Closure of FLS trails in southern Scotland as full impact of Storm Bram assessed
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is reminding visitors to check storm damage updates on its website before visiting its forest across Scotland.
A number of mountain biking and walking trails in the south of Scotland have been closed following Storm Bram as FLS teams work to fully assess their condition.
FLS Area Visitor Services Manager Katie Jarvis said:
“There have been numerous reports of trees down over the trail networks. So, we have taken the decision to close a number of them until they have been inspected.
“We appreciate that storm damage can cause some inconvenience for visitors but public safety – as well as the safety of our staff – is always paramount.
“That is why we always urge visitors to be patient and to give our teams the time and space they need to complete inspections and any necessary work as safely as possible.
“The latest information will be posted across our website and we ask people to have a look for these before heading out. If out, observe any safety signage and direction from staff.”
Current closures include all the old mountain bike trails at Glentress and the XC trail at Innerleithen.
The new trails at Glentress are open as are most of the downhill trails at Innerleithen. The Ponds Trail at Glentress is open along with all the walking trails at Cardrona.
All walking and cycling trails at Newcastleton, cycling trails at Kirroughtree and Glentrool are closed. Additionally, all mountain biking trails are currently closed at Ae, Mabie and Dalbeattie whilst staff assess the impact of Storm Bram.
Visitor services teams from the rest of the country advise that checks are ongoing and while there are no major site closures to date, there may be some disruption to normal access due to the storm.
FLS will prioritise tree clearance work based on immediate danger and/or access issues but are striving to get more trails open for the weekend and ahead of the Christmas holiday period.
FLS asks that all visitors -
- always obey signage
- stay well away from work areas
- if a path or trail is blocked, turn back (if you can’t get through easily neither can emergency services)
- do not walk around, climb over or duck under felled trees
Background:
Storm damage updates can be found on the FLS website: Destinations Search | Forestry and Land Scotland
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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