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Ae 7 Stanes Mountain Biking Accommodation
Ae 7 Stanes is one of the purpose built 7 Stanes centres here in Southern Scotland. The centre features a variety of green, blue and red trails, an extreme downhill section for expert riders as well as a skills area. The forest itself has a number of walking trails where you can take in the woodland wildlife or picnic by the river. There’s a wonderful bike shop and cafe on site offering a warm welcome. Check out these stunning holiday cottages, all within 15 miles of Ae Forest.
Ae’s ‘Talking Head Stane’, made from glacial granite boulder, is a must see on your visit. Weighing in at 1.5 tons, the head stane looks to the south, down towards the village of Ae and the Solway. See if you can spot the inscription of a translated poem on the stane too.
If you’re wondering where the name comes from, ‘stane’ is the Scottish word for stone, and at each of the 7 Stanes locations, across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, you’ll find a unique stane reflecting a local myth or legend.
The stanes aren’t hard to find, they’re a prominent point on the trails within each of the forests. Accessible by foot and bike, they range in size and weight. Why not try and check them all off the list during your stay?
Facilities
If you’re after a bite to eat, the Ae Café has an excellent selection of delicious refreshments for eating in or takeaway. Assistance dogs are welcome in the café, and there is outdoor seating available too.
The bike shop caters for a wide range of needs. From brand new bikes or bike hire, to essential spares and repairs, they’ve got you covered. Toilets and shower facilities are also available for visitors. Please note that parking charges apply.
Getting to Ae 7 Stanes
Ae Forest is located just a few miles north of Dumfries – turn off the A701 at Bridgend (before Parkgate if travelling from Dumfries and vice versa), following signs for Forest of Ae, after 2 miles you’ll reach Ae village, continue through and take a right at the crossroads and continue to follow to Forest of Ae. The mountain bike trails begin at the Naze car park.
(Trail information: Forestry Commission Scotland)
