IMTB4-Glentress Forest by the ‘back door’

This is a ride for those who favour climbs over the descents as the signature note for this route is the long steady climb up out of Leithenwater into Glentress Forest from the North East and was used as part of the UCI Marathon xc course in 2023. Particularly beautiful in August when the heather is in full purple flower, this is a ride big on panoramic vistas with a choice of descents back to the trailhead at Glentress Peel.

We like… An alternative route into Glentress Forest from Innerleithen via Leithenwater. Panoramic views. A good challenging climb into Glentress rewarded with choice of descents on Red & Black graded MTB routes

Watch out for… This route favors those who enjoy a long unrelenting climb – if you don’t like climbing do this route in reverse!

• Distance: 30km
• Elevation gain: 690m
• Fitness rating: 4/5
• Technical rating: Red
• Terrain: Public highway , grassy twin-track, forest roads, MTB graded trails.