By Alex Feechan
As a woman in her 50s who loves mountain biking, I’ve discovered that the trails I ride aren’t just about physical challenge; they’re about freedom, connection, and joy. Riding has shaped who I am and inspired much of what we do at FINDRA: creating outdoor clothing that empowers women to embrace every adventure, no matter their age.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to ride my bike in some truly unforgettable places. From my home in the Tweed Valley to the Highlands and beyond, each trail offers something unique. Here are some of my absolute favourites.
1. Minch Moor Climb, Innerleithen
One of my local rides, the Minch Moor climb, is a true test of grit. It’s a steady, determined ascent through forests and open hillside that demands patience more than speed. As I’ve got older, I’ve come to appreciate climbs like this; they’re meditative, rhythmical, and a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be rushed.
You are well rewarded for your efforts when you reach the summit of the Minch Moore. the views from the top are breathtaking, stretching out across the Tweed Valley. It’s the kind of ride that grounds you, reminding you of the power of persistence.
Trail details:
- Distance: ~2.7–3 km uphill singletrack
- Elevation gain: ~150 m
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Rated: Red, “uphill only”
Average time: ~26 minutes
👉 Trailforks – Minch Moor Climb
2. Gypsy Glen Trail, Peebles
The Gypsy Glen trail feels wild and remote, despite being so close to Peebles. Rolling singletrack leads you into open moorland with sweeping skies and a real sense of freedom.
This trail is especially beautuufl at this time of year when the hillsides are covered in glorious purple heather. This is the sort of trail that reconnects me with the sheer joy of biking, no pressure, just the wind on your face, the crunch of tyres, and the beauty of the Scottish Borders landscape and lots of sweet singletrack.
Trail details:
- Distance: ~21.2 km loop
- Elevation gain: ~513 m
- Max elevation: ~533 m
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Rating: Intermediate / Moderate physical effort
Terrain: mix of forest road, moorland track, singletrack
👉 Trailforks – Gypsy Glen Route
3. Glenlivet, Cairngorms
Glenlivet is one of those places that always puts a smile on my face. Set in the heart of the Cairngorms, the trails are flowing, fun, and beautifully designed to make the most of the landscape. Long, sweeping descents roll through forests and across open hillsides, giving you that perfect mix of speed and scenery.
What I love most about Glenlivet is its accessibility. The red trail offers enough challenge to keep you on your toes, but it’s not intimidating — it’s the kind of ride where you can really find your rhythm and just enjoy being out on the bike. There’s also a blue route, ideal if you want a gentler spin or are riding with mixed abilities.
At this stage in life, I’ve learned that mountain biking doesn’t always have to be about tackling the hardest, rockiest trails. Sometimes it’s about pure flow, the feeling of freedom, and finishing the ride with energy to spare and a big grin on your face — and Glenlivet delivers all of that.
Trail details:
- Red trail: ~22 km of flowing singletrack with berms, rollers, and open hillside sections
- Blue trail: ~9 km, easier climbs and descents, perfect for building confidence
- Facilities: café, bike hire, car park, skills area
👉 Glenlivet Estate - Mountain Biking
4. Laggan Wolftrax, Cairngorms
To be honest, this was a trail I wasn’t sure I could (or would) ride. But I was pleasantly surprised. Knowing there are always “chicken runs” available, I felt free to just ride my bike and enjoy the experience.
Laggan offers a brilliant mix of flowing singletrack, technical features, and varied difficulty levels, which makes it a great day out for riders of all abilities. The Black Route is iconic — and while it can feel daunting, sometimes stepping a little outside your comfort zone is where the real adventure lies.
For me, it’s about riding within my own limits, not worrying if I can’t master every technical section, and focusing on the joy of the ride. Because no matter what, you’ll still finish with a huge smile on your face.
Trail details:
- Over 20 miles / 32 km of singletrack
- Green (easy): 4.5 km
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Red: 13.4 km
Black: expert-only, steep rock slabs, drop-offs
👉 Forestry & Land Scotland – Laggan Wolftrax
5. Whinlatter, Lake District
Whinlatter is one of the Lake District’s hidden gems. The trails climb steadily through the forest before opening into fast, flowing descents, with wide views across the fells.
It’s a perfect balance of effort and reward, with routes to suit both intermediate and advanced riders. Every time I ride here, I leave with that satisfying mix of tired legs and a huge grin.
Trail details:
- Blue Quercus Trail: ~6.7 km
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Red Altura Trail: ~19 km total (North + South loops)
Terrain: forest singletrack, climbs, flowing descents, technical features
👉 Forestry England – Whinlatter MTB Trails
6. Comrie Croft, Perthshire
Comrie Croft is one of my favourite Scottish trail centres, blending natural feeling singletrack with purpose-built features. The trails wind through ancient woodland and open up to fantastic views across Perthshire.
What I love most is the variety. From fun blue loops to technical red and black trails, there’s something for every rider. Add to that the skills park, café, bike shop, and eco accommodation, and you’ve got the perfect place for a weekend adventure. It’s welcoming, relaxed, and always leaves me wanting to come back.
A nice little extra is the sauna and cold water bath, which sit in the surrouning woodland! And the cake selection at the cafe is outstanding, always one that wins me over!!
Trail details:
- ~21 km of trails (blue, red, black options)
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Skills park with berms, rock gardens & pump track
Facilities: café, bike shop & hire, eco accommodation
👉 Comrie Croft Trail Map
Why These Trails Matter to Me
For me, riding in my 50s isn’t about racing or proving a point. It’s about the joy of movement, the mental clarity that comes with being outdoors, and the reminder that age is no barrier to adventure.
Whether it’s the climb of Minch Moor, the wild beauty of Torridon, or the flow of Comrie Croft, these trails each bring something different. Together, they represent the best of what mountain biking can be: freedom, challenge, and community.
If you’re planning your next ride, I’d wholeheartedly recommend any of these trails. Take your time, soak up the views, and enjoy every moment in the saddle. The trail doesn’t care how old you are, it just invites you to ride.
Further Resources: Plan Your Own MTB Adventure
If this blog has inspired you to get out on your bike, here are some useful links to help you explore Scotland’s incredible trail network:
- Trailforks – Global Trail Maps (interactive MTB trail maps, user reviews, GPX downloads)
- Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) (trail guides, events, MTB community news)
- VisitScotland – Mountain Biking (overview of Scotland’s top MTB destinations)
- Forestry & Land Scotland – MTB Trail Centres (maps, facilities, and updates for Scotland’s managed trail centres)
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Podcast
The Tough Girl Podcast is always worth a mention and an episode from September last year is especially worth highlighting for all MTB lovers. Josie Fouts shares her story as an athlete, mentor, and advocate in the mountain biking world. Not only is she pushing for greater visibility, she’s also trailblazing for MTB to become a Paralympic sport.
Favourite Quote
Favourite Song
Edie Brikell and New Bohemians - What I am
An old one but a good one. I heard this song recently and was reminded of how much I love it, which take me back to my student days, which feels like a lifetime ago!
