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In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about Glentress in Scotland in 2026. We absolutely loved visiting Glentress (we even visited for our honeymoon). It is an amazing place for activities like mountain biking, hiking, and glamping or just chilling our amongst nature.
We highly recommend a visit to Glentress. However, before your visit, there are some important things that you need to know. In this article, we will share everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip to Glentress in Scotland, including places to stay, things to do, prices, transport information, top tips, and much more.
We have also included booking links so that you can book your hotel directly. In this article, we use affiliate links. Please use our booking links to book your accommodation. Not only does this make it more convenient for your booking, but we also earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Don’t miss these dreamy Scottish lodges with hot tubs
Where is Glentress?
Glentress is located near Peebles in the beautiful Scottish border country. This area has very beautiful rolling hills covered in pine forests. Glentress is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Edinburgh.
Things to Do in Glentress
Glentress is an amazing destination for anyone who loves nature, wilderness, and adventures. There is a GoApe, mountain biking trails and some great places to stay in the area. Here is an in depth guide on things to do in Glentress:
1 Mountain Biking
One of the main activities in Glentress is mountain biking. Glentress has an amazing woodland hill with many epic mountain bike trails leading down the hill. There is a range of different level trails for people of all levels of experience. Trails include steep drops, tabletops, berms, and jumps. This is genuinely one of our favorite places for mountain biking in the world. You can bring your own mountain bike and ride the Glentress trails for free.
However, if you don’t have a mountain bike, there is also a mountain bike rental shop located next to Glentress Forest Lodges.From here, you can rent a range of different mountain bikes and also safety equipment such as helmets, shin pads, and more. They also sell bikes, accessories, and can help service bikes too.
Details: Glentress Alpine Bikes. Here are the prices for bike hire:
- Hardtail Hire £35 / per day
- Premium Hardtail Hire £45 / per day
- Full Suspension Hire From £65 / per day
- Premium Full Suspension Hire £85 / per day
- Full Suspension E-bike Hire £120 / per day
- Kids’ Hire (16-24 inch wheels) £20 / per day
If you have a car and a roof rack or bike rack, it is possible to drive up to the top of the mountain bike trails at Glentress and then ride down. If you have a partner, they can pick you up at the bottom and take your bike back to the top. Alternatively, you can ride all the way from the bottom up to the top of the trails using the road. It is very important that you don’t try to ride directly back up the trails because people will be coming down very fast, and this could be extremely dangerous.
2 Stretch your limits at Go Ape
Don’t miss our full guide to Go Ape in Scotland
If you are looking for an adventure and enjoy challenging yourself, we highly recommend a visit to Go Ape at Glentress. We really enjoyed visiting Go Ape in Scotland. This high-altitude, high-ropes adventure course offers a series of obstacles and challenges that are not for the faint of heart. All of this may sound very scary; however, we think you will really enjoy a visit to Go Ape.
All of the activities at Go Ape are done under the supervision of trained instructors, and you will need to wear safety equipment such as a harness and helmets. A visit to Go Ape is not only a great way to challenge yourself and overcome fears, but it is also an awesome way to enjoy the beautiful Scottish woodlands from a different perspective. So, if you are looking to get out of your comfort zone and enjoy something amazing, we highly recommend a visit to Go Ape in Glentress.
Go Ape Glentress offers a range of different personalized adventures so that you can pick an experience that suits you. At Go Ape Glentress you can do the Treetop Challenge which costs around £35. It takes around 2 hours and includes a range of platforms and aerial obstacles and a 325m zipline. There is a minimum age requirement of 10 years old. You can book directly on the Go Ape website and need to select a specific session when you book. There are generally a few times available throughout the day. If you do plan to visit Go Ape, wear comfortable fitted clothing and good shoes (trainers). Don’t wear loose jewelry or accessories.
3 Explore the beautiful trails hiking around Glentress
Glentress is also a beautiful area for hiking. If you love to hike around beautiful alpine woodlands trails, there are plenty of options in the area. However, we do recommend that you are very cautious when hiking in the area around the mountain bike trails. It is not safe to actually hike along a mountain bike trail, so you need to plan your route carefully. All of the mountain bike trails at Glentress have clear signs indicating that they are intended for mountain bikes. Therefore, do not attempt to hike on these trails.
We have included a map of some lovely hiking trails that you can use in the area, which will avoid mountain bikes. As always, hike with caution and prepare carefully. We recommend wearing good footwear as many of these trails can be rough and muddy. Also, prepare for the weather with a windproof and waterproof layer. The weather can be rainy, windy, and cold even in the summer at this location.
