Scotland's Newest Flow Trail! | Newcastleton MTB

[@johnnyramsay9064]

You can start the trails at Newcastleton and then nip over the hill to Kielder via Kershope to do some of the trails there and return via the Bloody bush to finish at Newcastleton. A great Cross Country route and a Big Day out.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

What are the trails at Kielder like?

[@johnnyramsay9064]

I’m not the best person to ask, we’ve only done the cross border routes with some Red mixed in, some tough climbs, mostly Fire Road, the Boardwalk section on the Fell is 2metres wide because of the wind. The last section down to the Trail Centre from the Observatory was fun. Think the Black Stuff is more Gravity based.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks 👍

[@charliecrichton2158]

Its mad to see how many subs you got now loveing the videos

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks Charlie. I'm still working away at it. The editing takes a lot of time but I really enjoy it. Hopefully I'll get to that 10K in the next couple of years! Hope you are good bud 👍

[@alanmorton8459]

Great vid Jamie!! Nice bit of chat as normal. Think it has been 10 years since I was lat at Newcastleton, apart from the new flow trail it seems just like I remember.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah. The Forestry need a kick in the behind. So much potential on all the trails centres but next to no new development. Come on dudes!

[@stewartleese5052]

Another great video.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks Stewart. I've said it already, but it's awesome to have you watching all these and commenting. I really appreciate it mate. Glad you are enjoying them. Hopefully.the videos will get out there for more people like yourself to see 👍

[@arkayokay]

Step 1. find a map, Step 2. view the map, Step 3. find all the short cuts to repeat the best bits ( and avoid the climbs)! That's how you make Newcastleton work. If you're a GT fan you won't find spooky wood but will find a kinky Betty Blue, a hidden valley that catches you out and the 2nd best skills park. These are old trails designed for short travel 26" so no: uplift, DH, wheel grabs, rock gates, hens teeth, gap jumps... lots of skill in handling and maintaining speed so repeat going faster, floaties, sudden terrain changes and then there's that skill park. I always hit this trail at least once a year and end up staying all day. I worked with Forestry building trails and this is a well built trail; mix it up with Kielder and get someone else to drive.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I'm not a big GT fan either. I just wish the Forestry would develop the trails at all the centres more. I hear what you say about making the place work and that definitely sounds like the way to do it. However, like you say, most of these trail centres were developed for 26 inch bikes with XC geometry. Indeed, GT hasn't really changed in 20 years. The unsanctioned trails in the centres themselves can often have more appeal than the original trails. I just feel it is a big missed opportunity. Especially given the growth of mountain biking and the potential visitor revenue it can bring in. I suspect the level of investment required is probably just too high to justify the required upgrades and adaptations.

[@stuartcommon4651]

Where did you build about mate?

[@bigstoozeradventures]

FANTASTIC production pal. At last. A fast flowing trail suitable for an 'old' x-country 'bugger' like me.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

If you like fast and flowy you will love that new section!!!

[@georgiapainting3857]

Nice vid as ever mate 🤙 a few mates and I were there the Saturday just gone. Rode the red for the first time and have to say was proper disappointed. Half of the trails went uphill, and how much fireroad in between?! Hidden valley was good fun but kinda feel it’s wasted at Newcastleton. On a positive note we should be thankful at least we have these trail centres on our doorsteps, I guess we’re a bit spoiled in these parts! Andy

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I really agree with you Andy. There is a lot of fire road which isn't really any fun on an MTB. I also kept waiting for the descents to come but they never really amounted to much. The flow trail itself is very good, however I wouldn't travel all that way just for one descent.

[@FiretrailMtbAdeventures]

Sick dude place looks wicked great to see you out on new stuff 💥🤟🏻

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks mate. Hopefully now that restrictions are lifted I'll have a lot more locations available for you guys to see 👍

[@FiretrailMtbAdeventures]

Looking forward to it 💪

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks mate 😁

[@charlesslwilson]

Definitely looked more set up for family and beginner riding but that’s no bad thing if that’s what you want. Good vid as always 🤟

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah. I think it could be a good place for parents with young bikers.

