Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails

Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails

Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails sit above Carron Valley Reservoir in Stirling, Scotland, closer to Glasgow and Edinburgh than the 7stanes network. Three linked red-graded sections, Runway, Cannonball and Eas Dubh, combine into around 8km of singletrack, and a waymarked forest road loop around the reservoir gives an easier gravel option from the same car park.

The Trails

Carron Valley was developed to offer a trail destination closer to the urban centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh than the 7stanes network. Each section is well waymarked, making it easy to session your favourite parts, and many riders choose to loop it twice. Trails at Carron Valley are subject to periodic closures and diversions due to forestry operations. Always check the FLS Carron Valley destination page for current alerts before travelling.

Pipe Dream

Pipe Dream is the natural start to a lap, a swoopy singletrack climb out of the car park that breaks up the ascent through the forest with drop-offs and stony sections, and a viewpoint across the valley on the way.

Runway

Runway is the most flow-focused section of the loop, a fast, flowing descent built with berms, tabletops, jumps and stone drop-offs. Recent resurfacing work has improved grip and flow, making this a great section to ride at speed and practise jump technique.

Cannonball

Cannonball offers a steeper, more technical descent. Expect stone drops, tighter corners and natural trail features that demand more commitment and control, giving a rougher, more rugged contrast to Runway's flow.

Eas Dubh (Black Waterfall)

Named after the Gaelic for "Black Waterfall", Eas Dubh is known for its dramatic descent, which includes the Kelpie Staircase, a set of steep stone-pitched steps. The trail twists through tight forested singletrack and is best suited to riders confident with technical features and natural terrain.

Together, the three red-graded sections give around 8km (5 miles) of singletrack, testing riders with steep climbs and descents, tree roots, drop-offs and large rocks throughout.

Gravel Riding

A waymarked forest road loop runs right around Carron Valley Reservoir on firm gravel and hardpack, starting from the same car park as the red route. It is a much gentler ride, suited to families and gravel bikes, with play features, picnic spots and views across the water, and it links out towards Meikle Bin at the western end for those wanting to extend the ride.

Getting Here

Carron Valley is on the south side of the B818 between Denny and Fintry. The main car park is at the east end of Carron Valley Reservoir, postcode FK6 5JL for SatNav. Parking is pay and display, by coins, card or the RingGo app, with a small parking area also available at Meikle Bin at the west end of the reservoir. There is no direct public transport service to Carron Valley, so the reservoir is best reached by car or bike from Denny or Fintry.

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