4 Grab a Bite to Eat at the Glentress Peel Cafe
If you are just looking for a relaxing and chilled experience at Glentress, then we highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat and a drink at the gorgeous Peel Cafe. The Peel Cafe serves a wide range of hot and cold drinks. They have awesome coffee and hot chocolate. They also serve a decadent range of hot and cold food, including items like breakfast, pancakes, tray bakes, nachos, and many other creative dishes.
5 Try Glamping
Glentress also offers some beautiful glamping lodges located right at the bottom of the mountain bike trails. The Glentress Forest Lodges offer simple and comfortable glamping experiences. The pods are cozy, but we wouldn’t describe them as luxurious.
These small wooden pods are very comfortable and cozy, featuring a large comfortable double bed. There is also a common area that includes a toilet block, showers, and a shared kitchen. The glamping pods also have an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your morning coffee with a view.
Expect to pay around £50 – £60 per night. Book directly on the Glentress Lodges website.
What are the best places to stay near Glentress?
1 The Green Tree Hotel
£60 – £120
The Green Tree Hotel, situated in the town of Peebles, is known for offering excellent value for money. This affordable hotel provides clean, simple, and comfortable rooms. The double room, typically priced around £70 to £90 per night, features a double bed, a flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom.
For families, the hotel offers a family room, which typically costs around £90 to £120 per night. This spacious room can accommodate up to four people, with a large double bed and two single beds, ensuring a comfortable stay for the whole family. Additionally, the hotel provides a single room option for around £60 per night. Guests staying in this room will enjoy a cozy and private space.
As an added benefit, the Green Tree Hotel includes a traditional English breakfast, featuring bacon, eggs, sausage, hash browns, beans, tomato, and black pudding. Guests can start their day with a satisfying meal before exploring the town. Conveniently located in town, the hotel is in close proximity to various amenities, including shops, cafes, and restaurants, ensuring that guests have easy access to everything they need during their stay.
2 Caddon View Country Guest House
£70 – £140
Caddon View Guest House is a highly affordable and stylish accommodation option near Glentress. It offers a range of rooms at attractive prices. The standard twin or double rooms, priced at around £110 per night, boast a vintage antique style with elegant furniture such as bedside table lamps and chairs. For a slightly higher rate of approximately £130 per night, the superior double room provides more space, a sofa, and large windows that offer a pleasant view of The Village. This room also includes an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub.
In addition, Caddon View Guest House has a single room available for around £60 per night. Guests can also opt for rooms that come with an excellent breakfast. The guest house itself is housed in a beautiful traditional building, radiating a sense of history and style. Its surroundings are adorned with lovely green gardens, adding to the overall appeal of the place. For the price, Caddon View Guest House is an excellent choice.
3 Peebles Hydro
£80 – £220
Peebles Hydro is an impressive and expansive 4 star hotel offering a wide range of excellent facilities and amenities. Guests can take advantage of an indoor Fitness Centre, an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a convenient car park. The hotel provides ample space for relaxation and enjoyment of its amenities.
The accommodation options at Peebles Hydro are diverse. The standard double or twin room, priced at around £110 to £120 per night, showcases a stylish and comfortable design. It offers spaciousness and features a large double bed, a desk with chairs, and a generously sized window that floods the room with natural light. An ensuite bathroom with a shower is also included.
For a more sophisticated experience, the feature double room is worth considering. Typically priced between £140 and £160 per night, this room provides extra space, additional furniture, and boasts large, impressive windows that offer breathtaking views and abundant natural light.
Traveling with a family? The family room, which accommodates up to three people, typically costs around £140 to £160 per night. It features a spacious layout, a large double bed, and a single bed. Families will appreciate the extra room to move around and relax.
As an added bonus, Peebles Hydro includes a delicious breakfast as part of the booking cost.
4 The Park
£120 – £160
The Park is an utterly charming hotel that exudes the elegance and style reminiscent of an English stately home. The grand building showcases traditional architecture, adorned with large windows that allow ample natural light to fill the space.
At The Park you can choose between a double room or a double room with a view. The standard double room, priced at around £120 to £140 per night, offers a spacious layout with a light interior design theme. The room features large windows, a desk and chair, and a non-suite bathroom equipped with a bathtub. For a slightly higher rate of approximately £140 to £160 per night, the double room with a view provides a scenic view of the majestic grounds. This room retains the spaciousness and charming aesthetics found throughout the hotel.
