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If you want to take a break from cycling then why not visit the Castle and its fine works of art and colourful history? Or stroll around the 40 acres of enchanting Victorian gardens? Or alternatively if you just want to sit back and relax after a hard day’s cycling then why not relax in the tearoom with a cup of tea and a slice of cake? Please Note: • Wear suitable footwear and clothing • Carry spares • Please keep dogs under close control or on a lead • Please abide by any safety signs or path diversions If you have any difficulty during your visit and require assistance the Ranger Service phone number is on all Way-marked posts. Drumlanrig lies at the heart of Nithsdale, the home of cycling. Welcome to Drumlanrig... All the MTB routes start at the top of the car park by the information boards. When you have chosen your route, way markers with the number of the trail, route colour, MTB logo and direction arrow can be followed from this point. Since the birth of the mountain bike trails in 2002 they have been constantly evolving year upon year, providing not only an exhilarating ride but a new experience every time you visit. Having served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith here at Drumlanrig, Kirkpartrick McMillian invented the first pedal bicycle which he then rode on an eventful journey to Glasgow Red: Hard Suitable for: Proficient rider with a good skill level, higher level of fitness and stamina. Bike types: Better quality off-road mountain bikes. Surface: Less than 40cm wide constructed singletrack with varying surfaces including water crossings, protruding rocks, shoulder hugging trees and of course roots. Black: Severe Suitable for: Expert rider with excellent skill level, used to technical demanding routes. Suitable for very active people used to prolonged exertion. Bike type: Good mountain bikes. Surface: Less than 40cm wide constructed singletrack with varying surfaces including water crossings, protruding rocks, roots and technical turns and twist expected. Gradients: A wide range of steeper, technical climbs and descents of a challenging nature. Hazards: Be aware of all forest users at all times, and of public road/track crossings. This is a technically challenging trail, with large sections of rootiness, extra care to be taken when wet. Unavoidable berms, tight switchbacks, boardwalks, large stones, moderate steps, drop offs, cambers and water crossing may all be present. Gradients: The gradients on this trail are greater with prolonged steep, loose and slippery assents and descents. Hazards: Be aware of all forest users at all times, and of road/track crossings. This is a sustained technical piece of trail, care should be taken over roots, as we are famous for them. Unavoidable obstacles berms, boardwalks, large stones, drop offs, cambers and water crossing may all be expected. Suitable For: Intermediate cyclist/mountain biker with basic off road riding skills, with reasonable fitness. Bike types: Mountain bikes or hybrids. Surface: Trail on forest track which maybe loose, uneven and muddy at times, narrowing to 1 metre wide constructed bike trail. Gradients: Most gradients are moderate but may include short steep sections. Hazards: Be aware of other forest users at all times, and of public road crossings. Small unavoidable obstacles, such as roots and rocks may be present. Blue: Moderate trail gradings Facilities Set in ancient woodlands and with the majestic 17th century Drumlanrig Castle at the heart of the estate, Drumlanrig is a unique cycling location. Here at Drumlanrig, our cycling facilities encompass all ages and abilities and have thought of everything a cyclist would expect from such a site. • Rik’s bike shed – spares, repairs & hire • Showers • Tearoom • Bike wash 1. Don’t drop litter. 2. Our trails are hand-built, DON’T SKID away what’s there. 3. Be polite to other forest users. 4. Never scare animals, they live here. 5. Plan ahead, take tools and proper clothing. 6. Remember other vehicles use forest roads. 7. This is a working estate, take note of all safety signage. 01848 330080 WWW.DRUMLANRIGCASTLE.CO.UK The service operates throughout the estate, and is available to assist visitors with their understanding and enjoyment of the area. There is a program of ranger led activities throughout the year, details of which can be found at www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk The Buccleuch Ranger Service is also available for leading educational groups, walks and talks for specialised groups. For further information or enquires please contact us: • Respect the interest of other people • Take responsibly for your own actions • Care for the environment Project supported by SNH Drumlanrig Castle Thornhill Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4AQ Tel: 01848 331 555 Email: [email protected] WWW.DRUMLANRIGCASTLE.CO.UK Designed by pmgd The Buccleuch Ranger Service Mountain Biking Mountain Biking
