Drumlanrig Red Route.

[Brandane]

Since the rain decided to have a day off today, I went to Drumlanrig Castle (near Dumfries) with the MTB (Scott Aspect 45).

I haven't done much "proper" off road stuff for a couple of years, so I started with a lap of the blue route in the morning. It was much tamer than I thought it would be; mainly forestry tracks with the odd short section of single track. Had lunch, then went out again in the afternoon to do the red route.

Quelle difference! Had a great time, apart from my 2 "offs" which luckily didn't cause any injuries other than a bruised thumb. Respect to you guys that do this sort of stuff regularly. I only covered about 20 miles today, but it was the hardest 20 miles I've done for a long time. Probably took as much out of me as a 40/50 mile road ride would do.

It's about 65 miles from my house, but well worth the journey. I will be going back .

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Hope you had a good time on the trails. The difference between miles on the road and miles off road is hard to explain to those that only do one or other I agree.

 

[GilesM]

Glad you enjoyed it, I've ridden it a couple of times, the Red route is excellent, you can also combine the black section into the red route, which makes a perfect ride.

As for road and real off road rides, the average speed difference was definately a bit more than I expected when I first got into some decent trail riding.

 

[GilesM]

I would also say, that if you enjoyed Drumlanrig, try Mabie next time, the red is a similar sort of standard.

 

[rusty bearing]

+1 for Mabie but I reckon Kirroughtree is pretty good to. Its a few years since I were at Drumlanrig, I remember lots of roots and harsh words from Mrs Bearing who did not enjoy them at all. She loves the Mabie trail tho'.