Innerleithen

Official FLS waymarking: one red-graded XC and four 'extreme' double-black downhill tracks (Matador, Cresta Run, Gold Run, Make or Brake, plus Double D optional line). The Golfie / Caberston Forest is overwhelmingly unofficial, community-built natural trails - unsanctioned and Trailforks-mapped (Trailforks catalogues roughly a couple of pro, ~49 black, a few red and a handful of blue/green lines there).

Beginner split: ride the lower/greener Golfie lines or, better, relocate to Glentress (green/blue network) - the Innerleithen DH and Golfie core are not beginner terrain. Advanced split: full extreme DH tracks off Plora Rig plus the Golfie natural enduro web. Descent-only riders use Adrenalin Uplift shuttles (weekends/events) to lap the DH side without climbing.

Best suited to confident intermediate-to-expert riders; genuine beginners and families are better served at nearby Glentress. Works well for small experienced groups doing shuttle laps.

Predominantly natural forest surface - loam, roots, rock and off-camber - on steep hillsides, supplemented by some machine-built berms, jumps and rollable features on the graded tracks.

Steep loamy chutes, exposed roots, rock slabs, off-camber and drop-offs at sustained gradient; full-face helmet, gloves and body armour are strongly recommended on the DH tracks. Exposure is technical rather than high-alpine (tree cover throughout).

Official XC and DH tracks are waymarked with 7stanes signage from the car park. The Golfie natural trails are unmarked and unsigned - riders rely on Trailforks GPS mapping and local knowledge.

Busy on uplift weekends and race days; The Golfie and midweek riding are noticeably quieter, though the natural trails have a strong local following.

Effectively year-round given low elevation (under ~600 m); occasional winter snow/ice and hard frosts, and steep trails get very wet and muddy through winter.

Rideable year-round; spring through autumn generally best, with autumn offering prime tacky loam conditions.

Regular host of Scottish Downhill Association and British/Scottish Downhill Series race rounds; hosted the British National Downhill Championships (2009, 2014). Autumn loam is the local signature condition.

Innerleithen Trails car park on Traquair Road (B709), EH44 6PW, about 1.5 km from Innerleithen village; roughly 50-60 min drive from Edinburgh.

Adrenalin Uplift (Scotland's largest MTB shuttle) runs weekend and event uplifts on the Innerleithen DH tracks from The Uplift Cabin in the trails car park - 16-seat minibuses with bike trailers, roughly every 15 min ~9:00-15:30. Drive-in via Edinburgh (~1 hr); bus services reach Innerleithen town. https://www.adrenalinuplift.co.uk/innerleithen

Bring a downhill/enduro bike with full-face helmet, gloves and body armour for the DH/Golfie terrain; carry your own water. Mobile signal is patchy within the forest.

Adrenalin Uplift cabin with basic facilities in the car park; fuller amenities (cafes, bike shops, food) in Innerleithen town, with more at Peebles and the Glentress Peel hub nearby.

Adrenalin Uplift (shuttles); Go Tweed Valley (destination hub/info); Glentress Peel and its bike shops/cafe; local bike shops and hire in Innerleithen/Peebles.

Steep 'extreme'-grade and unsanctioned natural trails carry high crash risk and are ridden at your own risk; hazards include roots/rock, other trail users, active forestry felling closures and diversions, ticks, and larch-disease biosecurity. Full protective kit strongly advised.

None required - self-guided riding. Coaching and guiding are optionally available from Tweed Valley operators.

Forest roads criss-cross the hillside and provide the main exits/rescue access. Nearest major hospital is Borders General Hospital, Melrose; use GPS/what3words to relay location to emergency services.