Kyle of Sutherland Mountain Bike Trails

The much awaited single track trails in Balblair and Carbisdale woods will be opened on Saturday 12 May in a joint event hosted by the Kyle of Sutherland Initiative (KOSI) and Forestry Commission Scotland. The project was originally conceived in 2003 by the KOSI, a community group with members from Lairg, Creich and Ardgay Community Councils, whilst working on a Marketing Strategy for the area. The strategy highlighted the Kyle of Sutherland as a potential area of 'cycling excellence' by promoting existing national road cycle routes with new off road facilities. A subsequent feasibility study confirmed that both the Balblair and Carbisdale Woods offer terrain ideally suited to exciting trail development. The trails have been designed by Rik Allsop from Dumfries, one of Scotland's most experienced Mountain Bike Trail designers. Well known and respected on the circuit, Rik has been involved in the sport for ten years, running a trail construction business in the Borders as well as building and hiring specialist bikes. He said; "Balblair and Carbisdale woods have enormous potential for single track cycling. We have used the unique terrain to devise exciting trails for competent mountain bikers, from black route timber and rock challenges to blue routes. We have developed over 17 kilometres of trail which will be a major attraction for outdoor sporting enthusiasts all over the country." The project has taken several years to complete and Forestry Commission Scotland has been a lead partner, working with Rik and construction contractor John White from Rosehall. KOSI secured funding from Community Environmental Renewal Scheme, Leader+, CASE, Highland Birchwoods, Highland Council, and Scottish Natural Heritage. It is hoped that the trails promotion will be linked to the trails in Golspie, Learnie and Rosehall, providing a greater pull for those looking north for exciting trail riding. Alison Magee will start the day by opening the Carbisdale Trails at 10.00am. Alison has been supportive of the project since its inception and played an important role in KOSI as local Councillor to all three Community Councils. The Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel will be open for refreshments and facilities. Mountain bike experts will be on hand including Steve MacDonald from Square Wheels in Strathpeffer and Rik Allsop to give instruction and to lead rides. Bike hire will be available on the day, and that Youth Hostel has invested in a fleet of bikes for visitors in the future. In the afternoon experienced riders can move over the Kyle to demanding black route trails up on top of Balblair Hill, if they wish to do so. Originally part of Scottish Natural Heritages' Outdoor Activity Week, there will be free promotional items encouraging people to learn more about the Outdoor Access Code. Malcolm MacDougall, Forestry Commission Scotland, said; "The mountain bike trails in Carbisdale and Balblair have been designed to provide a challenge for competent mountain bike riders. The trails offer demanding cycling together with stunning views overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland and out to the west. They provide a valuable recreational resource for the local community and visitors alike, as well as an ideal catalyst for people to get out into the forests for some healthy exercise and fresh air." The Marketing Strategy also suggested the development of wildlife viewing hides and a low level walking network to encourage visitors to spend longer in the area. KOSI recently completed the Dalchork Bird Hide on the shores of Loch Shin and worked with the Commission and Highland Access to install five walking panels at Ferrycroft, Falls of Shin, Ardgay, Balblair and Carbisdale. Several other successful projects which have been completed by the group include archaeological interpretation at Loch Migdale, the restoration of the Murray Monument at Shinness, and the award winning community enquiry 'Kyle of Sutherland Vision 2008'. All projects were completed under the Small Towns Network Programme which ended in January 2007. Kathy Smith, STN Project Officer with KOSI said; "The group has achieved a great deal in the four years and these developments will make a big difference to the area. Funding of well over £200,000 has been drawn in to complete a variety of projects by people who care about the future of their communities. I would like to thank all the agencies for their input, especially Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and CASE, but more importantly the voluntary groups and individuals who took part and made a difference." www.forestry.gov.uk