Only six miles from Glentress lies the village of Innerleithen. Famous for its Red Bull Project Downhill course, Innerleithen also boasts the 19.4km Traquair cross country trail - part of the Forestry Commission 7 Stanes network. Pick up a trail map somewhere before you head onto the hill, individual sections are well signposted but it is difficult to gain a coherent overview when you are in the thick of it. There are eleven Red Bull Project Downhill segments; here is how they describe them...

Other than a few portable toilets (two of which look like they have experienced some of the bumpier parts of the downhill), there are no facilities to speak of here. Loads of car / van parking is available - no pay and display. Food and what not is available at the Hub at Glentress or at local establishments in Innerleithen or Peebles. Standing on the road edge at some points you have amazing uninterrupted view over the village and down the tweed valley due to the steep drop off.

Hub in the Forest run uplift at weekends (note to self: check times)... If you find yourself at Innerleithen when uplift is not available, the uphill is somewhat confusing without a map but not overly strenuous.

For beginners, probably a better time will be had elsewhere. We'd recommend that to get the most out of Project Downhill you will have a fair amount of experience, full riot gear (body armour and full face helmet) and a full suss rig.

Driving Directions:

From Glentress (Peebles) side, enter the village of Innerleithen there's a bike shop on the left and a turnoff to the right marked by only a very small sign - head for the huge hill to the south of the village, cross the Tweed bridge and you'll see the Red Bull Car Park.