This is Scotland's Biggest MTB Destination || Exploring Glentress and Innerleithen

In this episode of Scotty’s Scotland Showcase we’re in Scotland’s MTB epicentre, the Tweed Valley where we’ll be exploring Glentress and Innerleithen.
Glentress was one of the first ever MTB trail centres I ever visited. It’s got something for everyone from the rider starting out on a balance bike right up to the seasoned pro. To showcase the variation on offer, we explored the range of Glentress’ offerings, machine made trails, trail centre trails and hand cut trails. I’ll admit it was fun just having a session in the Freeride park!
Next we headed to the Golfy, made famous by the EWS, all the trails here are entirely natural and hand built and maintained. Watching the scene develop here has been mind blowing, it started out with one trail and has grown to trails being everywhere in the forest. The passionate locals and trail association vigorously work to make it as good as it is. I rode 3 trails here, Avalance is steep, technical and loose. New York New York is fast and flowing before diving in the trees where it gets tight. 2nd Base has huge hand built berms that flow incredibly well. If you love natural trails then this is the place for you.
Traquair Forest is the home of Downhill in the Tweed Valley. I first came here in 2002 and some of the trails are still there. The Road Gap is a classic and we had a real fun session on this before dropping into the Gold Run! The Gold takes you through the tight plantation trees all the way down to the Arena where in my first race I crashed and DNF!
Riding here brought back a lot of memories and I can’t wait to see how the Tweed Valley continues to develop as a destination for MTB’ers!
The entire series is being created carbon neutral. All our journey emissions will be offset and the advertising revenue generated from you watching this series will be split between planting more native trees in Scotland and the local trail associations.
Want to plant some trees for yourself: treesforlife.org.uk/groves/36...
All these rides are recorded on komoot so you can do them for yourself.
Collection link: bit.ly/SSSTweedValley
This series has been made possible with the support of Shimano, komoot, Schwalbe, SCOTT Sports and Thule.
#ScottysScotlandShowcase
‪@RideShimano‬ ‪@komoot‬ ‪@SchwalbeBikeTires‬ ‪@scottsports‬ ‪@thule‬
Episode 1 - Perthshire, • The BEST Hand Built MT...
Episode 2 - Aberdeenshire, • The Finest Singletrack...
Episode 3 - The Cairngorms, • The Largest Variation ...
Episode 4 - North Highlands, • The 'Easiest' Adventur...
Episode 5 - Lochaber, • Discovering Some of Sc...
Episode 6 - The Tweed Valley, • This is Scotland's Big...
Directed and Produced by Scotty Laughland
Filmed by Glen Thomson
Edited by Glen Thomson + Max Rendall
Still Imagery by Jonny Cook
Archive Imagery by Ian Linton
Graphics by Scott Muirhead

[@ScottyLaughland]

So how about Season 2, what and where would you like to see?

[@scotty-sb1403]

All of the uk then venture around the ski resorts in France etc??

[@robjugovic]

Canada, Squamish, Utah, Colorado👌 and that's coming from an Aussie 😉

[@LorieMTB]

Lesser known riding locations in Scotland

[@wayneemslie8904]

Trossachs (Aberfolye, Balquhidder), Skye, Dumfries (Ae, Mabie), Fisherfield

[@robertdavis5229]

Dunkeld, Aberdeenshire Smaller Venues ie Scolty, Aboyne. Skye...

[@Erik54321]

finnaly some quality footage of glentress

[@ScottyLaughland]

Stoked you enjoyed it!

[@scottmccann4509]

I love cleaning my bike after a hard day out on the trails - said no one ever 😂😜....... Great footage as always, spectacular views and particularly love the slo-mo showing your skills, balance and even bike flexing 👌

[@michelenardo1221]

I actually love working on my bike!! ahaha

[@ScottyLaughland]

😆😆😆 I mean we filmed this in summer! Thanks for watching!! Stoked you’ve enjoyed the series...