[@LauraJaneWeeTamMTB]

Defo good to see other spots to determine if worth it and especially from your perspective knowing what u normally ride etc. Gives a good idea of what it’s like. Imma sticking to gnar but would be a good recommendation for someone who enjoys flow!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah. With the type of riding you do it would be wasted on you. Even on an XC bike there is just too much fireroad. The flow trail is good but it need more surrounding it to make the place a real draw 👍

[@tissaenduroadventures7425]

Good vid again, a lot of laughter, behind the screen too haha!! The flow trail and the last one seemed nice, the rest wasn't as good as I'd thought.... Better title for this video would be "two Scottish lads hating ophill descends" Laughed so much, Thanks!!!!!!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Awesome mate. I'm glad that came across. I was quite disappointed with the rest of the trails. We did have a good laugh though so it was worth it 👍

[@trialsiain]

Langholm just over the hill has some much rougher off pistes. Would recommend

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks mate. I've heard that. I'll need to get down there at some point soon 👍

[@distruggigomme75]

lovely video, thank for sharing!\

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thank you Marco. I appreciate the positivity 🙌

[@thelordjesuschrist5062]

I’m doing that route today so should be fun

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Let me know how you got on!

[@thelordjesuschrist5062]

@@streetpigeonmtb i must admit there was a lot of fire roads which at some points made me give up but there were some good descents

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I agree. Too much fire road in truth. Glad you enjoyed the descents 👍

[@drjarvis2003]

Hi Jamie, just a check in to tell you about the range of the Vitus e sommet bike that i was on when i meet you up at the Glofie a couple of weeks ago and it looks like you could squeeze 7000feet of climbing on it if you keep it in eco all day. I did 6400 when it started at minus 1 degrees and had to use trail mode twice for a while too.Even then i came home with 2 bars left at that point, although i think it was due to drop to 1 soon. Hope this helps answer you question, cheers!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Nice mate. That's a pretty decent haul for sure. Hope you've been out enjoying the dry trails mate 👍

[@drjarvis2003]

@@streetpigeonmtb Yes, Golfie on Friday and Inners and Glenbenna on sunday. Too dry now though!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Ha ha. I know just what you mean. Those trails are mega sketchy in the dry when loose rock litters the trail!

[@crowmountainbiking9926]

It was loose then....Another top notch edit.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah. I realised I said the word loose about 300 times 🤣 I'm more excited about the next edit though. Getting the weekends footage together this week!

[@AdamRogers3091]

Nice vid mate, I love just about as far away from Scotland as I can be, but always enjoy your vids! What was the instrumental at around 10 mins? Ps shouldn’t complain too much about the descent, in the south east the biggest descent near me is 400m tops! Ha

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks man. I get all the music from Epidemic Sounds. They have some great stuff although it isn't cheap!

[@deancarr509]

I go down there were a bit. I find it quite remote and enjoy it. There is a number we deli/cafe in the village for apres.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I'd like it more if there was a lot less fireroad. I guess the terrain posed limitations for the build 👍

[@deancarr509]

@@streetpigeonmtb yeah I can see its probably not challenging enough for the Endro/downhill rider, but if you just like riding trails is a beautiful setting its a very nice place to visit. The village newcastleton or Copshaw Holm (its original name) feels like its been lost in time !!!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

That's no bad thing. Nice to have those wee protected spots 😁

[@andylanigan5267]

Seems like a lot of pedalling for little descent Jamie, not somewhere I'd plan to go for the day I think, great review and vid as ever though 🤙

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah. I tried to be as honest as I could be. Undoubtedly that flow trail is good. Unfortunately there just isn't that variety that's needed. Far too much fireroad climbing 👍

[@Chr1sc00k3]

I was just wandering how long it actually took you to ride the whole red root?

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I'm not sure. Felt like a couple of hours though. There should be a Strava link in the video description. You could look at that. It'll give you moving time at least 👍

[@Chr1sc00k3]

@@streetpigeonmtb oh right cheers good vid anyways mate

[@Chr1sc00k3]

@@streetpigeonmtb I think I might be doing it tommorow that’s all 🤣

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Nice man. Hope you enjoy it 👍

[@kevinwood8021]

Got to go so you know. Honest as ever Jamie, nae for me👊

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Totally understand. For your level of riding you'd be disappointed mate 👍

[@mjbbell]

I do have pics of the old north shore they used to have

[@streetpigeonmtb]

No way? I remember a few of the places had north shore. I seem to remember there was some up at Mabie. There was definitely some hidden away in Glentress 👍

[@mitchb77]

What are your Gopro settings mate?

[@streetpigeonmtb]

What do you need to know?

