The Sanquhar Woodlands Mountain Bike Trails were created in 2008 with funding from HIE Moray, Moray Council, Lottery Awards for All and the Forres Local Community Network.
It was a joint project between the Forres Community Woodlands Trust and The Forres Freeriders who were a specially constituted group of young enthusiasts.
The Trails were designed by the Aviemore based trail designer, Paul Masson. The Trails were opened in October 2008 by Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead and 2007 Junior World Downhill Mountain Biking Champion, Ruaridh Cunningham.
Sanquhar Woodlands Mountain Bike Trails are available throughout the year. They offer the opportunity for everyone to take part in mountain biking, from families and the less experienced to those looking for something a bit more challenging.
WARNING – READ BEFORE YOU RIDE
Mountain biking is inherently dangerous and those who ride on the Sanquhar Woodland trails do so at their own risk.
Riders should ensure that they are correctly equipped to undertake this activity and should only use those trails that are within their own ability. It is very strongly recommended that they carry out a reconnaissance of the trails before riding them.
Riders should take note of the guidance given on the notice boards for the Trails and should give due consideration to other users of the Woods. Riders are to be aware that they do not have exclusive use of the trails and they may meet walkers and dogs at any point. Riders using the ‘jumps’ section should have had appropriate training before attempting to ride the jumps.
The Blue Sanquhar Sanction trail is a gentle single-track loop, ideal for building confidence for the more challenging routes.
The Red Mannachie Mania trail is more bumpy and rocky, with some drop-offs, for more experienced riders looking to extend their skills.
The Orange Woodside Wake trail has a series of drop-offs and includes the Sanquhar Air Space jumps of varying difficulty.
EVENTS ON THE MTB TRAILS
The Mountain Bike Trails are regularly used for events organised locally under the auspices of Scottish Cycling, These photographs were taken at an event in June 2014 with Junior participants enjoying themselves.
2016
Races as part of the Scottish Cycling North Dirt Crit Series 2016 were held on the Sanquhar bike trails in early October 2016. The races were for youngsters in categories from ages under 6 to under 16 with a total of 86 young participants.
2018
The Scottish Cycling North Dirt Crit Series continue to use the Sanquhar bike trails and in late September 2018, the final races of the Series were held here. There were 67 competitors in categories from under 6 to under 16. Volunteers from the FCWT made sure that the MTB trails were in top condition prior to the event and sunshine on the day added to the events success.
