Make or Brake - Fast XC route at Innerleithen

Better known for the downhill tracks like Matador, Gold Run and the Cresta Run Innerleithen offers the best advanced XC trail centre riding in the Tweed Valley.

The black route now has lots of red options, making it even better for groups but some people still find the trail length a little daunting.

Rather than fighting for a parking space at Glentress and queuing at the top of Spooky Wood why not try our alternative big fun (but short) loop at Innerleithen. This ride takes in some of the up from the XC route and uses the Make or Brake DH route and Cadon Bank on the way down. Think a beefy take on red grade Spooky Wood at Glentress and you’ve got it!

Starting from the car park follow the XC trail up past the first fire road, the little rock steps of the Stell Burn climb add a little spice to the ascent. Soon you are climbing back up through the woods, a more gentle slope rises up over more rock steps onto a good hard pack trail, there are more dips here and the going is easier. Drop through the giant bomb hole in the disused quarry at the end of the Taniel Hill climb or take the chicken run to the left to avoid the jump. If you take the left hand track through the trees here you can detour around an impressive North Shore style drop or go for it if you’re feeling gung-ho.

The trail arrows point you around to the left, up hill again, and past the Southern Upland Way. Just after the S.U.W dip back into the forest on your left, follow the trail to the next fire road. At this fire road turn left, you’ve got about 1.5km of easy fire road to go, keep an eye to your right as this road cuts through all the D.H routes. You’ll end up at a metal gate that usually bars the way to vehicles but just before this you’ll take a right up the well surfaced Make or Brake push up track, this gets a little steep at a couple of the switchbacks but it will take you out at the top of Make or Brake run.

Pay heed to the signage advising body armour and FS bikes but as long as you keep your speed in check you can roll over all the doubles, step ups and tabletops that await your descent through the trees. You cross a fire road and continue down a more open section of Make or Brake. You can pause for a breather by the DD (Dicks Dinner Party) sign. DD is a little gnarlier than Make or Brake but still spits you out at the top of Cadon Bank. A couple of rock steps start the Cadon Bank descent and there are a few big drops around the corner, taken at a comfortable speed you should be able to spot the easy options if you so desire. Switchbacks, berms and little rock step downs channel you all the way back to the car park.