Moffat Mountain Biking
Situated dead in the centre of the world renowned 7stanes mountain biking project, the Annandale Arms is within one hour’s drive of all seven areas.
From Glentrool, in the west, and to Glentress and Newcastleton, to the north and east respectively, all are readily accessible from the hotel.
The 7stanes project not only offers world class mountain biking, it also has plenty to offer for beginners and young families. You do not need any specialist equipment. All you do need is a good pair of legs, a bike and a love of the Scottish countryside.
In fact you do not even need a bike as these can generally be hired at the various locations.
Started by the Forestry Commission, the “7stanes” are seven stone carvings in the borders of Scotland that demark seven outstanding areas set aside for off-road cycling. The routes are all graded as to difficulty and expertise.
There is something for all abilities. Routes start from green and easy and progress to blue and red through to a very dark black, only to be attempted by the initiated.
The nearest “Stane” is at Ae Forest, ten minutes by car from the hotel. Alternatively it can be reached from Moffat via cycle route 10 up the Crooked road behind Beattock. Follow the lane to Kinnelhead and into the forest.
For the adventurous there are a number of areas close to Moffat that offer free riding on a combination of forestry tracks and foot paths etc.
These range from a very athletically demanding ascent of Hart Fell at just over 800m or Craigieburn Wood and Hunterheck to the more sedate forest tracks of Middlegill, Rivox Moor and the Southern upland Way.
For further details see the following specialist web sites:
7stanes Seven world beating mountain bike areas around Moffat
Strava for the off road adventurer