New Mountain Bike trails open in Golspie, Scotland

As reported last week mountain biking in the North of Scotland is shifting up a gear with the opening of a new mountain bike trail in Golspie, Sutherland. Here is the press release from the Forestry commission up the new trails. An 18km network of trails has been created as part of the first phase of a five part plan, which aims to put Golspie on the mountain bike map. The trail is the first project to be completed by Highland Wildcat, a community company which promotes leisure and recreation opportunities in Sutherland for health and economic benefits. The trails boasts several unique features, including the longest singletrack descent in the UK of 7 km. The descent starts high on the top of Ben Bhraggie at 1,300 feet and is packed full of twisty singletrack, jumps, berms and lung-busting climbs, with a range of options to suit all abilities. (see notes to eds for more information). Opening the new trails, Scottish Forestry Minister, Rhona Brankin, said: "Golspie's new network of biking trails have been created to offer something unique and challenging for enthusiasts whilst also catering for families and novice cyclists. "Mountain biking doesn't need to be for the super fit - anyone can join in and the trails in Golspie provide an opportunity to get take part in this exciting sport and healthy activity. "The trails aim to bring mountain bikers and visitors flocking to the area, giving the local economy a boost." Future phases will provide more easy trails for families, a fun park for intermediate riders, natural singletrack, and a potential downhill course. Bruce Taylor, Director of Highland Wildcat and Project Manager for Scottish Woodlands, said: "Everyone has been looking forward to the opening of the trails. We are keen to bring the fantastic sport of mountain biking to as many people as possible and to make sure that local communities and the North of Scotland economy benefits from the influx of visitors. "Everyone can be sure of a warm welcome in Golspie. No doubt some bikers will just want to hit the trails to enjoy the thrills and spills, but there is also lots to see and do in the area." Golspie is one of several high quality, purpose built trails in the North of Scotland and is the first community project in the area. There are other trails in the area including Learnie Red Rocks and Laggan Wofltrax and these are managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. The increasing number of trails in the Highlands allow riders to have a variety of trails to ride to make it worth the journey. The project is being managed by Highland Wildcat on land owned by Sutherland Estate. For more information on the Highland Wildcat trails visit www.highlandwildcat.com For more information on Forestry Commission Scotland's mountain bike trails, visit www.forestry.gov.uk