After the trail leaves the car park it soon switchbacks straight uphill. After flattening out it dips downhill into an old quarry for a steep rocky section, and then it's uphill again all the way to the top of the moors. The final descent has sections of rough tight trails, smooth jumps, and then finishes on the evergreen Caddon Bank with classic rollercoaster flow that keeps egging you faster.

While sometimes overshadowed by the more extreme DH trails in the same forest or the seemingly-infinite number of short enduro lines, it’s well-worth riding this varied and stunning loop that will test the fitness and skill levels of all riders. The loop is best attempted on short travel trail bikes but is fine on hardtails through to enduro riders.

Innerleithen is a hub of bike culture and the top-notch cafes can be 5 bikes deep outside, while local riders sipping coffee inside perform at the highest level on the world stage. It is a place that buzzes with bikes and is a vital stop for a few days—if not longer—on any Scottish MTB tour.

This Red loop can then be combined with longer XC loops, shuttling DH trails, or riding enduro trails that have seen EWS races.