Another new bit of purpose-built trail officially opens today, with the launch of a new red-graded descent at Glenbranter, in Argyll Forest Park. It's only 1km of trail, but it's the first stretch of its kind in the Park and there's more to come.

Argyll and Queen Elizabeth Forest Parks are in the middle of a £3 million project to upgrade recreational facilities, and the 6km cycle trail that includes the new downhill section is an element of that.

The trail begins by gaining height on a long, tough forest road climb. The steep downhill section of track is designed for experienced mountain bikers and takes a direct line down the forested hillside with lots of berms to help riders carry speed through the corners. One of the testers described it as "a very fast, steep and smooth flowing trail".

Andy Malcolm, Forestry Commission Scotland¹s Project Manager for Cowal and Trossachs said:

"We are very excited to be launching the new cycle track and hope it will help make mountain bikers aware of what the forests have to offer."

"During the project, work has been done on 200km of route improvements, including new cycle paths and links between forest roads that open up fresh routes."

"In the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park new trails include the Doonhill route from Aberfoyle village car park and a choice of three trails from the Milton car park in Lochard Forest."

"To help cyclists, walkers and horse riders, Forestry Commission Scotland has installed 28 new information points at car parks throughout the Forest Parks. Each one has details of waymarked routes from that location, including an indication of routes suitable for cycling."

"Visitors will also benefit from new picnic facilities and environmental work that has opened up views and improved the forest environment."

"We hope everyone from families with small children to hard-core mountain bikers will take their pick of the cycle trails and become regular visitors to the beautiful forests of the National Park."

Other cycle routes in Argyll Forest Park include circuits at Corlarach, Ardentinny and Ardgartan. A specially designed road crossing over the A83 allows cyclists and walkers to safely reach Ardgartan from Arrochar.

Queen Elizabeth Forest also provides excellent off-road cycling

opportunities, with circuits in Achray and Loch Ard Forests. While many sections of the long distance National Cycle Route 7 make good day or half-day rides.

For more information on Forestry Commission Scotland's mountain bike trails, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland. The website www.forestry.gov.uk also has detailed information on cycle routes, car parks, picnic sites, walking and other activities.