2023 is a big year for Glentress and we have a lot of work ahead of us to host two events of the UCI World Cycling Championships in September. Here's a run down of where things stand:

Multi-user path

What is it?

This path will connect into the existing trail network and provide almost 4km of trails accessible to walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users. The main construction of the path is on the east side of the valley and will tie in and cross with several new sections of mountain bike trails and taster loops.

Current status

The construction team are preparing to install a triple culvert bridge which will form a centrepiece of the new trail construction. This point will see the multi-user path sit above three separate blue, red and black graded trails which pass underneath through their own tunnels. Other sections along this path are progressing though the inclement weather is causing some delays with some fallen trees, high water levels and snow. 

Trail construction

What is it?

The masterplan design includes green, blue, red and black graded extensions to the trail network on the east side of the valley, with all trails coming towards a new finish area just downhill from the Peel Tower. It also includes green, blue, red and black graded taster loops. These short loops are designed to give riders an idea of the terrain they can expect to encounter on the full forest loops.

Current status

The network black trail is under construction and coming along nicely. Work has yet to start on the red and blue trails. Please note that all trails are under construction and none are ready to be ridden at this point in time. 

Carparks

What is it?

New car parks are under construction on the west side of the entrance to Glentress. The existing car park on the east side (above the bike shop) will become an accessible car park only with overall capacity increasing.

Current status

Final grading work and bay marking is ongoing, and footpaths connecting the carparks to the main facilities are under construction.

Infrastructure is being set up to install automatic number plate registration (ANPR) cameras for Glentress, a first for an FLS car park. Glentress has in recent years suffered a spate of bike thefts from the carparks. We hope that ANPR cameras will prevent thefts and make it easier for the police to investigate. 

Buzzard’s Nest

What is it?

The Buzzard’s Nest area will be transformed into a site run by Forest Holidays with a variety of cabins installed in the woods. The existing freeride park will be decommissioned and new skills area, jump lines and taster trails will be constructed opposite the new car parks at the bottom of the hill.

Current status

Works in the quarry above the freeride park are progressing to install a water supply for the future lodges. 

World Championships

What is it?

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are hosting cross country and marathon events at Glentress. This is an international event that will be broadcast live and marks the biggest cycling event to be hosted in the Tweed Valley.

Current status

Specific infrastructure for the World Championships races in August include a large start/finish arena. This area has been levelled and marked out and is now waiting for better weather in order to finish. A course for the races has been designed but not yet confirmed as it will involve some of the new trails under construction.

After the World Championship event, the start/finish area will be reduced in size and new skills areas and taster trails will be installed (completion not expected until Easter 2024).  

Coming up soon

The centrepiece of the new trail system is the triple culvert bridge on the multi-user path, just along from the Peel Tower. Weather permitting, we hope to begin installation of this in the next month.