Sports and the Outdoors

7stanes Mountain Biking. The Dumfries and Galloway region is something of a mecca for mountain bikers, offering trails and routes of every level of difficulty in beautiful and varying landscapes. This outfitter offers full equipment rental, skills training, advice, and local route maps organized by degree of difficulty. You can bring your own bike or rent one and ride gentle forest routes or tough hill climbs. There are eight centers across Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders; the most popular is Glentress located near Peebles. Each center has showers and changing facilities, as well as good cafés. Specific information on each is available on the comprehensive website. Campbell House, Crichton Business Park, Bankend Rd., Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG1 4UQ. 01721/721180; www.7stanesmountainbiking.com.

G&G Cycle Centre. You can rent bicycles here, and the staff gives good advice on route options. 10–12 Academy St., Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG1 1BY. 01387/259483; www.cycle-centre.co.uk. Closed Sun..