(Average user rating:
unrated)
About Dark Side
Please note that Vader's Lair is currently closed for repairs following forestry operations, but the main hill is open. Apologies for any incovenience this causes.
The orange graded Dark Side offers one of the most severe tests for any mountain biker and is for experts only. Far from being a conventional cross-country trail, this 3.8km circuit is made up mostly of North Shore timber trails – and they’re among the most technical to be found anywhere.
We recommend that you walk sections of the Dark Side before riding it.
For full details of the Dark Side trail, including a trail map, see the 7stanes website.How to get there:
Dark Side can be started from Mabie Forest Car Park in Mabie Forest which is part of Forests of the Solway Coast. Dumfries and New Abbey are the nearest towns or villages.
From Dumfries, follow the A710 New Abbey road. The forest is signposted four miles south of Dumfries.
Please note that 'Mabie Farm Park' is signposted just before the entrance to the forest, but there is no vehicle access to the forest from here.
The nearest train station is in Dumfries.
OS Grid Reference: NX9371
For details of public transport visit http://www.travelinescotland.com
What's on in Forests of the Solway Coast
April
- Easter Treasure Hunt Saturday 3 April 2010
- Easter in the Forest Monday 5 April 2010
May
- Owl Ringing Saturday 1 May 2010 to Monday 31 May 2010
| Mabie Forest Car Park Facilities. |
     |
| Grade of trail: |
 |
| Trail waymarking: |
| Length of trail: 1.5 miles |
| Approximate time of trail: variable |
| Open or closed: open - but Vader's Lair is closed for repairs, please follow diversions. |
| Click here to find out what else you can do in this forest. |
Contact: |
| Ae Recreation RangerRecreation Ranger 01387 860247 e-mail: dumfries&borders@forestry.gsi.gov.uk |
Been here, done this? What did you think?
Tell us what you think of this activity.