Kirroughtree Forest, near Newton Stewart, put itself on the map today as a major destination for mountain biking with the launch of a network of new trails.
In total, 43 kilometres of biking trails on four routes were launched as part of the 7stanes mountain bike project, which is establishing seven biking centres across the south of Scotland.
Starting from the Kirroughtree visitor centre, the trails, three of them brand new, have been designed for all abilities, from families through to experts.
Kirroughtree's trails aim to bring mountain bikers flocking to the area, giving a vital boost to the local tourism industry.
However, another key priority for the biking centre is to provide a fun place to go for people of all ages to help them build up their fitness and well-being.
Dr Hannah McCandlish of the Cairnsmore Medical Practice in Newton Stewart, who helped to launch the trail today, said,
"This will be an excellent facility, right on our doorstep. I look forward to it attracting cyclists from outside the area, but most importantly, it is there for our local community.
"As GPs, we are always trying to promote exercise as part of healthy living and trying to reduce the increasing trend of obesity. Cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise, helping the cardiovascular system and generally keeping our hearts healthy. Most importantly - IT'S FUN!"
Karl Bartlett, 7stanes manager, added,
"Mountain biking is great fun and also a superb way to improve fitness levels for people of all ages. The beauty of Kirroughtree is that we have all kinds of trails suitable for all types of riders. Beginners can start off on the green or blue trails, which are easy going, and then when they feel a bit more adventurous, have a go at the trickier red and black routes.
"We are keen that local communities around the area try out the trails and find out just how much fun they can have on them. A family day out to the trails is a great idea, because the kids can burn off all that energy whilst mums and dads follow on behind. If we can get the kids interested at an early age we can entice them off the computer games and get them out to the forest to get active. Children seem to love mountain biking, so it's a hobby we hope they'll keep doing, or at least come back to at a later age."
The trails being developed as part of the 7stanes initiative are already bringing visitors from all parts of Britain, and even abroad.
Colin Williamson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, said,
"We're delighted to be involved with such a strong and strategic partnership, which is not only bringing extra tourism leisure facilities to the area, but is also resulting in spin-off benefits for local businesses and the local economy.
"I am sure that the Kirroughtree site will prove as successful as the four that are already open and that it, too, will attract visitors from far afield, adding to the national and international reputation of the 7stanes project."
The trail network starts and finishes at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre and consists of:
Bargaly Wood green - 6km long and ideal for beginners and families. Takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes;
Larg Hill blue - 8km long and could take up to 2 hours to complete. Great for novices and families, with an optional extra 4km for those who are feeling fit;
the Twister red route - 14km of mixed singletrack and fire road with drop-offs, berms and swoopy singletrack. One for mountain bikers with skills and some fitness, because it can take up to 2 hours to complete;
Black Craigs - an additional 15km loop to the Twister trail takes in some very difficult riding, with steep drops and chutes and the infamous "McMoab", which is a massive single granite sheet exposed above the tree line. Along this is the 'Granite Ridge', a scary narrow section for experts. Joining the Twister Trail and Black Craigs loops together provides 29 km of riding.
Apart from Kirroughtree, the other 7stanes centres that are up and running are Mabie and Dalbeattie Forests in Dumfriesshire, and Glentress Forest and Innerleithen in the Tweed Valley of the Scottish Borders. A new biking centre due to be launched in August is under construction at Newcastleton, and routes will be completed later this year in Glentrool Forest in Galloway and in Ae Forest on the outskirts of Dumfries. To find out more about the 7stanes project, log on to www.7stanes.gov.uk
The 7stanes project is being managed by Forestry Commission Scotland with partners Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders Tourist Boards, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Scottish Borders Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Solway Heritage, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. All the partners joined forces to raise £1 million towards the initiative, and match-funding from Europe brought the £2 million project to life. The Scottish Association for Mental Health has also supported the project's development.
