Ae Forest, near Dumfries, is to get around four kilometres of new singletrack.

The section will replace two existing parts of the trail which will be affected by two new wind turbines. It will divert riders away from the site while the wind farm is being built, and will then stop riders from being too close to the turbines once construction is complete.

The new trail, on the red-graded 7stanes Ae Line line, will be all singletrack and includes a new climb and descent.

“The outgoing trail is mainly a sloggish forest road climb that is quite steep, and then level forest road sections which are not very exciting to ride,” said Steve Williams of Forest Commission Scotland.

“What riders are getting now is all singletrack and with sections in the woods, which makes for a much better trail.”

Scottish Power is working closely with Forestry Commission Scotland to keep the existing trail open during construction and re-route riders onto the new section.

“The famous 7stanes trails are one of the forest’s attractions and I’m sure mountain bikers will be pleased to hear that we are working hard to keep it open and that the Ae Line trail will have new singletrack to ride,” said Forestry Commission Scotland’s recreation and tourism manager Hugh McKay.

The new descent is due to be ready for riding towards the end of January and the climb is expected to be completed early in April.

The trails at Ae are part of a network of seven mountain bike centres across the south of Scotland known as the 7stanes.  Find our more at www.7stanesmountainbiking.com