Most of the noise in Scottish trail development is in the southern and Borders area, but the tide is spreading northwards. Latest MTB trail to open is at Golspie, Sutherland. It’s the first project from Highland Wildcat, a community company which promotes leisure and recreation opportunities in Sutherland for health and economic benefits.

The first 18km of trails is the opening phase of a five-part plan. It’s the work of well-known trail builder Pete Laing of 7Stanes fame, so it’s no surprise that the more advanced trails contain many of the kinds of features that make the likes of Glentress so popular.

It’s not all jumps and drops, though. There’s a 6.5km Blue route, suitable for novices or families – easy, sociable cycling on gentle slopes with stunning views. Moving a rung up the technical ladder, the 7.5km Red route includes some rock features on the climb before descending on fast singletrack with drop-offs, bomb holes, ski jumps, a canyon jump and more stone features before swooping through the trees.

The Black route is 13.6km long, with stone slabs, tight switchback corners, big berms, unique natural paving, large rock drops, impressive rock gardens and a section known as the rollercoaster, that’s designed to let you carry momentum over the crests without too much in the way of pedalling.

Additionally there are some short trail sections to link things up. Pict’s Path (0.9km) is an easy wide trail climbing to the Queen’s Drive; Treeline (0.5km) is an action-packed expert option beginning with a 67 metre rock causeway that seasonally runs with water before progressing into narrow singletrack with optional features including a 15 metre rock garden; and Black Lynx (0.1km) is
a short singletrack connection from the top of the technical climb, giving rapid access to the start of the rollercoaster trail and a gentle introduction the black descent.

A highlight of the Golspie network is what’s claimed to be the longest purpose-built singletrack descent in the UK. The trail starts at 1,300ft on Ben Bhraggie and packs 7km of twisty singletrack, jumps and berms.

Opening the new trails, Scottish Forestry Minister, Rhona Brankin, said:

“Golspie’s new network of biking trails have been created to offer something unique and challenging for enthusiasts whilst also catering for families and novice cyclists.

“Mountain biking doesn’t need to be for the super fit – anyone can join in and the trails in Golspie provide an opportunity to get take part in this exciting sport and healthy activity.

“The trails aim to bring mountain bikers and visitors flocking to the area, giving the local economy a boost.”

Future phases will provide more easy trails for families, a fun park for intermediate riders, natural singletrack, and a potential downhill course.

Bruce Taylor, Director of Highland Wildcat and Project Manager for Scottish Woodlands, said:

“Everyone has been looking forward to the opening of the trails. We are keen to bring the fantastic sport of mountain biking to as many people as possible and to make sure that local communities and the North of Scotland economy benefits from the influx of visitors.

“Everyone can be sure of a warm welcome in Golspie. No doubt some bikers will just want to hit the trails to enjoy the thrills and spills, but there is also lots to see and do in the area.”

Golspie is one of several high quality, purpose built trails in the North of Scotland and is the first community project in the area. There are other trails in the area including Learnie Red Rocks and Laggan Wolftrax and these are managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. The increasing number of trails in the Highlands allow riders to have a variety of trails to ride to make it worth the journey.

Find out more about the Highland Wildcat trails at www.highlandwildcat.com.