Adventure Scotland - brought to you by Scotland's National Tourism Organisation

Ae was the last 7stanes centre to be completed and is located in a large forest beside the tiny village of Ae north of Dumfries.

The Forest of Ae has been a popular venue for many years for mountain bikers there's a great range of trails here to suit all abilities. There's also a well-established downhill scene and the 'Ae Up' uplift service for those who have the ability and fancy tackling a competition downhill course which is 1.6 kilometres long, with a 22ft 'Coffin Jump' and which finishes with a 20ft drop ? all of which takes the top riders around three minutes.

There is some serious climbing too, using a mixture of single-track (some of it high and exposed) and forest roads. Look out for 'The Edge' - a stretch of single-track that takes riders over a high ridge, dropping steeply down to the river on one side, before plunging into the dark forest, for a trail that swoops down thanks to some fast bermed corners and with the impression of speed enhanced by the proximity of the trees. There's numerous bermed corners, tabletops, jumps, double jumps, North Shore and some serious drop-offs that might not be best approached at top speed.

You'll also find some good facilites at Ae including a new cafe, bike shop, bike hire, workshop, showers, toilets, bike wash & parking (Ae Bike Shop & Cafe www.Ae7.co.uk T: 01387 860541)

For details of the uplift service, contact Tally at 'Ae-Up' Lift Service on 07709 144299. £25 gets you up to 10 runs a day and pre-booking is essential.

What we do best:

Ae is a great mountain biking location for entry level riders and more experienced riders alike. There's a great green graded mountain bike trail aimed mainly at novices and families with young children. It?s a 9 kilometre loop which runs up the Ae valley to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the Water of Ae. A beautiful place to stop and picnic with lots of rocks around the river.

The blue route is a 4.5-kilometre forest road section added on to the Green route, giving an overall trail length of 13.5 kilometres. This is suitable for those families looking to take in a little bit more of the forest than just the short green-graded valley route.

The red-graded Ae Line - Scottish Renewables Trail is a challenging, high quality ride through quiet coniferous forest. You'll need an aggressive freeride style to overcome some large and sometimes intimidating trail features in addition to very steep climbs and descents.

Then there's the 1.6 kilometre Ae downhill route which provides a bigger challenge. Graded as orange - Bike Park/Extreme - its seriously gnarly rocky sections, slippery roots and huge drops will satisfy the most demanding of riders. An uplift service, 'Ae-Up', is sometimes available (pre-booking required).

New for 2008 is the on-site Ae Bike Shop, Bike Hire & Cafe. You can find out more about this new facility at www.Ae7.co.uk. 

Other activities available

Useful info

Equipment provided?

Bring your own bike or bike hire is available in nearby Dumfries.

What do I need to wear?

A bike helmet is a must; wear comfortable cycle clothing and footwear, gloves and protective eyewear are also useful. In colder weather several layers of clothing is advised including waterproofs.

What do I need to bring?

Bike (or hire in Dumfries), helmet and appropriate clothing and footwear, spare inner tubes and small repair kit and some snacks and refreshments for the trail.

When can I do it?

All year round.

Is there a pub nearby?

Pubs and places to eat in Dumfries.