Cyclists Go Off-Road In The Sunart Oakwoods

Mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can unwind from watching the thrills and spills of this year’s World Cup event by taking advantage of the network of trails through Sunart Oakwoods. A new route guide (Cycle Routes in the Sunart Oakwoods), launched by the Sunart Oakwoods Initiative, highlights 11 local off-road routes through the Oakwoods, ranging from Ardnamurchan to Morvern and from Moidart to Ardgour. The guide will let you plan short trips or longer cycling tours, using public roads to link up as many of the 11 featured routes that you have time to tackle. You can get a breath of fresh air by tackling a short route or – if you fancy getting a bit more exercise - plan a day long outing and sample the stunning scenery along the 22km long forest track route along Loch Shiel. You could also try out the Scotstown / Longrigg loop (8km with 3km off road) or the trip from Strontian village to Ariundle Kirsty Barr, Forestry Commission Scotland and tourism officer for the Sunart Oakwoods Initiative (SOI), said: "Hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators come to the area for the World Cup but many of them don’t get to see much beyond Leanachan Forest, the Nevis Range and Fort William. "That's a huge shame because our Lochaber woodlands and forests have much more to offer. "This series of Sunart Oakwood trails is great for families and committed bikers. It is the perfect way to experience the area's abundant wildlife and rich cultural heritage and is a great way to encourage riders of all ages to get out into the forests and see more of Lochaber's spectacular scenery. "The Wold Cup is going to be an adrenaline packed weekend and a leisurely off-road cycling trip through the forests is a superb wind-down - for competitors and spectators." The routes take cyclists into areas inaccessible to motor vehicles and provide a host of sites to visit - from castles to charcoal platforms, and lime kilns to historic townships. Councillor Dr Michael Foxley, Chairman of the SOI added: "Launching this guide in the run up to the World Cup, when we will have thousands of visitors and biking enthusiasts in the area, will get us off to a great start. We plan to make the Sunart Oakwoods the largest sustainable native woodland in Scotland, offering local communities and visitors some of the best leisure, recreation and lifestyle choices in the country." For more information about the trails, visit www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk