Black Isle mountain bike trail reopening after coronavirus lockdown
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Learnie Red Rocks – between Rosemarkie and Cromarty – is among Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) sites which will once again welcome visitors.
Bike trails have been closed during the lockdown, amid concerns that anyone who injured themselves on the more challenging routes might expose rescuers to the coronavirus.
But they, along with most of FLS' car parks, are now set to open to the public from tomorrow (July 15) after Scotland was able to contain the viral outbreak.
FLS chief executive Simon Hodgson, said: “After four months of restrictions I am sure that many people are looking forward to visiting one of our forests to help in their own mental, physical and spiritual recovery.
“Our staff have done an amazing job in getting us to the point where we are ready to welcome visitors back and I am delighted to say that now – in the new normal – we are open for business.
“However, this is a critical juncture in Scotland’s recovery. Progress to date could easily be reversed so it is vital that everyone plans ahead, has alternative options ready in case they arrive at a site that is already too busy and that they follow the latest Scottish Government guidance.
“In supporting this approach we will be implementing physical distancing in our visitor centres and will also require that anyone entering wears a face mask.
“We look forward to welcoming people back to our forests, our mountain bike trails and our visitor centres. Please remember to be considerate of each other and of our staff so that everyone can continue to stay safe and enjoy great days out.”
The local sites are among those reopening as Scotland enters phase three of its route map to recovery from lockdown.
FLS said it has "pulled out all the stops" to support the tourism sector’s recovery and opened its visitor facilities across the country.
Some 95 per cent of its car parks, almost all of its visitor centres, and almost all mountain bike trails, will be open from tomorrow.
However anyone considering visiting an FLS site should continue to “go before they go” as its toilet facilities will only start to begin a phased re-opening from Monday, July 20.
The FLS website front page carries a live list (which will next be updated at 9am on July 15) of the most up-to-date information for all FLS facilities and members of the public are advised to check this before they leave home.
The majority of FLS car parks will be open from Wednesday, as will the majority of mountain bike trails including:
- North Scotland – Pitfichie, Moray Monster Trails, Learnie Red Rocks, Laggan Wolftrax and Contin.
- South Scotland – Glentress, Mabie, Innerleithen, Ae Forest, Dalbeattie, and at the Kirroughtree and Glentrool Visitor centres
Visitor centres that will be open include:
- Glenmore Visitor Centre
- Glentress
- Glentrool Visitor Centre
- Kirroughtree Visitor Centre
- Queen's View Visitor Centre
