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About the routes in this guide

Along the West Highland Way near Dumgoyne and the Campsie Fells (Route 19)

The routes in this guidebook are day, half-day and shorter routes distributed the length and breadth of central and southern Scotland, and which are divided into area sections in the guide. The route descriptions pay special attention to the nature of the terrain encountered as well as the major climbs and descents involved and any particular hazards to be aware of. Facilities and services en route are also included.

The routes are designed for maximum enjoyment of the mountain biking potential available in the area, hence there is some overlap and repetition in the use of particular stretches of path and track between several of the routes. Roads are avoided wherever practical, although in many cases stretches of road (mostly quiet country lanes) here and there can link up some great off-road trails.

There are also several environmental factors at play in the choice of the routes included in this guidebook. Firstly, where possible, routes that are viable year-round have been prioritised. For example, trails traversing a significant amount of terrain that becomes excessively muddy or boggy after sustained wet weather have been avoided. Of course, mud and wet are all part of the experience, but arguably not to the point where you can’t actually ride. As you may be aware, wet weather comes with the territory in central and southern Scotland, which is why many cross-country tracks and paths encountered out on the hills are metalled or surfaced. That said, the concept of ‘hike-a-bike’ will be familiar to most Scottish cross-country mountain bikers – that is rides where rough, boggy or steep sections require carrying or pushing your bike.