Improve your skills

There are skills areas at Mabie, Dalbeattie, Glentress, Kirroughtree and Newcastleton. Each area has a different feel to it, so you can practise different techniques before taking to the trails. Mabie has a 'mini slab', you’ll find wicked Northshore at Newcastleton, everything from green to black grade skills at Dalbeattie, climbing challenges at Glentress and rocks galore at Kirroughtree.

Take a look at our handy downloads that show you how to practice some of the main mountain biking techniques. Try the Core Techniques first, and once you’ve mastered those you can go on to perfect the Other Useful Skills.

More accidents happen when you crash into your riding buddies than when you’re mastering the technical stuff. Always leave a gap of at least five bike lengths between yourself and the rider in front before you shoot down the singletrack, and take care when riding in groups on the forest roads.

Have a look at the video below which takes you through some basic aspects of riding safely.

There's also information on the forestry commission your safety page.