A new mountain bike centre near Tomintoul which could create the longest single track descent in Scotland has been approved by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) Planning Committee.

Meeting in Boat of Garten (Friday 9th December 2011), Members agreed to the new trails and hub in the forest at Carn Meilich and Carn Daimh on Glenlivet Estate.

Two trails will be built – 10 kilometres and 19 kilometres – through the forests and on existing forest roads. The descent from the summit of Carn Daimh on the longer of the trails will be approximately 4.7 kilometres.

CNPA Board Member and Moray Councillor, Allan Wright, said: “I’m pleased to see an opportunity being taken to attract more people to the Glenlivet and Tomintoul area. If the bike trails are as good as we are being told, mountain bikers will travel far for the experience.

“For the residents of Tomintoul, having such a facility on their doorstep will be something for them and tourists to enjoy. There should also be employment potential. For local businesses, I was encouraged by the public declaration from the developers that they would engage with business interests in the vicinity to ensure any marketing strategies for the trails encourage and maximise the delivery of ancillary benefits to Tomintoul, Glenlivet, and the wider area.”

CNPA Planning Officer, Mary Grier, added: “Interesting and challenging trails will be created from the existing landform rather than being man-made and will involve limited construction and minimal tree felling. We have also added a condition that the trail should be no wider than 1.2 metres, all of which helps protect the surrounding forest and landscape.

“Currently both cyclists and walkers use the forest roads and the likelihood of conflict between the two has been identified as low. The increased promotion of the new centre could attract more people to enjoy the outdoors in this area of the park and explore the existing network of paths.”