Dreams for a cluster of off-road mountain biking routes in North Scotland that can complement the famous "7stanes" network in South Scotland took a big step forward last week when Highland Council gave planning permission for a trails network in Learnie Forest, on the Black Isle, just north of Inverness.
The new network of three routes, comprising a beginners' route, an intermediate route, and a "black" route for highly skilled riders, will improve and extend trails built informally by local enthusiasts.
A delighted Jack Mackay, district forester for Forestry Commission Scotland, said,
"It's great news that we've got the go-ahead from Highland Council for these routes, which will provide a wonderful opportunity for local people and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors and some healthy exercise in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.
"This means we can now crack on and apply for the European Union funding we need to put in place before we can start work, and we'll be getting on with that without delay."
Mr Mackay explained that although there were already trails in the forest built by local enthusiasts, their use was becoming so heavy that it was necessary to establish a more formal facility and management structure that would ensure public safety, avoid conflicts between different types of forest user, and that mountain biking did not damage the forest environment. The Commission had therefore worked closely with the Highland Mountain Bike Association (HIMBA) to develop plans that would meet these criteria while providing the kind of challenge that serious riders are looking for.
The Commission also expected there would be worthwhile spin-offs for local people, as Mr Mackay explained,
"Mountainbiking is growing in popularity around the world, with riders prepared to travel to try out different trails, so we expect that when they are completed the Learnie Forest trails will bring in visitors from outside the area, which will be good for the local economy. We also expect they will generate some extra jobs in the area.
"We're also excited about the possibility of working with local community organisations to make the trails available to 'excluded' groups, such as disadvantaged young people and people with learning difficulties; and the local GPs have said they will promote the trails to their patients as a great place to improve their health.
"It all fits wonderfully well with the Scottish Executive's policy of maximising the benefits from Scotland's national forests, so that not only do they provide sustainable timber and safe places for our wildlife to live, but they also contribute to the health and well-being of our bodies, minds and communities."
The proposed network will be centred around a Commission quarry, Callachy Hill and Flowerburn in the woodland east of the A832 Rosemarkie-to-Cromarty road. The total length of trail will be 11.5 kilometres (7.2 miles) in addition to 2.5km (1.6 miles) of "out-and-back" routes using existing forest roads. Access will be available from near the existing forest gate and car park on the A832. The car park will be enlarged to take 20 cars, and Mr Mackay said there is space to enlarge it further if the need arises.
The £95,000 funding secured so far includes £10,000 from Highland Council, £30,000 from Ross & Cromarty Enterprise, £47,000 from Forestry Commission Scotland, £5000 from HIMBA, and £3000 from Scottish Natural Heritage. The Commission will now seek £71,000 from the European Union-funded Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Funding Programme.
Meanwhile, another network of challenging, off-road cycle trails is due to be formally opened by Forestry Minister Allan Wilson in Achduchil Forest, near Laggan in Strathspey & Badenoch, on September 27; and work is progressing on extending and improving existing trails built by local volunteers in national forests at Fochabers, Morayshire, after the Commission secured a £100,000 funding package from local organisations, the Baxters Foundation and the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, "Fresh Futures".
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive’s forestry department. It manages more than 666,000 hectares of national forest lands owned by Scottish Ministers for a range of public benefits, including sustainable timber production, nature conservation and public recreation; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice, and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy. For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
- The "7stanes" are a network of seven mountain biking trails being developed on national forest land across the south of Scotland. For further information, visit www.7stanes.gov.uk
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Charlton Clark, press office, 1131 314 6507; mobile 07810 181067; or David Jardine, Inverness Forest District manager, 01463 791575.