Description
Dalbeattie is one of the 7stanes network's granite trail centres, in Dumfries and Galloway. There are three graded loops: a green, a blue and a red with black sections, all built around Dalbeattie's distinctive rock slabs. Right at the forest entrance, the Rocks and Wheels centre is opening in 2026 with cycling-focused accommodation and indoor bouldering.
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The Trails
- Ironhash Trail (Green, 11.5km) β predominately easy forest road riding with a little singletrack, a good introduction to mountain biking.
- Moyle Hill Trail (Blue, 14km) β more climbing, stepping things up a gear with a first taste of the Dalbeattie granite.
- Hardrock Trail (Red, with Black sections, 25km) β over 65% singletrack on rougher, rockier ground. The granite is all-weather and holds well in the wet. Classic technical riding with gnarly short rock descents and numerous slabs, including the sections known locally as The Slab, the Terrible Twins and Volunteer Ridge.
Gravel Riding
The Ironhash Green trail runs mostly on forest road, so it doubles as a solid easy-gravel option if you're not after the technical granite of the red and black sections.
Local Organisation
- Galloway Hillbillies are active across the wider area, including Rock Up and Ride sessions at Dalbeattie: gallowayhillbillies.org
Beyond the Trails
Right at the trail entrance, the Dalbeattie Community Initiative has converted the town's old primary school into Rocks and Wheels, a Β£7.8m cycling and bouldering centre with on-site accommodation, opening in 2026. It's designed as a gateway to the 7stanes network, so it's worth checking their site for opening details before you plan a trip that relies on it: rocksandwheels.org.
Getting Here
Dalbeattie is between Dumfries and Castle Douglas at the junction of the A711 and A710. The 7stanes car park is just over a kilometre south of Dalbeattie, at Richorn, about a quarter mile past the Dalbeattie Town Wood car park. Trails at Dalbeattie are subject to periodic closures and diversions due to forestry operations. Always check the Forestry and Land Scotland page for current alerts before travelling.
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