Everything You Need to Know

As detailed in the waiver agreement you MUST be wearing a helmet at all times for your own safety. We do not provide helmets or bikes so you must ensure you have both.

Staying comfortable on the bike is all about being prepared for the conditions. We recommend wearing thin, breathable layers that are easy to add or remove, helping you stay warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. And as this is Scotland, rain is always a possibility—so please bring a waterproof jacket, even if the weather looks good.

It’s also a good idea to carry a spare inner tube that fits your bike, along with any basic essentials you normally ride with. Snacks and a water bottle will help keep energy levels up, especially on longer sessions. A small rucksack or bum bag is ideal for carrying everything comfortably while you ride.

As long as your bike is suitable for off-road riding, it will be absolutely fine for a guided session. Please make sure your brakes and gears are working properly and that the bike is in safe, rideable condition before you arrive. A mountain bike with front suspension is ideal and will make the ride more comfortable and enjoyable, especially on rougher trails.

If you don’t have a suitable bike, or would prefer to hire one, bikes can be easily hired locally from Alpine Bikes at Glentress - Tweed Valley Bike by Alpine Bikes who offer a range of well-maintained mountain bikes suitable for all abilities.

We have two options:

1. The Glentress Forest café next to Alpine Bikes at the entrance to Glentress.

2. The Forest Retreat café where the Forest Lodges are.

You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

Alternatively in an emergency phone Pete on 07759384676

All of our guides are highly experienced in supporting riders of mixed abilities and confidence levels. You’ll never be pressured into riding anything you’re not comfortable with. Instead, we focus on positive encouragement—gently helping you step beyond your comfort zone at your own pace so you can build skills and confidence safely. Our aim is to create a relaxed, supportive environment where progression feels achievable and enjoyable for everyone.

A guided ride begins with a friendly welcome and introductions, followed by a quick check of bikes, helmets, and clothing to make sure everyone is comfortable and ready to ride. We then set off on a gentle warm-up ride, giving us time to understand your riding ability, confidence level, and what you’d like to get out of the session.

As the ride progresses, we’ll choose trails that suit your skills and goals, whether that’s building confidence, improving technique, or simply enjoying the best of Glentress. Along the way, you’ll receive expert guidance and coaching when it’s helpful or when you ask for it, always at a pace that feels right for you.

After a couple of enjoyable and rewarding hours on the trails, we’ll finish back at the original meeting point or another agreed location, leaving you with new skills, greater confidence, and some great memories of riding Glentress.