Accessible trails at heart of Laggan Wolftrax upgrades

Trails at Laggan Wolftrax have been upgraded and improved to allow riders using adaptive bikes to enjoy the mountain biking on offer.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and the community run Laggan Forest Trust (LFT) have worked together to make the blue and green trails at the popular centre on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park more suitable for disabled riders and beginners to the sport.

The Wolf Cub Green trail has been fully upgraded with an increase in its width and resurfacing treatment along the entire trail. There has also been a significant upgrade to the drainage system. In addition, several upgrades have been completed on the Give & Take climb to accommodate a wider range of adaptive bikes.

FLS’ Visitor Services Ranger Maree Morrison said:

“As we celebrate 20 years of FLS and the Laggan Forest Trust working together, it is testament to the partnership’s success that the trails at the centre continue to be upgraded and improved so even more people, of all abilities, can take part in mountain biking. 

“The upgrades bolster the already wide-ranging offer Laggan Wolftrax offers. Visitors will find a progressive trail network that now provides a skills development platform for complete beginner to expert riders.”

The upgrades at Laggan were made possible with help and contributions from a range of partners and funders including FLS, LFT, Cairngorms National Park Authority and Highland and Islands Enterprise. Input was also provided by renowned disabled mountain biker Dave Bower. Sportscotland provided funding to support the blue route build.

Cristian Pizarro, Business Development Officer for Laggan Forest Trust, said:

“Laggan Wolftrax has been a popular site for highly skilled riders but now has also been developed to become a trail centre for everyone.

“The Trust really wanted to make the trail centre more inclusive and give people using adaptive bikes a chance to experience the excellent riding at Laggan Wolftrax. The upgrades have also improved the trails for beginner riders.

“We have been working with FLS for 20 years and this successful partnership allows The Laggan Forest Trust to manage the trail centre with FLS and make it a destination that continues to draw local riders and riders from further afield  – and that can only be a great thing for the long-term future of the centre.”

The ongoing success of the centre supports the local economy, providing employment for people in the community and bringing visitors to the area who in turn spend money in local businesses.

British gold and silver Paralympic cyclist medallist and adventurer Karen Darke has recently taken up mountain biking on an adaptive bike and she put the upgraded Laggan Wolftrax trails to the test.

Karen said:

“It’s fantastic that places like Laggan have made the effort to upgrade and improve trails for riders of all abilities. It’s about making mountain biking more inclusive for everybody from young kids, disabled people and advanced riders.

“The trails have a nice progression about them allowing riders to build confidence and skills to then challenge themselves on more demanding sections and routes.

“I think it’s really important that trails like this exist. Personally, it allows me to meet a group of friends at a trail centre and go riding too. I don’t have to wait and meet them afterwards. It’s brilliant.”

Notes to editors

1. 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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