AOL

The 7stanes sites are dotted across southern Scotland but it's quite possible to ride more than one in a day.

Since the stanes are in rural areas, public transport is sparse - but it does exist. Alternatively all the sites have car parks (mostly charging £2) - and many also have visitor centres, cafés and bike shops that can hire bikes.

We stayed at a caravan park in Southerness, on the beautiful Solway coast while we rode Mabie, Dalbeattie and Kirroughtree. Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart would also make good bases - and all offer bike-friendly accommodation.

For our visit to Glentress we stayed in the elegant and comfortable Tontine Hotel, in the centre of Peebles - where there is a fantastic breakfast menu and secure space for bikes.

Visit Scotland can provide more info on accomodation and attractions, while firms such as MB7 and Trailbrakes offer mountain bike holidays including accomodation, bike hire and instruction.