[@mtb4lif-nevertooold]

We were able to visit Interleithen last April from your review. My mate and I had the time of our life. I live in Texas USA and don't get to enjoy such a place often. If anyone has the opportunity go, plan on several days to take in Glentress and Interleithen. The Scotland people were some of the most welcome and friendly.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Ahh man, I'm so stoked to read comments like this! Glad you had a good time and were properly welcomed...

[@jw3558]

Hi man, just saying hi from France, i really don't know much about Scotland but, damn, i which i would hit those trails ! very nice shots in the video, amazing landscape, nice riding, loved it ! i'll follow your channel carefully. take care

[@ScottyLaughland]

Hey man! Thank you, stoked you’ve found the channel and enjoyed the videos!

[@Jcscoob]

The whole series was brilliant….thanks to all involved :))

[@samueldekruijf2305]

So epic man! Congrats on this achievement, storylines always on point and the quality of riding is sick! However, the thing I most liked is just the fun you have riding and vibing with your mates making this, that feeling translated really nicely through the screen! Can’t wait to discover the places myself😎

[@bachirsouccar8224]

Thank you Scotty for these wonderful episodes , and congratulations for the amazing work ! 😍❤

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you, thanks for your support and appreciation in it!

[@easyrider75]

What a series, epic locations! Can’t wait for a second series. Loving your channel.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you Tim!

[@frazzy8554]

Fabulous series, can't wait until season 2!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks 🙏

[@scotty-sb1403]

Great episode..hopefully the tweed valley will recover after the damage from the storm. Hopefully one day soon the hills will be open again 😞

[@ScottyLaughland]

I'm sure it will, we just need to give it time.

[@garioch_gravel_rider7376]

Brilliant series Scotty... Bring on season 2!!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Time to get me thinking cap on 🎩

[@JoesBikesUK]

Another great video Scotty, very impressive work from yourself and the crew, you should be proud of what you have achieved.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you Joe! It's been a team effort alright and I'm stoked with how it's worked out!

[@heidicolburn6222]

Thanks for your videos, my husband and I are going to these trails Sept 9th the last two days of our Scotland vacation. We are from Canada and he is beside himself excited to go. He is ticking off a bunch on his bucket list Ben Nevis, Dify , and Glentress etc

[@ScottyLaughland]

Ahh you’re very welcome! Feel free to check out the remainder of the videos from this playlist, you should find them very helpful and they .gps files are all available to download. Have a great trip and thank you for watching!

[@lewisdoyle4297]

epic viewing mate roll on the good weather next summer al be checking out all of these locations for sure.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Lewis, stoked to hear that! I’m missing that summer sunshine too!!

[@wayneemslie8904]

Too right, do another series, you have to! Skye is surely worth a look in or Harris. What a series though, really really enjoyed it and by the looks of it so did all you guys making it. Beautiful and varied locations/trails, very professionally shot and I think the weekly release was a great idea too as I looked forward to the next one instead of binge watching them all.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Wayne, I’m stoked to hear that. Plans are in motion, here’s hoping it all comes together!

[@roomwworkshop]

I'm really looking forward to visiting some of the trails in Scotland. I can't wait to watch your coming videos here.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Ahh Willy that’s ace to hear! Stoked your enjoyed the series and want to come visit...

[@seantaylormtb7170]

Thanks Scott, great series and given planning a few trips north next year going to use this as something of a guide.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Sean! Stoked you’ve enjoyed it and it’s give you some new locations to ride at...

[@colinross3755]

What a series Scotty - so good you’ve done yourself, Scotland and MTB very proud, every episode is first class - time to watch them all back to back and wait for season 2 - good on ya 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ScottyLaughland]

Cheers Colin, I'm stoked to hear that you've enjoyed it this much! It's been an effort but totally worth it...

[@colinross3755]

@@ScottyLaughland Definitely worth it - something about your videos meant they came across very original, so you’ve done a great job - pleasure to watch 👌

[@scottmh]

Man what a lovely film again !

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you dude! Hope you can come and visit one day!! 🙏

[@stellaprs]

Just don't come at the minute all the forest park is closed after storm Arwen !

