Red Route

Red Route Stats

Grade: Red - Difficult
Distance: 16Km
Singletrack: 60%
Estimated Time To Ride The Route: 1.5 - 2.5 hrs

Newcastleton's Red route provides fast, narrow singletrack, bridge crossings and boardwalks. The route finishes by taking in the Caddrouns Blue Route, making the overall distance 16km and squeezing in even more tasty singletrack!

The Hidden Valley

A brief forest road climb from the car park takes you to the start of the singletrack trails, and the entrance to the Hidden Valley.

This narrow trail swoops down through the forest with fast, exhilarating descents punctuated by short sharp climbs.

There are plenty of bridges and boardwalks to keep you on your toes and even a black grade raised timber trail line across a pond. The singletrack seems to go on for ever, but eventually you'll pop out on a forest road and the start of the main climb of the route.

The Linns

The long climb up the forest road from Hidden Valley is known as The Linns. After a couple of kilometres, the Border stane pops into view and from here it's just a short pedal to the next section of singletrack - The Bog.

The Bog

From the forest road the trail plummets into dark forest before crossing the Tweeden Burn over a stunning arched laminate bridge which sets you up for a mellow section of boardwalk across the bog. A short, steep climb later and time for a breather at the next forest road.

Dead Man's Quarry Climb

The next singletrack climb starts right away and takes its name from a nearby quarry. It's a steadier climb that lets you find a good rhythm and soon breaks out into a recently felled area of ground. A short but very sweet section of descending singletrack breaks up the climbing, though you are soon round the back of Swarfe Quarry and at the top of one of the finest descents in the forest - Swarfe Hill.

Swarfe Hill

The trail starts fast and swoopy and maintains this feel all the way down, with rock steps and drops as well as occasional jumps keeping the adrenalin flowing. The route pops out at the start of Hidden Valley and heads back towards the trailhead before turning right and following the Caddrouns Blue Route. Look out for Pouter Lampert, one of the best sections of singletrack at Newcastleton - 2km of singletrack bliss - before rejoining the forest road back to the trailhead.

Visitor Comments

Darren Dunlop

08/03/13

Totally underated 7Stane. Track condition was great and fast flowing. Well worth the long drive down.

Simon

19/02/13

Great trail! Ideal for us to help get to grips with red grade terrain as we're both competent blue graders. Excellent single track and nice and quiet!

Rene

18/12/12

Bit short so two laps the order of the day,excellent trails in great condition!

charlie Young

18/11/12

great run round the Red today,Lois and Nathan were superb ,with Arthur the dog setting pace upfront,trail in good nick considering weather

Carl F

02/11/12

Am a frequent visitor due to family nearby. Red route in great condition at the moment - fab fun and worth the visit.

Gav Johnson

14/10/12

Me and my mate used this as a warm up for Glentress the next day. didnt know what to expect and we were both impressed. nothing really hard but definitely had us smiling!

Neil Renwick

06/09/12

Newcastleton has something completely different to offer than GT & Inners. Did the red. Will do both the red & blue next time. Well worth a visit.

amarko5

19/06/12

well had to do the most local stanes route to me, must admit others are better, very short , middle is boring, start don't flow that well, quarry down is the only decent bit. i must say though i strangely enjoyed the blue section over the red !! go figure.

Darren Royle

24/05/12

Completed Selkirk Mararthon on the Sunday, then Glentress & Innerleithen Last of three 7 STANES Trails we have completed, Enjoyed the route twice round as its a little short, great way to finish the week of riding in Scotland!!! Hot weather ALL week too!!

HEATH FARLEY

09/04/12

My first time here 2day easter monday,had heard it wasnt quite up to standard of other 7stanes trails but im in the process of baggin them so gave it a shot,not that technical but fast&enjoyable enough, the start&end sections are the best,a little dull in between though,easily doable in under an hour,toilets,changing area&hose handy but you will need to head into the village if you want a bite to eat or bring something with you,overall worth a visit !

frecs

29/11/11

quite short so best to go round twice if you want a longer ride, not the best but I'm bagging them all so had to do it and it's not far from where I live. Nobody there and no real facilities but there was a hose pipe to wash off with.

Tom Allan

24/10/11

Been riding this for a few years now and I always like coming back to it...doing just the red circuit takes about 45 mins so twice round makes for a nice ride. Haven't yet tried the blue route add-on.

03/08/11

Just got back from doing this, red route is reasonable but quite short so did the blue route again after the doing red. Will be going back for a morning ride. 1hr 20 top for red, 40 mins tops for the blue.

MATT BUTCHER

17/07/11

I love this place it's a great way to start or finish your week of riding in Scotland.Also a great place to start riding MTB.

gct

07/07/11

had good ride but a section of red trail closed,not too tricky though.

Tom & Arnie (ROAD TRIP 11)

20/06/11

done this yesterday quite easy for a red route but still worth it.

NewbieNik

14/06/11

Thoroughly enjoyable red section, from skills section back round to skills section (Only 10Km) missed out the blue section and completed loop twice. More climbing than I anticipated, but some great single track.

blinker watson

27/05/11

Its a good circuit but really short so best to ride it 2 or 3 times non stop then it does seem longer and better

nathan

20/01/11

Rode today in the cold (20/1/11) and had a cracking time...the trail is very smooth with few roots and rocks, perfect for those that like the fast non-technical rides. The long forest road uphills are more than made up for by the flowing downhills. Not too sure about the skills area though, seems like an after-thought. Northshore section looks too scary for me.

tezred

25/11/10

Hidden Valley and Swarfe Hill more than make up for the less exciting bits, the climbs are all do-able even for a v. average rider like me (and done while knackered after doing mabie the day before!).

ben smith

02/11/10

great fun ma 1st full stane
am 9 years old

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Facilities

Catering

Nearby Newcastleton has a choice of hotels, shops and cafés to cater for you before or after your ride

Parking

Car parking is available in the village at Douglas Square or at Dykecroft Visitor Centre by the trail head. Parking is free.

Toilets

There are toilet and changing facilities on site at Dykecroft Visitor Centre. There are also free shower and toilet facilities in Newcastleton village, open from 7am - 6pm. They are located just a stone's throw from Douglas Square on Langholm Street, next to the Fire Station.

Bike Hire

Bikes are available from Rock UK at Whithaugh Park, which is roughly 3km from the trail head. For details telephone 013873 75394 or email: whithaugh@rockuk.org. Website at: www.rockuk.org

Trail Conditions

Current at 21st May 2013.

Trails: All Open, except The Cross Border Route from Dykecrofts to Kielder via Scotch Knowe which is closed due to tree felling operations until late summer 2013 (see diversions).

Conditions: Good.

Diversions: Cross Border Route returns from Dykecrofts to Kielder via the Bloody Bush (out and back route).

Other: no cafe facilities at Dykecroft trailhead, though excellent café facilities available in Newcastleton village. Free toilet/shower facilities available in Newcastleton village. Contact Alan, the ranger, on 07870 595735 for more information.

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