The 7 Stanes is a favourite location for mountain biking. It offers some of the best forest-trail cycling in Scotland and consists of 7 centres ranging thoughout the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.
We are lucky to be near two of the 7 Stane centres, nearest to Newton Stewart: Glentrool – The Giant Axe Head and Kirroughtree – The Gem Stane.
Both centres offer a good day-out. Each offer different grades of mountain bike trails as well as simple forest trails so cater for all levels including the not so active amoungst us. There is a good cafe at each location offering lunches and snacks.
It’s not only the cycling, hiking or scenery that draws people to the area but the myth or legend behind each of the stanes (scots word for stone). All the stone sculptures are totally different in size ranging from 1 – 3 metres high and weighing between 2-6 tons.
Additionally, Newton Stewart is a fantastic base for walkers of all abilities to enjoy Riverside, mountain, woodland and coastal walks. The Newton Stewart Walking Festival is held every year in May and provides an number of guided walks. The Southern Upland way is a short distance away in Portpatrick while the Merrick is the highest mountain in the south of Scotland.
