The Cairngorms Youth Local Action Group hit the trails recently, hosting a social bike ride for young people in Glenmore Forest. The event was part of celebrations around the group's funding of 100 youth-led projects totalling £100,000 since launching four years ago.

Riders turned out for a fun and inclusive cycling event that brought together young people from across the Cairngorms National Park and beyond, including junior rangers aged 12 to 15, parents, disabled riders and neurodivergent participants. Thanks to the support of event partners Able 2 Adventure, everyone was able to thoroughly enjoy the forest trails together. 

With participants travelling from communities across the National Park - Grantown-on-Spey, Aviemore, Nethy Bridge, Kingussie, Laggan, Aboyne and Strathdon, along with visitors from Knockando and Inverness - the atmosphere was buzzing with energy and connection. 

The event also welcomed young people from several Youth Local Action Group-funded projects, including the Cairngorms Pride Paddlers, who shared ideas and inspiration along the way.

Throughout the day, riders chatted, laughed, swapped stories and cheered each other on – showing that when young people lead, incredible things happen!

A huge thanks to Glenmore Visitor Centre and Community Café for keeping everyone fuelled with a delicious post-ride lunch.

The Cairngorms Youth Local Action Group fund empowers young people under 30 to bring their ideas to life, with priorities spanning skills development, sustainability, arts and culture, intergenerational projects, nature connection and wellbeing. The most recent funding round saw particularly strong applications from people under 18, highlighting the energy and vision of younger voices shaping the future of the places and people in the Cairngorms National Park.

The Cairngorms Local Youth Action Group is also inviting new members aged 16 to 30 from within the National Park to join the board and help shape future funding decisions. Interested applicants can contact [email protected] or find out more about the Cairngorms Youth Local Action Group on this dedicated page on the Cairngorms Trust website.