The best MTB trails around Southside

Part of the John Muir Way

This is how some 200 years ago, bookworms began: "In that lovely district of merry England, which is watered by the River Don, there was in ancient times a great wood... Here dwelt... the fabulous Dragon of Wantley; here were fought several of the bloodiest battles during the Rose Civil Wars..." Through translations, Scott's fame on the British Isles soon spread throughout Europe, even to the New World. The author, who continued to publish his books anonymously, with the reference "By the Author of Waverley," naturally rejoiced in his hiding place over the success – until, by chance, it was revealed that he, Walter Scott, was the author. The honors in Scotland were endless. The toast Lord Meadowbank made at a banquet held in Scott's honor in 1827 remains valid in Scotland to this day: "The beauties of our country... and the fame of our ancestors have been carried by him beyond the shores of this island, to the ends of the earth. He has... immortalized the name of Scotland..." (Text from https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/250-geburtstag-des-schriftstellers-wie-sir-walter-scott-den-100.html )

Fine to ascend / descend on a gravel bike. May need to hike a small 20m section depending on tyre width as the stones get a bit bigger for a small section, would be fine to ride down though

Fine to ascend / descend on a gravel bike, not easy though :). There may be a small 20m section you have to hike depending on your tyre width as the stones get a bit bigger for a small section

Great descent on a gravel bike, smooth but with some little drops from the occasional step. Very fun!

Punchy climb and a bit techy in places but view is worth it! Watch out for dog walkers in the AM

One of the most prominent things you will see in Edinburgh, the majestic castle, sitting on top of the rock hill. Preserved and vastly visited from tourists from all around the world

The Green Cleugh valley in the Pentland Hills, south-west of Edinburgh, is a real highlight for any mountain biker looking for a mix of challenge and scenic beauty. The Pentlands, a range of hills stretching for around 32 kilometres and including twelve peaks, mostly over 500 metres high, offer a variety of routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Green Cleugh itself is a steep-sided valley, framed by the peaks of Black Hill and Hare Hill. The route through this valley is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for the tranquil atmosphere that can be felt even on the wildest days. The descent down to the river is described by many bikers as particularly attractive, as it is both technically challenging and scenically impressive. The route that runs through Green Cleugh is a wonderful way to link up various loops in the Pentlands. With smooth tarmac at either end and a varied mix of flowing trails, some loose rocky sections, grass, three stepping stones, two gates and a couple of bridges in the middle, it offers a versatile riding experience. This diversity makes the valley a memorable experience for mountain bikers. Most notably, the route is suitable for both suspension bikes and rugged hybrid bikes, making it an ideal destination for bikers of various ability levels. The route feels "off-road-y" without being too technical, making it fun for anyone who wants to feel like they're off the beaten track without encountering extreme challenges. The Green Cleugh valley is not just a ride through beautiful countryside, it's also a link between various loop routes in the Pentlands and beyond, making it a central hub for exploring the area. Whether you travel from north to south or vice versa, the route offers a unique mix of natural beauty and cycling fun.