Drumlanrig Castle and Estates, near Dumfries, Scotland, has hosted the National Points Series since 2002. Way-marked trails specially constructed for MTB events wind through some of Scotland's finest scenery, from scenic woodlands and quiet back country roads to swoopy singletrack careening between mist-shrouded trees. This stunning scenery is set against the backdrop of the pink stone of Drumlanrig Castle, the 17th century home of William Douglas, first Duke of Queensberry.

Rivers, lochs, woodland, farmland and parkland all within minutes walk from the car-park and the forest around Drumlanrig is home to a variety of wildlife, including native red squirrels, tiny goldcrests, large buzzards and barn owls. The woodlands are managed with an eye toward conservation and only small areas of trees are felled at one time, preserving the atmosphere of dense forest dotted with scenic glades. Roe deer, badgers, stoats and otters populate the forests and the rivers and lochs make rich hunting grounds for herons and kingfishers.

If food is more your fancy than wildlife, Drumlanrig's Tea Room offers morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea with an emphasis on fresh, simply cooked food, freshly baked bread and a wide variety of home baking. The menu uses local ingredients and the Tea Room itself features whitewashed walls, flagstone floors and a display of historic antique kitchenware.

You might also duck into the Drumlanrig Cycle Museum for a peak at its collection of over 70 cycles from the replica of the original Macmillan velocipede to one of the first full suspension Mountain Bikes, and everything in between.

If Scotland's rains catch you out on the trail, there's no need to fear the mud -- showers are now available for use in the stableyard next to Rik's Bike Shed at a cost of 20p per minute and £1 for 7 minutes. 

Gillbank House
8 East Morton Street
Thornhill
DG3 5LZ

01848 330597
www.gillbank.co.uk

• Rating: AA 5 Diamonds
• Location: 3.5 miles from Drumlanrig Castle
• Parking: Private car park
• Rooms: 1 single, 2 double, 2 twin, 1 twin/family
• Facilities: All rooms en suite, television, tea and coffee facilities in all rooms

Buccleuch & Queensberry Hotel
112 Drumlanrig Street
Thornhill
DG3 5LU

01848 330215
www.buccleuchhotel.co.uk

• Food: Full restaurant service with delicious food and fine wine, and snack meals available in the lounge bar
• Parking: Ample parking facilities both front and back
• Smoking: Beer garden/smoking area available for smoking customers
• Prices: Double £35 per person B&B, single £45 per person B&B
• Self-Catering: Flat available within the hotel, comprised of two twin ensuite bedrooms sleeping four, with separate kitchen

Thornhill Inn
103/106 Drumlanrig Street
Thornhill
DG3 5LU

01848 330326
www.thornhillinn.co.uk

• Rooms: 10 comfortable en-suite bedrooms - singles, doubles, twins and a family room
• Food: 70-person restaurant and gastro pub
• Prices: £40 - £60
• Facilities: All rooms en-suite, colour TV/Satelite, hairdryers, drying facility for outdoor clothing

Premier Inn
Annan Road
Collin
Dumfries
DG1 3JX

08701 977078

• Location: 14 miles from race site

Old Tannery Cottage
95 South Drumlanrig Street
Thornhill
DG3 5LU

Contact: Peter and Hillary Wray
01848 330116
www.oldtannery.co.uk

• Sleeps 2-4

Hope Cottage
Carronbridge
Near Thornhill
DG5AZ

Contact: Mrs Sharron Stannett
01848 331510
www.hopecottage.co.uk

• Sleeps 2-6

Hillcrest Barn
Burnhead
Thornhill
DG3 4AD

Contact: Simon Ackroyd
01848 331557

• Sleeps 6-8