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Cathkin Braes and Area 69 Mountain Bike Trails

Cathkin Braes and Area 69 Mountain Bike Trails
Avg 3.53
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup
Number of Reviews (13)

*You can claim this trail if you are the trail owner

  • Information:
  • Type: MTB Base
  • Grades: Blue,Red,Black
  • Riding: Cross Country,Pump Track,Skills Area
  • Facilities: Car Park,Toilets
  • Distance(s): 5-10km
  • Country: Scotland
  • County: Glasgow
  • Website: Cathkin Braes
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Trail Network & Rider Segments

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Trail Status

status via Trailforks.com

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Description

Cathkin Braes and Area 69 mountain bike trails are in the Cathkin Braes Country Park in the South East of Glasgow. The official park opened in June 2013 and was built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Like this?

The location is well placed as it is 200 metres above sea level making it the highest point in Glasgow. There are no facilities so go prepared. There is a blue and red trail, a skills loop, a Velo Solutions pump track and Area 69.

Cathkin Braes Trail

  • The trail is a Red graded trail with Blue and Black options. Specifically, there are two Black sections on the Red route. Hence it is graded to suit different skill and fitness levels. 
  • It's  5.5 km long designed in a figure of eight. 
  • Features include drop off's, berms, exposed bedrock, steep descents, tough climbs, water splash, steps, rock boulders and flagstone causeways.   
  • The terrain is a mix of ancient woodland, and more exposed wide open spaces and stunning views that take in Glasgow city as its backdrop. 
  • The track is split into multiple sections with names that give a clue to the ride on that segment such as Propeller Point, Double Dare, Rest and Be Thankful, Broken Biscuits, Brig O’Doom and Clyde Climb.
  • There is also a pump track and skills area.

Area 69 - Off Piste

  • This is the off-piste area full of downhill technical trail features from drops, jumps and steep descents.

Other Stuff

In 2024 new investments were announced for: 

  • Installation of toilets and storage containers
  • Enhanced facilities for coaching and youth participation
  • Extended club use and Scottish Cycling programmes support

Groups and Clubs

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  • If you have ridden the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike trails then why not share your experiences and post some pictures, videos or a short review to the listing.

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Big Neil:
Avg 3.24
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Good but watch for civilians and dogs

Good trail close to Glasgow. There should be more!

What do you like?

Nice, fast course. Som real fun it's.

What could be improved?

Dog walkers and joggers on the trails. Zero facilities.

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

29/03/2017 - almost 9 years ago

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Anthony Burns:
Avg 4.65
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

XC fun

Great get fit XC track. Tough and fun!

What do you like?

Great for fitness, mixed terrain for a short track. Nice scenery

What could be improved?

Lots of walkers with dogs

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

27/03/2017 - almost 9 years ago

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1
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paul scott:
Avg 4.00
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

avoid the dogs, their poo, the owners and the horses

great views and a cracking variety to this trail- its a red with blue and black sections with some real technical climbing, fast swooping downhills, gnarly roots, rising and falling fast trails through forest, exposed rock sections, drop offs of varying difficulty the actual trail is excellent though short. the shortness actually helps you since you get to repeat and polish up your line again soon enough. parking is plentiful and free although there are no other facilities so pack well. some of the trails aren't well marked out and at times its hard to work out which way is next until you are familiar with the course. that said, once i learnt the course i have found it very rewarding. an excellent facility to leave after the games, i wonder though how much priority is going into maintaining it. I'm going to mention the dog poo again. I'm sick of having s**t splashes up my back, in my linkage and on my water bottle! I've come home from here stinking and with a stinking bike this is one area where a real effort could be made

What do you like?

this would be a great track were you able to get a uninterrupted run. get up right early otherwise dogs and walkers all over the bike runs especially on a good day. cracking views, some great technical sections and plenty variety to the bike runs good parking free

What could be improved?

big signs saying no trail biking on walking routes but what about dogs and their owners on bike sections? i have never been able to get a fast run round this mountain bike track because of other non bike users, despite the fact that there are far more walking trails. every time I've been on it I've been sprayed with dog poo but the horse ones are easier to see. poor signposting at times, poorly delineated trails too in place no facilities too much dog poo, dog owners and horse s**t at times spoil a good track- difficult to do a timed run

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

14/11/2016 - about 9 years ago

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2
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Alibobness:
Avg 3.87
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Cathrin Braes

Good all round trail lots of exciting bits on the trail, slalom section in particular! There is a lot of variety from roots to rocks to forest to open hill side all in such a short area! The hills are hard work but the downhill makes up for it! The different grades for some sections keeps is interesting, and allows a good place and gauge to advance your skills!

What do you like?

Lots of trail variety, Close to glasgow Short trail so you'll do a few laps and can section bits

What could be improved?

No facilities to speak of, come prepared.

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

24/12/2014 - about 11 years ago

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0
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F:
Avg 3.08
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

I enjoyed this course apart from two things. 1.There are more dog walkers on the trial than cyclists despite having miles of existing footpaths to use. 2. A group of neds were hitting golf balls from the radio mast down on to the tracks below adding a unique Glaswegian flavour. It could also probably do with some signposting from the surrounding towns.

What do you like?

Bit of everything thrown in a short course Close to the city

What could be improved?

Dog walkers Golfing neds

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

16/03/2014 - almost 12 years ago

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2
^
Brycii:
Avg 3.15
Grin Factor
Trail Variety
Skills
Trail Quality
General Setup

Cathkin Braes Blue

We live close to this track and have used it quite often but not the full run. On Saturday we did the full blue run and we all agreed it was great fun. I decided to take it on with a racing bike with cyclocross tyres which was great. The blue run has some great tests if you are starting out and the red run including the double dare will definitely test your skill and ability. There are no facilities so you will need to provide your own refreshments. Also take a camera there is some fantastic views of goat fell, the cobbler and ben lomond. All in all worth a visit.

What do you like?

Fun for All the family

What could be improved?

No cafe or facilities

Would you recommend?

*Yes*

Date written:

24/11/2013 - about 12 years ago

Was this review helpful to you?

1
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