Boost For Blue Route At Glentress

Families who are new to mountain biking are encouraged to try out the new sections of blue graded mountain bike trails at Glentress in the Scottish Borders. Over 4.5km of new singletrack is being built to help improve the blue mountain bike route and the first completed section - set to open on Friday 25 April - is a 1.5km descent. The new sections of trail are part of phase two of the 7stanes project, which aims to widen the appeal of mountain biking. The descent - designed with novices, families and kids firmly in mind -will provide a thrilling new finale to the blue route. The upper section named 'Good Game' descends though a stand of mature Douglas Fir trees and has been built by renowned local trail builder and now mountain bike ranger at Glentress, Richard Hamilton. The shorter lower section known as 'The Admiral' after a legendary sized pike, contours through the valley bottom and has been sculpted by another renowned local trail builder Gary Forrest. Andy Wardman, Forestry Commission Scotland's Mountain Bike Ranger at Glentress who has overseen the works said: "The aim was to build a trail not too scary for those new to mountain biking, yet fun for all levels of rider. Wide, smooth surfaces and gentle downhill gradients should inspire confidence and the many jumps, rock steps and other features all have harder and easier options to enable riders to progress their skills. I'm really excited about this trail, hopefully it will encourage more people to try mountain biking and have fun! We hope the new trails will improve the starting and finishing experience for all riders." Alongside the new descent, the first climb (Dougie Bank) has received some tweaks and a 0.5km extension. Work will now be starting on a further 2.5km of new climb which will take the outward mountain bike routes almost completely off the forest road between the trailhead and the Buzzards Nest car park. Like the descents, the climbs will be graded blue and will feature gentle gradients and wide smooth surfaces as well as several viewpoints to make the climbing as enjoyable as possible. There will also be some harder shortcuts and optional features for more experienced riders to negotiate. The climb is expected to be completed by mid July and together with the new blue descents will create several new ride options for novices, families and kids straight from the trailhead at the entrance to the forest. www.7stanes.gov.uk