Chatelerhault Country Park (day or night) is a short ride about 1 hour long. Although this could be extended by taking alternative off road routes through the trees in the forest.

Starting from the main car park beside the children’s play area head up hill to where the Big Hoose is following the trail left and left again. Basically the trail is one long loop. Follow the trail along keep the speed up for maximum enjoyment. At the end of the path there are stairs leading downwards this is the first challenge. Some speed is needed to negotiate the stairs and once the bottom third of the stairs is reached there is an alternative route to the bottom.

Take a left and go off the path follow the singletrack trail watching out for roots especially in the wet as they can be very slippy.

At the bottom there are some possible jumps amongst the trees but take some time to rest before continuing.

Head along the trail to the bridge going over the river and down the stairs at the end then into easy gear as this hill is tiring to say the least. Choosing lines carefully can make the ascent much easier.

Continue along the path at the top where the trail turns sweeping and fast through the forest. Keep the power down for most enjoyment. Put the fastest rider in front and try to keep up with he/she or try and race each other and it will improve your skills.

Eventually you will reach a wooden sign, at this point turn right heading downhill along the red slidy stairs of death. Be careful very slippy when wet. Basically a downhill run with some drop offs and some choice lines to make the most of be careful of walkers coming up the way.

Proceed over the bridge and follow the trail along the banks of the river. This is a fast section with a couple of small descents so keep the power down. Eventually you will start to climb. Just where the climb levels off there is a good play area with multiple lines through the trees although you will need to carry your bike to the top of your chosen route first. There is also a possible drop off from a very large rock although no-one has attempted that yet.

Climb back to the top where the big hoose is or at the top where the fence is. Turn left and go through the trees to the path below. Proceed with caution as there is no trail to follow. Once the path at the bottom is reached turn right and head along to the metal stairs. Climb to the top and follow the trail until you come to a junction and on the right handside there is a path leading off to a set of stairs.

Go by the front of the Big Hoose, turn right and go down the stairs veering off halfway down to the left which will take you to a slight drop off and back into the car park.

Overview

Although hardly challenging to make the ride a bit more interesting you can add to the route simply by starting at the rear of Uddingston train station heading along the clydeside past Bothwell Castle up onto the main road, down into Strathclyde Park do a clockwise loop to behind the Water Sports Centre cross over the bridge and take a left onto the path before the underpass. Follow this single track which takes you to Chatelerhault. This completes an eighteen mile route.

Night Riding

This route is used by Glasgow MTB Mad for winter training and particular night riding. This adds a totally new dimension. Get the cateyes out. Switch on full beam and try a loop. You will get a full loop out of a single charge. It can be quite exhilarating to travel at speed in total darkness.

compiled by MALKYGEE