New Mountain Bike Centre in Cairngorms National Park
New Mountain Bike Centre in Cairngorms National Park
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.”
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update - 26 July at 8pm
Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Park Authority, shares an update from the scene of the wildfire in Nethy Bridge.
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update - 25 July at 11am
A brief update on the Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update - 24 July at 8.30pm
A major incident has been declared as residents of Nethy Bridge are evacuated.
Relevant alerts
-
There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
-
Very high fire risk - 15 to 24 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Friday 24 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.