[Closed] Kirroughtree, does everyone think its great?

You weren't riding it fast enough! Kirroughtree is excellent, best of the 7Stanes IMHO.

It's not my favourite either. But saying that I have history with that place. Dislocated a figner there once.

Nope there are plenty of people who don't like Kirroughtree and I'm one of them. Ridden it a couple of time and never seen what the fuss was about. I'll not be making any special trips to go there again especially as places like Laggan and Golspie are closer.

It is a pretty heretical view though (as evidenced in crazy-legs post) so you can expect some criticism but I say bravo for making up your own mind and not being swayed by the crowd.

Rode Kirroughtree at the weekend and a bundle of other 7Stanes trails, I think Kirroughtree was the best, did it on the second day of a 4 day trip. I think if we had done it on the last day it would have been another story though, its pretty gruelling!
[url= http://bicyclesnstuff.blogspot.com/ ]Scotland roadtrip[/url]

Of the stanes, i've done Kirro, Dalbeattie, Innerlithen & GT. Of those Kirroughtree is my favorite, but that is no reason to say that it should be yours. We all have reasons to like what we like when riding a trail. There is no right or wrong about it.

If you hit the singletrack sections at full speed in a group of mates its one of the best, if your just cruising it loses some of its magic.

ridden all 7 stanes and most other trail centres in scotland. Kirroughtree is one of the best. Nice long trail, with plenty of interesting features and flows really well.

really liked Mabie the first time i went but seemed a bit meh after that.

Dalbeatie is good fun but doesn't have the flow or size of the Kirroughtree trail.

All subjective though.

Have to admit I used to love it, now I still really rate it but the red feels a bit empty, about half of it just seems to be featureless trail. Nice, flowy featureless trail to be fair but still. But I do love the black. Had to skip McMoab last weekend due to injury but as USPs go it's pretty immense. So I still think it's great but I'm not as enthused as I was.

Mabie didn't manage to make that much of an impression, I know this isn't fair but it felt like a hodgepodge of other trail centres, seemed to lack its own character (apart from the iffy drainage making it seem like it was surfaced in pig s**t anyway) but it was very nice.

Dalbeattie I didn't quite get but I'd like to- I do like piles of rocks. But I think you either need to be better than I am or know the trail better than I do to get the best out of it. So maybe while Kirroughtree wanes a wee bit for me Dalbeattie'll rise.

I rate it, but only ridden it a couple of times so it's not a trail I know well. If it didn't have McMoab it would be a different story, but that's a great feature and well placed in the trail. It's something you can have fun on, ride about on it. A bit different to something like the Slab at Dalbeattie - also a great feature, but not really something you get a lot out of once you've ridden it the first time IMO.

One problem with the flattish 7Stanes in Dumfries / Galloway is that the fire road really sucks. With a hillier trail the fire road at least feels like it has a point to it - the gaining of altitude. Just pedaling from one piece of singletrack to another doesn't feel the same, somehow.

I know a few people who don't rate Dalbeattie or Ktree because there's just too much fire road - I bet there's not a significant amount more than other 7stanes routes, it just feels like there is.

Best "trail centre" of the lot is Drumlanrig by a long long long way.

Kirroughtree is by far the best of 7stanes however, you have to work hard at it, its a long trail and tough.. I think these days a lot of people want to the smiles for easy miles of Glentress Red.

I did Kiri once, the black trail. I'm so glad I live closer to GT and Inners.

Haven't done it yet but Golspie (favourite), Balblair and Lagan black are all fantastic.

Kirroghtree is the best of the SW trails, it flows great is good in all weathers, for something different Drumlanrig is hard to beat, we should rejoice in the fact that we have so many to choose from, I'm old enough to remember when there was no trails at all. We are all different and like different things.

I find if I'm tired and not pedalling well Ktree is a bit of a drag. But, with plenty of energy and really on it, it turns into one of the best. There really isn't much that's gravity assisted only which makes it a lot of pedalling to get the flow but do find it well worth it.

Only bad thing I find is the place is cursed, don't think my mate and I have ever made it all the way round trouble free. Quite often ends with one of us breaking a bike or heading back to the car not feeling well, no idea why!

Probably in my top 3 Scottish alongside Inners and Golspie (this is probably no 1). Rode Balblair recently, what a fantastic place that is, can't believe how much grip the rocks had in the wet. Went down the first steep bit expecting the bike to slide down and could have completely stopped if I wanted to. Real hidden gem.

Don't be too hasty and write it off. didn't like it first time but I've been back twice since and wondered how I'd got ht so wrong the first time. did 10@kirroughtree last year and despite bad cramps kept going round because i was having so much fun. do think you have a better time if you are really going for it rather than bimbling round.

I though Kirroughtree was the worst out of the ones I've been to. Just a bit of a slog in parts. Glentress and dalbeatie my favs.

simonm - blimey I rode GT red the last week and was surprised how tame/lame it was (rode some black sections too, same opinion) - glad we didn't make Kiri. Sorry locals but was expecting more technical/rugged trails for some reason. Was still enjoyable but a little dissapointing in that respect. We did Inners which was a bit better, a little more natural in places, plus the Caddon Bank drop section added some spice to the end of the trail.

Why do people go to trail centres and expect to ride "natural sections"? Its a trail centre, its manmade it is [i]supposed[/i] to be sustainable/wearproof

Its a bit flat

K'tree is a strange one really. As I hinted at in my first post and as others have said, you need to ride it FAST to get the most out of it. If you're just bimbling or you're having a bad day, it'll feel pretty rubbish. But when you're on it, it's just SO flowing and rewarding. It's great that all the Stanes have their own characteristics - imagine how dull it'd be if every one was a copy/paste of Glentress.

I really liked Laggan as well, again that's a trail that you definitely need to be having a good day to enjoy. But then I also liked the middle of nowhere route in the Highlands that I did - stunning views, not a soul around but not especially technical.

Horses for courses.

It offers something different from the other trail centres though and some people obviously like it.

Personally, I think its boring, low on technical features and my least favorite trail centre in Scotland.

The exception being the 'Black craig' descent...the rest can be missed!

Did Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie the other day. Only did the Blue routes cos the OH was recovering from an ankle injury.

WTF is with the rock garden in the middle of Kirroughtree? That's somewhat excessively gnarly for a Blue route, shirley? I'm far from l33t, but I made it about halfway on a HT before thinking 'blow this' and walking the rest of it.

Did Kirroughtree t'other week and have to say really enjoyed it and still on of my faves - Black craig descent in particular was a blast.

Kirroghtree now nowhere near as flowing as when it first opened and the trail was new. Still some great sections though.

Favourites are McMoab, and (dare I say it) right near the end after the red/black join up again with the BLUE just before the car park. God that section is smooth, fast and flowy - loverly.

It was ok when I did it the other week, I was on a new bike though and was feeling a bit tired so was not a flowy as I expected. That's my fault though.

Incidently, I didn't see anyone on the black route and I was riding it for about 2 hours, looping back in parts to ride them again. Great.

Did Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie the other day. Only did the Blue routes cos the OH was recovering from an ankle injury.
WTF is with the rock garden in the middle of Kirroughtree? That's somewhat excessively gnarly for a Blue route, shirley? I'm far from l33t, but I made it about halfway on a HT before thinking 'blow this' and walking the rest of it.

Not sure which bit you mean - there is a wee section called rocky road that's just basically a really uneven surface. You just need to keep the speed up when you hit it.

I think I said this on another kirroughtree thread - I can understand why kirroughtree might not be everyone's favourite but I don't understand how some people actually dislike it - it's biking in the countryside!

Kirrie is a lovely trail, great part of the country. We are so lucky to have such a variety of trail centres about. However, there is also such a great abundance of more natural trails too.

Lets not knock Kirrie, but celebrate its fantasticness and uniquieness.

I can understand why kirroughtree might not be everyone's favourite but I don't understand how some people actually dislike it

Isn't that pretty much the same thing though? With the exception of McMoab and hissing sid (I think) I don't remember anything other than a smooth manicured surface, that's part of reason I don't like it. I also prefer my riding to come with hills that I can really sink my teeth into (or cough up a lung depending on how you want to look at it) which Kirroughtree simply doesn't have.

I get that some people love it and that's cool, what I really, really dislike though is being told, as I have been on several occasions, that I've not been riding it fast enough/been on the wrong sort of bike/wasn't "on it" that day. I just don't particularly enjoy riding it that's all.

gonefishin - Member

I also prefer my riding to come with hills that I can really sink my teeth into (or cough up a lung depending on how you want to look at it) which Kirroughtree simply doesn't have.

It's got the most horrible climb I've ever seen at a trail centre 😕 Worse than riding up the push-up at Innerleithen, though mostly because it's right after McMoab so my legs are already falling off at the start.

Don't really understand "I don't remember anything other than a smooth manicured surface" either- sure, the red's very smooth but even that has the occasional rock garden, plus rocky road which is kind of the exact opposite of smooth and manicured... It's not exactly wikkid gnarlz but I don't think that's a fair description tbh.
I don't remember anything other than a smooth manicured surface

aint been there for years,but always thought it was good un.
prefer it to GT,dont know what it is but not a fan of GT.
i like inners outa the 7. kiroughtree 2nd.

Kirroughtree, does everyone think its great?

Hey, not saying its crap or owt but just can't see that the hype about it is justified, as i said, quite liked parts of it but I've done every trail centre in the country except for 2,and wouldn't put it in my top 3 kind of thing (i know, sounds like tick box cycling but it isn't, honest).
And wouldn't fall into the trap of comparing it with none trail centre stuff, which i love, both offer great riding.
I guess to some extent it is just what grabs but I think parts of the bike press and some on here are guilty of over hyping it.
Maybe as some have said a second visit is what is needed... sounds like an excuse for another road trip!

It's got the most horrible climb I've ever seen at a trail centre

That's heartbreak hill? From what I recall it's steep, short, on forest road and that not difficult. Lactic Ladder and whatever the climb is at Innerleithen, now they are good climbs.

As I said it's what I remember so things may have changed since I last rode there, or I may be remembering unfairly, but given that I live in the NE of Scotland it is a hell of a long way and there is other riding that I prefer (natural & man made) that is closer so I don't plan on making any special trips there. It's not the only place I won't make special trips to I should add. I'm not going to make any special trips to Wales again either.

The first time I rode the black I was trying to keep up with faster riders (including a super fit single speeder)and thought I was going to die although I did really enjoy McMoab and some of the descents. I enjoyed it much more the second time as I was fitter and could go faster and knew it better. At the moment I like it just as much as Dalbeattie and Mabie but can see it becoming a favourite as I ride it more. It's a real treat to ride on so much exposed rock.

gonefishin - Member

Lactic Ladder and whatever the climb is at Innerleithen, now they are good climbs

Not done Golspie, but the Innerleithen climb's a piece of cake by comparison- shorter, more interesting, less steep. I've ridden a 224 up it, wouldn't even attempt Heartbreak that way.

gonefishin

on forest road and that not difficult

markrh - Member
Hey, not saying its crap or owt but just can't see that the hype about it is justified, as i said, quite liked parts of it but I've done every trail centre in the country except for 2,and wouldn't put it in my top 3 kind of thing (i know, sounds like tick box cycling but it isn't, honest).

57yr old asthmatic with high blood pressure btw ❗

Like the old saying goes.. [b]"You can't please all of the people all of the time"[/b]

being out in the fresh air with a few mates or on your own is what trail centres are all about... just enjoying what we have got... 8)

I'm far from l33t, but I made it about halfway on a HT before thinking 'blow this' and walking the rest of it.

That's Rocky road. Just need some speed, that's all. I ride it on my hardtail, but, I don't know what l33t is, so can't comment.

I've only been once and thoroughly enjoyed it! I knew it was going to be different and it was. I dont know if its worth a 6 hour round trip from Edinburgh though - unless combined with other SW trails?

Is there anywhere worth driving for 6 hours to ride for 2 hours??!?!

suppose we should all think.. did you ever get back from riding any of them and think that was shite.. wish I really hadn't bothered at all.. no, never, as its all riding bikes.....and that'd good 😉

Is there anywhere worth driving for 6 hours to ride for 2 hours??!?!

2 hours for the black!? I stand back and salute you sir!

We drove from the capital to do this as part of a combo trip but with injuries and mechs we cut things short. I wouldnt do it as a single trip - even Im not that crazy!

I did Krtree and Mabie in a day from Edinburgh and it was a long **** day. Driving back was not fun. 2 drivers would make all the difference though - split the driving and Ktree black plus Mabie or Dalbeattie red from the central belt would be nae bother.

Worth thinking about the old driving - bet many of us have done a full days riding and got back into the car and felt pyar buckled, only to have a 50+ mile drive ahead.

Yeah Kirro's quite remote too. I'm up near Glasgow and usually travel back up the coast road if going straight back from the trail centre. It's a nicer drive than the M74 and helps keep your mind focussed.

I really like Kirroughtree, definitely moreso than Dalbeattie or Mabie. Kirroughtree maybe benefits though from usually being part of a weekend break for me whereas the other two are more likely to get ridden as a day trip from Edinburgh.

