Linns Route

Linns Route Stats

Grade: NG - Variable
Distance: 8Km
Singletrack: 0% (100% forest road)
Estimated Time To Ride The Route: 1 - 2 hrs

The Linns Route (forest road grade) for those who prefer sticking to forest roads or who want to venture a little further into the forest. With plenty of hills along the way, this 100% forest road-based loop offers a good workout and fantastic scenery to boot.

From the car park, the forest road climbs up through open fields then over a cattle grid. Carrying straight on the road flattens out and you'll soon be at the turn off for the Skills Area. Here a shelter offers a perfect spot for some rest and relaxation with great views out across the Liddel Valley. A short flat forest road section later and you're at start of the Linns road descent.

Linns Road Descent

One of the highlights of the route, the Linns road descent is a brilliant downhill blast which weaves its way down to the Tweeden Burn. Care is required though as it's easy to pick up speed and some of the corners are quite tight with loose gravel in places!

The Linns Climb

This section is shared with the Red trail. With the scenic Tweeden Burn Valley to your left the forest road climbs quite steeply at first - selecting a low gear and pacing yourself will help here. The climbing gradually becomes easier but it's still uphill! Finally, near the top of the climb, a huge block of granite will come into view - the Border Stane. Here you are within a stone's throw of the Scottish - English border. See if you can you make out what's inscribed on each side of the stane.

Tweedenhead Bogs

With all the climbing completed the next part is a pleasant cruise along flat forest roads to the route's furthest away point at Tweedenhead cottage. The route then heads back along flat forest roads to the Linns Road Descent junction, straight on past the Skills Area and downhill back to the trailhead.

Visitor Comments

ste99

15/07/12

Done the blue route in the rain on sunday and was superb. Fantastic workout for a beginner.

Sue McDougall

10/06/12

First visit to the Stanes and really enjoyed it. Will definitely be doing more.

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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 18th June 2013.

Trails: All Open, except

On Sat 22nd Jun all mtb trails closed due to Carlisle Stages Car Rally at Newcastleton Forest.

The Cross Border Route from Dykecrofts to Kielder via Scotch Knowe which is closed (7 days/week) 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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