Adding to its appeal, The Park boasts an on-site restaurant serving delectable local Scottish cuisine and mouthwatering steaks. Additionally, there is a delightful bakery on-site, offering freshly baked goods that are sure to please. The hotel’s traditional regal interior design and the ambiance of a large stately home truly make it a remarkable choice.
5 Queen Mary’s Chamber
£410
Queen Mary’s Chamber is the epitome of luxury and indulgence, perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, or honeymoons. This unique option offers an entire house located beside a magnificent and historic castle. This dreamy holiday home costs £410 per night.
The house itself is a splendid retreat, featuring a private kitchen, balcony, garden view, and a charming bedroom adorned with a four-poster double bed. As a guest, you have the freedom to explore the castle and immerse yourself in the beauty of the scenic grounds surrounding it.
The house boasts a traditional and historical aesthetic, with antique furniture and vintage designs that exude elegance. The atmosphere is genuinely warm, cozy, and inviting, making you feel like royalty. Large sofas and an open fireplace add to the luxurious ambiance, while the four-poster bed provides a truly regal experience.
In addition to its lavish interiors, the house is beautifully furnished with a well-equipped kitchen, including a dishwasher, ensuring convenience during your stay. The presence of a beautiful bathroom and all the necessary amenities further contribute to a comfortable and luxurious experience.
Queen Mary’s Chamber promises an unforgettable and opulent stay, providing you with the perfect setting to create cherished memories.
What is the best way to get to Glentress?
The nearest big city is Edinburgh so we will describe how to get to Glentress from Edinburgh:
Drive: You can drive to Glentress. It is only around 40 minutes from edinburgh. There is a carpark located at the Glentress Peel Visitors Centre. Paying for parking can be frustrating here. We recommend pre-downloading the RingGo parking app and having it registered on your phone. Also bring pound coins too.
Bus: Edinburgh to Glentress. X62 Bus southbound on the A7 starting at Surgeon’s Hall. The bus passes through Peebles and then goes to Glentress.
If you are traveling from England the largest big city is Newcastle Upon Tyne. From here you can drive up the A68 through the Northumberland National Park. This is a very beautiful drive.
What is the best time of year to visit Glentress?
If you’re visiting Glentress it’s very important to pick your season carefully so that you can make the most of your experience.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Glentress brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, creating a beautiful landscape. The weather is generally mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. You can witness the rejuvenation of nature as wildlife becomes more active.
Summer (June to August): Summer offers long daylight hours, allowing plenty of time for outdoor adventures. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, making it ideal for activities like mountain biking, walking, and picnicking. You can enjoy the vibrant colors of nature and experience a bustling atmosphere. However, summer is the peak tourist season, so popular trails and attractions can be crowded. Mosquitoes and midges can also be intense. Use insect repellant.
Autumn (September to November): Leaves change to vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. The weather remains mild, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor pursuits. The trails are generally less crowded, providing a tranquil and serene experience. However, Rainfall increases during autumn, and some trails may become muddy or slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including cooler temperatures towards the later part of the season.
Winter (December to February): The weather is worse and the daylight hours are short in the winter. However, the trails are less crowded and you may even be able to enjoy snowy periods – these woods are stunning in the snow.
Safety tips for mountain biking in Glentress
Here’s a brief list of safety tips for mountain biking in Glentress:
- Wear safety gear: Always wear a properly fitted helmet and protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves to protect yourself in case of falls or accidents.
- Bike maintenance: Ensure your bike is in good working condition before hitting the trails. Check the brakes, tires, and gears regularly. Carry essential tools for quick repairs on the go.
- Know your skill level: Choose trails that match your skill level and gradually progress to more challenging ones as you gain experience and confidence. Don’t push beyond your limits too quickly.
- Read trail signs: Follow the trail signs and markers to stay on designated routes and avoid getting lost or venturing into restricted areas. Pay attention to warning signs for potential hazards. Stay within your experience level (the trails are colour coded to help)
- Ride with a buddy: It’s always safer to ride with a companion or in a group. If you’re riding alone, inform someone about your plans and expected return time.
- Be aware of other riders and hikers: Stay alert and be considerate of other trail users. Yield to uphill riders and hikers, and pass them with caution and courtesy.
- Stay hydrated and nourished: Carry enough water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout your ride. Take regular breaks to rest and refuel.
- Be mindful of weather conditions: Check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Dress appropriately and carry extra layers in case of temperature drops or rain.
- Carry a mobile phone and emergency essentials: Keep a fully charged mobile phone with you for emergencies. Carry a first aid kit, a map or GPS device, and a whistle to attract attention if needed.
