4.9
(25)
22
riders
19
rides
Mountain biking around Douglas Water And Rigside offers diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, river valleys, and extensive woodlands. The area features a mix of natural terrain and active travel paths developed from former mining infrastructure. These varied environments provide a scenic backdrop for mountain biking, catering to different skill levels.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.6
(21)
14
riders
18.0km
01:31
300m
300m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
49.7km
03:45
810m
810m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Sign up for free
5.0
(3)
3
riders
39.0km
02:43
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
46.5km
03:06
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
37.9km
02:39
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Very well maintained friendly Golf Club, access via busy main road, large stretches of wide footpath to keep you away from the traffic I've never seen anyone walking on the footpath. Easy ride for all types of bike. Dirty Dogs American diner is well patronised and is ideal stop for a tea/coffee and a hot roll.
0
0
A television series entitled "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" that I can recommend without reservation presents the culture-loving viewer (in German) with remarkable examples of human achievement from many countries around the world. What they all have in common is that they have been given "World Heritage" status by UNESCO. One of the contributions documents: "In the south of Scotland, by the waterfall of Cora Lynn, there is a cotton mill from the 19th century. The birthplace of the Workers' Welfare Association, a model community whose core values still shape the world of work today. The manufacturer Robert Owen built clean accommodation for the employees, reduced working hours to 12 hours, provided schooling for the children and set up a medical station." This is what it says on the ARD media library website. The film contribution corresponding to the highlight (in German) can be found under the following link => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/new-lanark-grossbritannien-folge-201/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNjQyMDIyNg
0
0
You can’t miss this mural when walking along the nature reserve trails, you just have to hope there are no cars parked in front ruining the view.
0
0
There are nearly 20 mountain bike trails available around Douglas Water and Rigside. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging rides.
Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails. For instance, the View of the Falls of Clyde – Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls) loop from Lanark is an easy 18 km route that takes about 1 hour 31 minutes to complete, offering views of the impressive Falls of Clyde. The region also features recently opened off-road active travel paths, ideal for accessible cycling.
The mountain bike trails around Douglas Water and Rigside feature diverse terrain, including rolling hills, scenic river valleys, and extensive woodlands. You'll find a mix of natural paths and active travel routes developed from former mining infrastructure, providing varied riding experiences.
Yes, for more experienced riders, there are challenging options. The region offers routes with significant elevation gain, such as the View of Clyde Valley – Castle Dangerous Ruins loop from Lanark, a moderate 49.7 km path with over 800 meters of elevation gain, providing expansive views and passing historical ruins.
Many trails offer views of significant natural features. You can see the spectacular Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls), explore the Clyde Valley, or pass by Tinto Hill Summit Viewpoint. The area is rich in woodlands and river valleys, providing a scenic backdrop for your ride.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can ride past the New Lanark World Heritage Site, or explore routes that pass by historical ruins like those mentioned in the View of Clyde Valley – Castle Dangerous Ruins loop from Lanark. Douglas village itself has a rich history, including Old St Bride's Church.
The mountain bike trails in Douglas Water and Rigside are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 25 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to river valleys, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
Absolutely. The View of the Falls of Clyde – Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls) loop from Lanark is an easy trail that specifically highlights the impressive Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls), making it a great option for those seeking scenic water features.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Douglas Water and Rigside are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the Lanark Loch – Red Road loop from Lanark and the Lanark Loch – Black Law Wind Farm loop from Lanark.
The area's diverse landscapes are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as trails can be affected by rain.
Yes, some routes offer views of the local wind farms, providing a unique backdrop to your ride. For example, the Lanark Loch – Black Law Wind Farm loop from Lanark is a moderate trail that passes by this feature.
For general information about the Douglas Water and Rigside area, including local attractions and visitor details, you can visit the official tourism website for Lanarkshire: visitlanarkshire.com.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.