New Glenbranter downhill trail set to open
An informal event at Glenbranter on Wednesday, September 20 will mark the opening of a challenging new section of mountain bike track, the first of its kind in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The 1km red-graded descent is part of a 6km cycle trail, and is just one element of a £3 million project to upgrade recreational facilities in the Argyll and Queen Elizabeth Forest Parks. The trail begins by gaining height on a long, tough forest road climb. The steep downhill section of track is designed for experienced mountain bikers and takes a direct line down the forested hillside with lots of berms to help riders carry speed through the corners. One of the testers described it as “a very fast, steep and smooth flowing trail”. The 5-year access improvement project has built on and upgraded the existing infrastructure, giving cyclists of all ages and abilities more opportunities to enjoy healthy exercise in the forests. Andy Malcolm, Forestry Commission Scotland’s Project Manager for Cowal & Trossachs said, “We are very excited to be launching the new cycle track with this event and hope it will help make mountain bikers aware of what the forests have to offer. “During the project, work has been done on 200km of route improvements, including new cycle paths and links between forest roads that open up fresh routes. “In the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park new trails include the Doonhill route from Aberfoyle village car park and a choice of three trails from the Milton car park in Lochard Forest. “Visitors can now benefit from new picnic facilities and environmental work that has opened up views and improved the forest environment. “We hope everyone from families with small children to hard-core mountain bikers will take their pick of the cycle trails and become regular visitors to the beautiful forests of the National Park.” To help cyclists, walkers and horse riders, Forestry Commission Scotland has installed 16 new information points at car parks throughout the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Each one has details of waymarked routes from that location, including an indication of routes suitable for cycling. Off-road cycling opportunities in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park include circuits in Achray and Loch Ard Forests. And many sections of the long distance National Cycle Route 7 make good day or half-day rides, for instance beside scenic Loch Lubnaig from Strathyre. www.forestry.gov.ukLatest news
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