Upgraded Mountain Bike Trail For Newcastleton

Riders are being encouraged to saddle up and try out the upgraded Caddrouns Blue Route in Newcastleton Forest set to open on Monday March 3. Trailbuilders have been busy over the winter improving the route with the addition of 2km of new singletrack trail. Nearly half the 6km route is now on purpose built singletrack, making it one of the best blue routes in the country. Designed with novice/intermediate cyclists firmly in mind, the new sections have been built wide and smooth with gentle gradients, and there are plenty of exciting features along the way as the trail dips and weaves through the forest, taking in bermed corners, rock steps, bridges, boardwalks and more. The route is part of a series of planned improvements to Newcastleton which includes up-grading signs at the skills area, creating two new trailhead features and the possible re-opening of the Dykecroft Visitor Centre. The construction of a further one kilometre of blue trail is also underway. Commenting on the on-going activities, 7stanes Project manager, Colin Williamson, said: "The 7stanes has focused on creating a series of new mountain biking trails across southern Scotland to both expand the number of visitors to the area and encourage more novices and beginners into the sport. We hope the addition of more blue grade trails and improvements to the skills area at Newcastleton will encourage local residents and visitors alike to come and try the delights of the Newcastleton Forest. We are also in regular touch with our counterparts in Kielder Forest to look at ways to improve cross-border links and are in the process of introducing additional signs for the Reivers' Trail." Local Forestry Commission Scotland staff and the 7stanes team have been working in partnership with the Newcastleton community, through their Tourism and Leisure Group, on jointly promoting the mountain biking facilities in the area. In addition, a representative of the community has been participating on the 7stanes Advisory Group set up to improve communications and co-operation around the 7stanes as well as seeking out new joint initiatives to increase the business potential from the increasing number of mountain bike visitors to the south of Scotland. The upgraded trail will complement the existing routes in Newcastleton, which include: a green skills area which is great for practising your skills and a warm up before hitting the rest of the trails; an additional blue trail at 8km long which follows scenic forest roads; a 10.5km red routes which winds through the trees on fast, narrow singletrack, crosses bridges and has boardwalk sections; and an extensive North shore Area (Orange Bike Park grade) with several raised timber features that will challenge even advanced riders Paul Elborn, Chair of Newcastleton, Development, Tourism and Leisure Group said: "We are delighted that the trails at Newcastleton have been extended and improved. There are increasing numbers of experienced riders as well as families on days out and these enhancements will ensure that they continue to visit Newcastleton. There is definitely something for everyone now whatever your level of experience. Come and enjoy it. For more information on Forestry Commission Scotland's mountain bike trails visit www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland