gubhill

This section takes you round the side of Green Hill to Gubhill. At Gubhill, bear right on the forest road. A climb here takes you up to junction 12 where you join up briefly with the red route as far as junction 13. Here the red trail heads off to the left while the blue route starts to descend bringing you back down towards the Water of Ae and joining up with the Green Route.

Back down the valley

The trail heads up the Water of Ae Valley towards Dan's Pool. It returns down the valley running next to the river taking in some easy, handrailed wooden boardwalk, and runs through the Craigshields outdoors centre site with a meadow to the left. Crossing back over the Water of Ae, there are good views down the river off the bridge, before a combination of singletrack and forest road brings you back to the car park.

The Trails view grading charts

Visitor Comments

karen
06/04/13
Our kid's 7 &5 thought it was good but the hill was long!
Alexander Murray
22/10/12
The new section at Colins Folly is awesome.
James Miodonski
21/10/12
They're re-jigged the last 1/2 of this lately (Oct 2012) and it's all the better for it. Nice little bermy section before the picturesque finish along the river. Good job guys
Michael
09/07/12
Only good part was the Green part at the end. The forest road was a dull climb/descent.
Alastair Gilchrist
24/06/12
Probably the easiest blue around. There is a strong case to be made for more of a skills difference between greens and blues. Really good for families, though.
Alexander Murray
30/05/12
Cycled this route several times now and I never get fed up of it.
thomas12
05/10/11
Definitely doesn't compare with other 7stanes Blue routes. The route needs some of the magic put into the Bermn Berm berm at Glentress and even some of those clever uphills that you find on the blue there - you don't even realise you're going uphill!!
adam
19/09/11
Far too easy. one long gravel road climb, followed by a long gravel road descent, followed by a long, flat, boring 'single'-track back to the car park.

it's nice being near the river, but that's about it.
Alex
10/09/11
Did this today with my son, and whilst it was nice, too much of it is forest road and the trail there is is largely flat without any challenge. Didn't want to try our forst red, but probably should have done. Good condition though, and the run alongside the river is nice.
Alexander Murray
07/09/11
Really enjoyed this route. Great for a novice such as my wife and I, this is our second forest trail. The climb was a wee bit of a challenge at about 2 miles but the final section was beautiful along by the river. We definitely will do this trail again.
Jammy
13/05/11
Did this route with the family. Not much in terms of excitement and just not enough singletrack. Too much forest roads (mostly climbing but one fast descent in first half. The second half is actually quite a pleasant, and certainly more interesting, flow along some singletrack next to the river.
Nick
21/08/10
Little disappointed with this trail. There is a long climb on forest roads around Green hill, followed by a fast descent but also on forest roads. It is a shame that this section couldn't have had some flowing singletrack in the woods either side. The most enjoyable bit is the Water of Ae return shared with the green route.
Sara
09/08/09
Great walk really enjoyed it, well maintained easy to follow

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Facilities

Catering

Cafe temporarily closed.

Nearby Dumfries has plenty of options.

 

 

Parking

Car parking is available at the trail head and at the café. There is a pay and display machine at the café car park as well as at the Naze car park. Car parking costs £3 per day.

Toilets

Toilet and shower facilities are available at the café.

 

Bike Hire



G&G cycles in Dumfries also provides mountain bike hire.  Contact www.cycle-centre.com or phone 01387 270275 for details.

Ae Uplift service
For details of the uplift service, contact Tally on 07709 144 299, or see www.upliftscotland.com
Pre-booking is essential.

Trail Conditions

Current at 23rd May 2013.

Trails: All Open.

Conditions:  Normal.

Diversions: The Red Route (Ae Line) Please be aware that the Red Route Trail  (Ae Line) passes through a Windfarm and all signage must be obeyed (between post no 19 and 20), there are banks persons at the points where you cross the active areas.

Harvesting and road repairs will be taking place in the forest until mid-May so please check trail conditions for updates.

There are two new sections of trail that have just been opened. These have been built to divert riders around the Wind Farm construction site. Please Follow all signage and for your own safety and that of others do not enter the Wind Farm. Please take it easy when riding the new trails especially the new descent get to know the flow first, stay safe- ride within your ability and Enjoy. Thank-you for your patience while the new sections where being built.(The new sections have been signed as' New Trail')

Today's Weather

Fair
52°F / 11°C

Further Information

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