Walks & Cycles

    If you like country walks and cycles then Scotland is guaranteed to take your breath away! With the graceful hills of Galloway and the Borders to the impressive peaks of the Highlands, Scotland offers some of the best walking and climbing to be found anywhere.

    Melville Castle is set in a secluded 50 acre wooded estate, with the North Esk River meandering through.

    It's a lovely setting for a picturesque walk or cycle, whether you follow the river or go exploring in the woods.

    Being an historic estate dating back to the 10th century, it is filled with cultural treasures, including an old ice house and most famously the 450 year old Chesnut tree, which Rizzio planted for Mary Queen of Scots as a sign of his love for her...

    The Pentland Hills Regional Park

    On the footstep of Edinburgh, The Pentland Hills Regional Park is a living, working landscape, which offers great opportunities to experience and enjoy the outdoors. Sculpted by glaciers and water, then shaped by people's interactions over thousands of years, the Pentland Hills are valued by all.

    With about 10,000 hectares of countryside and over 100km of paths, there is space to escape, relax or be invigorated. Walking, biking and horse-riding as well as fishing, running and orienteering are all enjoyed within the Park.

    The Regional Park offers both gentle and challenging routes. Paths take you to Pentland summits, through cleughs and glens as well as around reservoirs. Vistas from the higher tops give a panoramic view across the Firth of Forth, the Borders and to Ben Lomond. Low level areas offer quiet, remote places where you are surrounded by the wildness of the Pentlands.

    Much of the Park is home to a variety of wildlife and important habitats. This rich mosaic of wildlife habitats, open spaces, farmed land and natural beauty is as a result of people having been part of the land for thousands of years. Ancient hill forts and riggs speak of a long established use of the area. The Battle of Rullion Green and the Martyrs Monument tell of a bloodier past.

    Other Areas

    Slightly further a field, although both still less than an hours drive, there are the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, and the Galloway and the Borders area. Both offer magnificent landscapes with excellent routes for both walking and cycling.

    http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

    To find full details of walks & cycle routes, please click here

    Glentress, a large forest in Peebleshire, just 35 minutes south of Melville Castle, hosts one of the best mountain biking ranges in the world.

    Similar to a ski resort, there are currently 5 mountain bike routes in Glentress Forest, the difficulty of each signified by different colours.

    The trails cater for riders of all experiences, starting with historic cycle trails aimed at children and families, to the blue, red, and black mountain bike routes which provide a challenge for all abilities.

    Bike Hire

    The Hub hires out a range of mountain bikes, accommodating all levels of expertise and heights. Kids' bikes as well as tag-a-long bikes and baby trailers for smaller children are also available.

    Hire per bike per day is £18. Helmets are included in the hire. Booking is strongly advised. To guarantee a bike for hire please call the Hub direct:

    Call: 01721 721736

    Bookings:

    Email: hubintheforest@aol.com

    Tel: 01721 721 736

    Website: http://www.thehubintheforest.co.uk

    Melville Castle is set in a secluded 50 acre wooded estate, with the North Esk River meandering through. 

    It's a lovely setting for a picturesque walk or cycle, whether you follow the river or go exploring in the woods.

    Being an historic estate dating back to the 10th century, it is filled with cultural treasures, including an old ice house and most famously the 450 year old Chesnut tree, which Rizzio planted for Mary Queen of Scots as a sign of his love for her...