[@bachirsouccar8224]

We definitely need to watch season 2 !! These episodes are so beautiful to watch and informative at the same time ,the most important thing is that the trails can be ridden by all the types of riders (from xc till dh riders ) and the most enjoyable thing is that you've ridden all types of mtbikes ( spark , ransom , gambler )😍🔥

[@adamsatur7277]

Agreed. Captured the beauty of each area brilliantly, and the broader communities they're part of, while keeping the focus on the best parts of the trails. Nice seeing them ridden on things which aren't just the biggest of big bikes, too. :)

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you and thank you so much for all of your support in following the series... Starting to think of ideas, watch this space! 🙏 Oh and got something cool coming up in the next few weeks...

[@dougiehain9697]

👏👏👏 Great series

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Dougie! 🤙

[@MTBFORLIFE516]

U got ur self a new subscriber I love Scotland (especially for the bike trails).

[@ScottyLaughland]

Welcome aboard! Watch out for a new series dropping this week!

[@peterwarren7407]

Really enjoyed the videos you’ve posted,you make the riding look so easy lol even though they are pretty gnarly trails😵‍💫👍

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you Peter! Stoked you enjoyed them. Sad this series has come to an end...

[@jamesd5066]

Very very very nice trail, technical and fast as i like👍👍👍 You MUST do a second season !!!!!😜 And share your passion Big thanks to you 👏👏👏 and your crew , for all this great episodes

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you James! Working on it and ideas...

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Great Stuff Scotty 🚴🏿‍♂️ enjoyed the videos Buddy 🚴🏿‍♂️😜👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you for all the support, stoked you enjoyed them! 👌

[@supersonicsimi2935]

Excellent series, really well shot, and the views are amazing, showcases how great Scotland is for mountain biking. Would love to see some more off-piste stuff around Scotland, maybe linking in with the work DBMinS are doing on unauthorised trails.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you, stoked to hear you’ve enjoyed it! There’s a series in the new year coming on DMBinS channel which will portray some of the work work they’re doing with businesses and also Trail Associations!

[@captainudo9564]

We are visiting Scotland in part due to your series. Unfortunately, having hurt myself, we've left our bikes behind. Luckily, there are "some" bikers to watch since world championships are taking place right now. We'll need to come back! Cheers from ze Germans

[@traildogisla]

Yes to session 2!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Working on it!

[@davidscullion2379]

Loved this scotty

[@ScottyLaughland]

Cheers David

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks David

[@JackEvans98]

Having raced the EWS Tweed Valley, I have to say Inners is my favourite place to ride in the UK! There’s nothing like it!

[@ScottyLaughland]

There’s nothing quite like it but there sure are some good alternatives popping up. Aberdeenshire is the closest I’d say right now, it’s rad up there!

[@Sleeper.collective]

Yeeewwww 👍

[@ScottyLaughland]

🔥 🔥🔥

[@Pozitivi]

Dope 🤘

[@ScottyLaughland]

🙏

[@Pozitivi]

@@ScottyLaughland 🎯🔮🎈🤘

[@brucemacdonald5532]

Season 2 for sure!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Working on it!! 💥

[@m__r1100]

🤘🤘🤘

[@ScottyLaughland]

🤙🤙🤙

[@connortillott7625]

I love the tweed valley I got a tone of family that live in the borders so I love to bring my bike up and ride places like glentress and inners with them

[@ScottyLaughland]

That’s a good place to have family and go on holiday!

[@kcrymble]

Planning a roadtrip next year for a week or so - see how things have changed. Grew up in Aviemore (before there were good trails,) and also lived in Innerleithen for the best part of 10 years (when I didn't mountain bike!)

[@ScottyLaughland]

Hell yeh! That’s awesome to hear... You’ll love it, things have changed massively in the last 10 years or so!!

[@jeddartjusticemtb6676]

Really enjoyed the series.I will be visiting comrie and Dunkeld in the summer 22👍 Have to mention the quality of the videography was epic well done 👍 Maybe an idea for series 2 is do it all again but visit some of the lesser known trails 😉

[@ScottyLaughland]

Great shout! Some planning to do to make it happen!! Watch this space... Thanks for watching the series! 🤟

[@jeddartjusticemtb6676]

@@ScottyLaughland The Cheviot hills starting from Scottish side of border (Hownam ,Kirk yetholm has some gold to be discovered . Hit me up for some route suggestions

[@scblurlt1962]

season 2 .... yes please

[@ScottyLaughland]

Working on it!

