The number of lift-assisted (as in actual cables, rather than trucks and trailers) MTB facilities in the UK has just increased by 100%. The Lecht ski centre in Aberdeenshire has opened the first of two planned DH tracks running from the top of its three-man chairlift.

The red-graded DH track is called Red Fox and is the work of 7 Stanes trailbuilder Pete Laing. It’s 1.6km long with a 200m vertical drop (an average gradient of 1:8), with jumps, bombholes, berms and rock steps.

There’s more to come too. July will see the opening of a second, blue graded, trail, plus a skills park and bike and equipment hire. Mountain biking at the Lecht centre is open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays, and there’s a restaurant and bar on site.

Find out more at www.lecht.co.uk or call 01975 651440.