The Phoenix Trail, Red Route

Distance 10 miles

Mabie has a little bit of everything. Classic single track, rooty natural sections, trail centre roller coaster berms, the odd 'black' balance beam, chutes and drop offs. It's a short course around 10 miles long but it's an extremely fun packed 10 miles. It's technically fairly easy, but the harder you go, the harder it gets - so if your into big speed - Mabie can be adrenaline pumping fun. I’ve read here and there that Mabie's best left until it's dry to ride. Where that may be true for the Namby Pambies who fear mud and the odd slippery rock and root, that’s certainly not the case. Mabie is brilliant fun in all weather conditions. And if your from Dumfries, it's only a 5 mile cycle on a flat(ish) road warm up before you begin. I’ve been riding this trail for many years, long before it was trail centered. And I have to say, it's still my favorite trail - and what a bonus - it's only 5 miles from my door!

Sept 2010 Update

I'm very disappointed. They took the balance beams down. They made a little path around a rock garden so you dont have to do it - which wasn't overly difficult anyway, but it was fun. They have made the trail far too easy. There's now only one technical(ish) part on the whole route- the 'bad step', which would merit the 'red' badge .... The pheonix trail could almost be classed as a blue trail now. I'm very disappointed. Once rated 10, but for making it far to easy - 7 .... shame......

Trail Map