[@snat6299]

Keep it going

[@ScottyLaughland]

Working on it for sure

[@yannickkienstra9303]

Epic series Scotty. But this last episode really hurts. We’ve been planning a visit to Glenntress/Innerleithen for 1,5years now. Unfortunately COVID doesn’t allow us to take the ferry from NL to the UK… The trails look absolutely amazing. Hopefully next year will be better. This really makes me wanna ride!

[@scotty-sb1403]

Unfortunately you wouldn’t be able to ride the trails now anyway as the storm Arwen has wiped out almost all the trails in the tweed valley. May be a long time before it gets back to what it was. If it ever does 😞

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Yannick! I’m stoked you’ve enjoyed the series... I’m crossing my fingers that you’ll make it over here next year to sample just how good are trails are. 🤙

[@lukavsoundseeker1642]

Great piece of work from You and Your team Scotty! Gutted that its over already! And yeah definitely season 2 has to happen! P. S. Definitely gonna try some of those destinations! Could You maybe recommend which locations from the series would suit better for hardtail? Cause that's what I ride at the moment.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! Stoked you’ve enjoyed it. I’d say it depends on your riding ability, everything is possible but some may be more enjoyable than others!

[@marc2381]

😊

[@vkvitalykainov6497]

Scotty hi 👋 cool video 💪

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! ✌️

[@stephenkesterton5165]

Tweed Valley, If Carlsberg did MTB, what more can you say: AWESOME😁👌👍 I feel Blessed to be within driving distance every wee😎k

[@ScottyLaughland]

It’s good, got a bit of everything and No.1 is always a highlight😜

[@malcolmfrew7460]

Great video, (and series) but I wonder how many of these trails will still be around after the damage from storm Arwen!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! Here’s hoping that they’re salvageable!! I’ve heard things are looking up in some places...

[@flyteszn2425]

please visit kemback woods in fife fabulous location needs to be more known.

[@andrewcrookes5775]

Really appreciate the Vids Scotty just a quick question are you doing or have you knowledge of Argyll and Bute for a Video. 👍

[@ScottyLaughland]

I don’t but if you do have any recommendations I’d love to hear them...

[@lukedriscoll7748]

How about an episode on Invernesshire - Learnie, Strathpeffer, Golspie, Glen Affric...

[@ScottyLaughland]

I know less about these areas! There is a second season coming tho…

Beautiful trails and great riding! Have you deactivated Twinloc from the fork on that Ransom or is it working as tuned from factory? Keep up the good work!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! I built this one without a Twinloc fork or shock. It’s a Grip 2 38 fork and a Float X shock, feels really great on the bike and I love having the extra control and adjustability to really dial the bike in...

[@paarasit8854]

Hey scotty Does the ransom have space for the new Flot X damper?

[@ScottyLaughland]

It does indeed and it’s what I’ve been riding on most of the summer! I love it!!

[@jordanwilcox4723]

Is that a scott spark?

[@David-kf6qc]

I have added 6 new songs of this episode to the Spotify Playlist „Scotty’s Scotland Showcase“

[@ScottyLaughland]

You’re a legend David! 🙌

[@mtb4lif-nevertooold]

We are planning a trip to Scotland last week of April, due travel booked, would be difficult to ride only on Saturday or Sunday. Is that the only days park is open End of April 2023 Innerleithen and Glentress?

[@ScottyLaughland]

I’m not sure when the new Glentress trails open!

[@paulgittens5831]

What kind of bike are you riding?

[@ScottyLaughland]

I’m on the Spark, the Ransom and the Gambler. All from SCOTT and built to my specifications, you should check out some of the build videos!

[@connorlindsay5528]

Amazing video. Can't place your accent are you from Scotland originally?

[@ScottyLaughland]

Yip sure am, lived here my whole life!

[@Snakebitey]

WHY IS YOUR TALKING SO QUIET AND YOUR MUSIC SO LOUD?!