Laggan Wolftrax celebrates 20 years of mountain biking and community collaboration

Laggan Wolftrax is celebrating 20 years of mountain biking and the successful partnership between Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and community run Laggan Forest Trust (LFT). 

The anniversary will be marked by a day of activities on Saturday 28 September that includes subsidised coaching sessions, balance bike come and try, BBQ and kids crafts.

Since the signing of a partnership agreement in 2004, FLS and LFT have been providing riders of all abilities with exciting, purpose-built, singletrack mountain bike trails and forest walks for those not using two wheels. 

More importantly, the trail centre has been a focal point for the local community to play a key role in supporting and benefiting from the recreational activities and sustainable management of the forest in the area.    

Over the years, Laggan Wolftrax has been expanded and enhanced to feature more than 30 kilometres of routes ranging from green trails to a black run that’s probably the most technical bit of single-track in Scotland. While the LFT managed Laggan Wolftrax Centre and Café provides visitors with food, bike shop, visitor information, toilets and showers.

FLS’ Visitor Services Ranger Maree Morrison said:

“It is fantastic to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of this successful partnership. FLS and the Laggan Forest Trust have been working closely to ensure people can enjoy world-class mountain biking along with other activities such as walking all within a working forest.

“Since the initial agreement was signed, this collaborative approach has seen significant extension to the trails, the creation of jobs for local people and has put Laggan on the map as a visitor destination.”

Jack Mackay a former Community, Recreation & Tourism Manager with Forestry Commission Scotland recalled:

“With the Laggan Wolftrax mountain bike and walking trail facility opening in 2004 we were able to deliver the first major new recreational facility within the Cairngorms National Park.

“At the start of the project the Laggan community had ambitious plans to develop the centre, and there is no doubt those ambitions have been realised. Furthermore, the work carried out in the past year by the partnership to expand the trail network highlights that the progression of Laggan as a tourist destination is in good hands.

“It is thrilling to see visitors and local people alike continuing to come, and to return, to what has now established itself as one of the national ‘must do’ mountain-bike centres.”

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

“At the time of its opening, Laggan Wolftrax become a beloved high end mountain biking trail centre among mountain bikers. Twenty years later, it remains a popular site for highly skilled riders but has also been developed to become a trail centre for everyone. 

“Originally harnessing the rocky nature of the site, the landscape was shaped with rock gardens and slabs giving Wolftrax a unique character. Over the years, with collaboration, support and funding from a wide range of partners, a series of new trails have been developed to improve the visitor experience. Today, Laggan Wolftrax features a progressive trail network that now provides a skills development platform for complete beginner to expert riders.

“The Laggan Wolftrax Visitor Centre successfully operates as a Social Enterprise providing employment and economic benefits for the local community. The 20th anniversary is a chance to celebrate what has been possible with the support of the local community, Forestry and Land Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highland and Island Enterprise and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland among many other partners.”

Background:

Find more information on the Laggan Wolftrax 20th anniversary event here: Laggan Wolftrax 20th Anniversary | Laggan Forest Trust

What’s in a name?

The choice of name Laggan Wolftrax, points to the rural self-reliance and speed of the wolf, characteristics of many mountain-bikers who like to test themselves against these challenging courses and was chosen after a community consultation process.

It also points to the historical local villain the Wolf of Badenoch, and some of the features of the trails are linked to his notorious past including the black route “Devil’s Chessboard” - recalling the Wolf of Badenoch’s last evening when he was reputed to have been seen playing Chess with the Devil!

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. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland.
   
   
2. Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot