Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
MTB trails
United Kingdom
Scotland
South Scotland
Scottish Borders

Blackhouse Forest

The best MTB trails around Blackhouse Forest

4.8

(76)

4,146

riders

8

rides

Mountain biking around Blackhouse Forest in the Scottish Borders offers a diverse landscape of woodland and heather hills within the Yarrow Valley. The area features varied terrain, including scenic glens and lochans, providing a rich environment for exploration. Trails range from gentle paths to challenging routes with significant elevation changes. This region is known for its natural features, making it suitable for mountain biking.

Best mountain bike trails around Blackhouse Forest

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is St Mary's…

Last updated: June 26, 2026

3

riders

#1.

St Mary's Loch – Loch of the Lowes loop from Yarrow Water

37.6km

03:04

710m

720m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 4 more rides around Blackhouse Forest.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Blackhouse Forest

Hiking around Blackhouse Forest

Running Trails around Blackhouse Forest

Gravel biking around Blackhouse Forest

Cycling around Blackhouse Forest

Road Cycling Routes around Blackhouse Forest

Tips from the Community

Paulien / Outdoor Inspiratie
December 13, 2025, St Mary's Loch

In calm weather, the loch is a beautiful, mirror-like feature nestled between low hills. Swimming is potentially dangerous because the water level is regulated and cold undercurrents develop. On the shore is the basic but pleasant Tibbie Shiels Inn campsite. Across the road is a bikers' café where hikers are also welcome.

Translated by Google

0

0

Heading North, the climb is great - very steep but a decent surface - but the descent is not fun without suspension. Lots of dried cow hoofprints and grassy knolls when I did it

0

0

The A708 follows the northern shore of St Mary's Loch, the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Boarders. It's an A road and people do drive fast, but it's never that busy, so It's a fun ride with great views. The loch takes its name from the chapel that once stood on the northern shore. The chapel has gone, but the graveyard remains.

1

0

A fast downhill with some sharp corners, your brakes should be red hot by the time you reach the bottom.

0

0

Beautiful loch and there's a cafe nearby.

0

0

Nice cafe over looking St Mary's Loch

0

0

David Irving
May 22, 2024, Glen Cafe

Nice cafe over looking St Mary's Loch

0

0

A viewing point of the Tweedale area. You can see for many miles from this small car park location.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are there in Blackhouse Forest?

There are 9 mountain bike trails around Blackhouse Forest, offering a range of experiences from easy to difficult. The komoot community has explored these routes over 5000 times.

What is the general difficulty level of mountain bike trails in Blackhouse Forest?

The trails around Blackhouse Forest cater to various skill levels. You'll find 1 easy route, 5 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes, ensuring options for both casual riders and experienced mountain bikers seeking a challenge.

Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, there is an easy mountain bike trail available. Consider the Manor Sware Viewpoint – Old Manor Bridge loop from Whitelaw Hill, which is 11.6 miles (18.7 km) long and features gentler terrain, making it suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails in Blackhouse Forest?

Blackhouse Forest offers a diverse landscape for mountain biking, characterized by woodland paths, heather hills, and scenic glens. You'll encounter varied terrain, including sections with significant elevation changes, and routes that pass by tranquil lochans and streams.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Blackhouse Forest?

Yes, many of the trails are circular. For example, the St Mary's Loch – Loch of the Lowes loop from Yarrow Water is a popular moderate circular route. Another option is the more challenging Loch of the Lowes – St Mary's Loch loop from St Mary's Loch, which also forms a loop.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Blackhouse Forest?

The mountain bike trails in Blackhouse Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the sense of seclusion, and the variety of routes that cater to different abilities.

Are there any trails that offer significant climbs and expansive views?

For those seeking challenging climbs and rewarding views, the Loch of the Lowes – St Mary's Loch loop from Whitelaw Hill is a difficult 31.0 miles (49.9 km) route that features significant ascents and offers expansive vistas across the landscape of the Scottish Borders.

What natural features can I expect to see while mountain biking in Blackhouse Forest?

Blackhouse Forest is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to see a stunning lochan (small lake), various streams and ponds, and diverse terrain including woodlands and heather hills. The area is also committed to biodiversity, so you might spot local wildlife.

Are there any mountain bike routes that explore the lochs in the region?

Absolutely. Several routes highlight the beautiful lochs. The St Mary's Loch – Loch of the Lowes loop from Yarrow Water is a prime example, taking you through the scenic lochs of the region.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Blackhouse Forest?

The Scottish Borders, including Blackhouse Forest, offers year-round mountain biking. However, for the most pleasant conditions, spring and autumn often provide cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery. Be prepared for varied weather, as conditions can change quickly in the region.

Are there any longer, more challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

Yes, experienced riders will find challenging options. The Ruined Stone Tower – Valley Path with Scenic View loop from Whitelaw Hill is a moderate to difficult 13.8 miles (22.3 km) route with significant elevation gain, offering a substantial ride.

Can I expect to find varied landscapes on the trails, such as both woodland and open hills?

Yes, the trails around Blackhouse Forest are known for their varied landscapes. You will ride through dense woodlands, across open heather hills, and along scenic glens, providing a constantly changing and engaging environment for your ride.

Most popular routes around Blackhouse Forest

Family-friendly hikes around Blackhouse Forest

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.

SouthdeanElibank And Traquair ForestInnerleithen And DistrictCardrona ForestCrailing, Eckford And NisbetHeiton And RoxburghDenholm And DistrictLauderdaleKirkhouse ForestLilliesleaf, Ashkirk And MidlemFloors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And SmailholmAncrumUpper Liddesdale And HermitageMaxton And MertounWauchope ForestRoyal Burgh Of Peebles And DistrictUpper Teviotdale And Borthwick WaterBurnfootHawickHobkirkAshkirk LochGalashielsKalewaterLantonNewtown And EildonEildon And LeaderfootBowden VillageSt. Boswells ParishGlentress ForestHarehope ForestManor, Stobo And LyneWhitmuirhall LochGordon And WestrutherUpper TweeddaleOxnam WaterGreenlaw And HumeLammermuirJed ValleyBorders Forest ParkNewcastleton And DistrictCaberston ForestEarlstonChirnsideYetholm And DistrictClovenfords And DistrictLeitholm, Eccles And BirghamBurnmouthLamancha, Newlands And KirkurdWalkerburn And DistrictRoyal Burgh Of Selkirk And DistrictMelrose And DistrictReston And AuchencrowGrassfield ForestAbbey St. Bathans, Bonkyl And PrestonCraik ForestLurgie LochEdnam, Stichill And BerrymossParish Of StowJedburghCockburnspathEddleston And DistrictFoulden, Mordington And LambertonAytonTweedsmuirWest LintonCarlopsUpper TweedFaldonside LochTweedbankSproustonOxton And ChannelkirkHeriotEttrick And YarrowAkermoor LochGrantshouseKelsoEyemouthColdinghamSkirlingWoolshears WoodHutton And PaxtonGavinton, Fogo And PolwarthDunsEdrom, Allanton And WhitsomeWest Water ReservoirSwinton And Ladykirk

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Cardrona Forest

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy