GG1-Glentress to Bowbeat

A challenging gravel ride which climbs up over Dunslair Heights from Glentress MTB centre and then drops down into the Leithen Water valley before a final ascent to the flat plateau of Bowbeat Hill – home to one of Scotland’s many wind farms.

*Update 2025. The final section of the climb to mast in Glentress  is now on a newly surfaced road and still bedding in and loose and not fully completed. So a hike will (may) be required in sections on the loose surface due to wheelspin on a gravel bike.

We like… Good forest roads make this an all-year round route. Amazing views over to Edinburgh and across to Fife.

Watch out for… the plateau of Bowbeat Hill is exposed and remote –self-sufficiency is required. With 1200m of ascent this is a route for those who enjoy a good climb or two!

• Distance: 40km
• Elevation gain: 1200m
• Technical rating: Blue
• Fitness rating: 4/5
• Terrain: Forest road, public highway, TVRP, short section of rough forest track.