Mabie often feels like a synthesis of other trail centres. It's nice but there's only one bit (a lovely fast flowy bit from the stream crossing to the start of The Scorpion) that I feel approaches "best in class". Dalbeattie has never clicked with me. Trekster showed me (and Northwind and another mate) some lovely natural stuff there recently but the waymarked/built stuff only really entertained me for a couple of sections. It felt like it was trying to have the same flowy feel as Kirroughtree but it wasn't really managing it.

Usually now if I make a day trip over to Dumfries & Galloway it's for Drumlanrig rather than Mabie or Dalbeattie. For Kirroughtree I'm willing to organise a trip, book accomodation and make a weekend of it. 🙂

I can see that Kirroughtree would be less fun on wobbly legs. That may have been some of my problem with Dalbeattie that last time as I was low on energy all day and there were a few pedally bits that may have been much better if I'd had the grunt to do something other than spin up the short climbs in it in the granny ring. However at Kirroughtree even if I'm not full of beans there's several bits where I'll manage to dredge up some energy to pedal enough to bring on the grins.

I don't find the amount of fire road at Kirroughtree excessive. There's some at the start of the red but the only bit that sticks in my mind is the long section taking you from the furthermost point on the red to the start of the black. There used to be a similar section on the return journey but that (and I think a few other sections of fire road) have been replaced with more singletrack since it's been opened. Personally I find the fire road at Dalbeattie more intrusive, perhaps because it seems to be more weighted towards the end of the ride - plus Kirroughtree has a much better finish than Dalbeattie, which helps make sure that rides there are remembered warmly.

Rocky Road at Kirroughtree is generally referred to as "We Hate Hardtails" by myself and the riders I'm usually there with. 🙂

ChrisL - Member

I really like Kirroughtree, definitely moreso than Dalbeattie

You like root canal surgery more than you like Dalbeattie!

I love Kirroughtree and always have a good time there.

As for Mabie, well all the Drumlanrig groupies I feel have never really ridden all the off piste sections of Mabie. Once Mabie opens up its secrets too you, well you then have all these combinations and permutations depending on what kind of mood you are in and how much time you have. I don't know why, but I do love Mabie.

Dalbeattie for me is always a bit of a challenge, but again it has some gentler off piste grin inducing downhills which are just fab.

I am a kind of local though, so hailing from Dumfries I never have to travel too far for any of them. I also though love to get out and about on the back roads which are great too, as well as my local ride which is a mixture of fireroads and back roads.

Oh and I love Ae too even though it does beat me up a lot of the time. I now can tack on The Shredder when I am there mid week and the DH kids are not there.

So much choice in so little an area, and just in case people do not realise, I am a Drumlanrig groupie too - love it.

How`s the knees Si?

ChrisL. Mabie often feels like a synthesis of other trail centres

10yrs on and if the guys had to start again somewhere thing would probably be a lot different. It was pioneering stuff at the time.

Hiya

I am getting more movement back and able to walk a little without my stick! Just swimming right now although the pool where we are has an underwater bike as they also have physio sessions in there!

Yes Kirroughtree is a e and worth the drive. Even from the south if combined with more trails over a log weekend.

Kirr Black is great if you are, fit and can commit to riding rocky, tricky section.

I don't get the love for Drumlanrig either. When me and my mate rode it we bailed out around half way. Just wasn't enjoying it at all. We did have big bikes with us for Dalbeattie and I think Ae downhill so guessing they just didn't roll well enough. Never found we had or carried any speed.

Will have to get back with the HT to see if I enjoy it more.

Wonder if that's the problem at Kirry too (not for me I love it), could see that being a nightmare on a big bike that doesn't roll well.

Certainly goes to show there's no trail every one likes.

I love kirroughtree and its one of my favourite trails. i agree with a lot of people here though, you have to be hitting it at speed to get the best of it. Those singletrack sections through the trees you can wallop them! But I've seen myself completely hammer it on my short travel hardtail some days yet on the odd occasion when i've been a bit knackered on the 5.5 full sus its left me a bit buggered by the end and feeling like it was a bit of a slog but never has it seemed rubbish, just long.

KT is only 45 mins from the ferry, so travelling from Norn Iron it's perfect for a day trip. First time I went I loved it. Second time it was good. Third time I got a little bored. Fourth time I just sessioned the good bits and decided i'd not go back. It has some really nice fast flowing parts and has my kind of ascents (twisty turny stuff) but I was dissapointed by the black. I thought it would be harder than the red and I suppose it was, but only because it was longer.

I've since sampled the rest of the Stanes (bar Ae) and would say Inners is my favourite due to the variety of trails.