The popular skills areas at Glentress has received some attention, with the addition of some new features to help beginners and intermediate riders progress, with an emphasis on kids and families.

Meanwhile, the Green Loop, within the skills area, has been given some harder sections to give those attempting the main trails in the forest a better idea of what to expect.

Richard Hamilton, Forestry Commission Scotland’s trailbuilder at Glentress said:

“The skills area is very well used and is a perfect place for someone starting out or wanting to brush up on their mountain biking before hitting the proper trails.

“We’ve invested in improving the features and loops found in the area to make it a better facility all round. The main central section is much better now for coaching and viewing a rider’s technique.

“Bikers also wanted some technically difficult sections so we’ve built these too. We’ve also added push up paths next to the difficult features so that riders can easily try these again and again. A small viewing platform will also help with coaching on this part of the skills area.”

The idea behind the revamped central area is to cater for core mountain bike skills. The older and harder sections have been taken out and replaced with low log beams, rollers and rock hops with plenty of recovery time before and after the features.

The new harder sections consist of steep rock drops and drop-offs.