[@mitchb77]

@@streetpigeonmtb Fps and Protune please!!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

It's not to hand but as I remember... 4K30, GoPro Colour, WB 5500k (adjust this if it is pure sun), MIN ISO 400, MAX ISO 3200, EV comp 0 (adjust per conditions), Shutter Auto, Hypersmooth on. Think that is what you'll need.

[@mitchb77]

@@streetpigeonmtb Thanks mate I appreciate that!

[@mitchb77]

@@streetpigeonmtb I’ve been using 24fps with 1/48 shutter speed which works well to give me some nice motion blur but it only works in dark woodland!!

[@archiesgmarshall]

If I were in the area for a holiday or a weekend, I’d definitely check it out. But it definitely seems like a place to take younger ones or beginner riders. Shame that it is situated very far away from these more built up places that could benefit from a facility like this. Looks like fun though when on the downhills

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah. I'd defo think about heading down there with my kids, make a wee day trip out of it for them 👍

[@robinparker5163]

Ottoerburn is very close and is a place with holiday homes and is only about 20-30 minutes away and it’s a very nice place if u are wanting to stay close by

[@scoobie2711]

Was there to try out the new trail, epic fun but that's where it ended on that trail, has great potential but just now it's too flat.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah, I'm with you mate 👍

[@scoobie2711]

@@streetpigeonmtb on another note, hammer time & thunderstruck are running epic, get down before the rain comes lol

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I rode Thunderstruck the other night. Amazing! I need to ride Hammer Time whilst it's good 👍

[@scoobie2711]

@@streetpigeonmtb running epic, dry with great flowing

[@streetpigeonmtb]

That is brilliant. Last time I rode it the thing was un-rideable (for me). I ended up pushing down in and went home in a huff 🤣🤣🤣

[@trailsfromthedarkside6460]

Thats a cool wee section, but l find Newcaslteton a bit boring. Nice to chalk it off the list, but not somewhere l’d go out my way too ride. Top video as always though. Ride Safe dude. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤙

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Hey mate. I'd tend to agree with you. The flow trail itself shows what potential there is. Too much fire road and not enough descent for my liking 👍

[@trailsfromthedarkside6460]

@@streetpigeonmtb yup. Agreed. The pedally bits are just so l can go down again. 😂 The pedal to mental ratio is all wrong. 😁 Keep up the great work mate.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I like that - pedal to mental ratio 🤣

[@doonhilla]

Kielder is like that. Quite a bit of climbing for not much descending, and nothing designated that is technical. More family orientated i reckon.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I was thinking about heading there. Is there any off piste trails at Kielder?

[@doonhilla]

@@streetpigeonmtb I'm not 100% sure tbh. I know there is a DH track which is supposed to pretty gnar, and there has been enduro races held there so i guess. The red/blue etc are very tame, as is the black really, it's just long.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks mate.

[@doonhilla]

@@streetpigeonmtb For the extra hour and a bit of travel i would go to Hamsterley if you haven't been there already. There is a lot of off piste stuff there, and i mean a lot.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I have been there but only scratched the surface mate. The guys at Bird are down there so hopefully we will get a few trips there this year 👍

[@archiesgmarshall]

It would have been much nicer if these new sections of trail had been instead invested at Glentress or Innerleithen, considering how rough and worn out the trails at GT etc have become

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Agreed. Both those places need loads of investment.

[@spudvader]

So...would you say it was loose? Lol

[@streetpigeonmtb]

🤣 Did I not mention that? 😜🤣

[@ashleyholland4853]

You need a ebike!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Ha ha. Rode one for the first time properly on Friday. They make climbing a lot of fun 🤙😁

[@ashleyholland4853]

@@streetpigeonmtb got YT decoy last year. Game changer at 52 years.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

I bet mate. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the ebike was the restrictor. I felt it came in too early. Not an issue on steep trails but a pain on faster, flowy trails. I hear you can de-restrict them... Not that I'm condoning that of course! 😜

[@ashleyholland4853]

@@streetpigeonmtb takes a bit of getting use to. There is a move to try and get the limit up to 20.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Yeah. That would be a worthwhile change 😁

[@daveandmerlin]

Could be a great place for some people but looks Boring AF ....one mans meat is another man's poison and all that . Get back to Golfie ASAP !

[@streetpigeonmtb]

🤣 Fair play bud. I'm trying to make sure I get to every place possible. No doubt some will have less appeal than others... Just wait until the next vid though!!!

[@daveandmerlin]

@@streetpigeonmtb good man .