The trails at Laggan Wolftrax have a new lease of life, with upgrades designed to welcome everyone from first-time riders to Paralympians.
Forestry and Land Scotland and the Laggan Forest Trust have worked together to make the blue and green routes wider, smoother and more accessible, allowing riders using adaptive bikes to enjoy the thrill of the tracks on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.
The Wolf Cub Green trail has been completely resurfaced and widened, while the drainage has been rebuilt to keep the track rideable in all weathers.
Several sections of the Give and Take climb have also been improved to make sure adaptive bikes can tackle them with ease.
Visitor Services Ranger Maree Morrison said it was fitting that these improvements should come in the same year the partnership between Forestry and Land Scotland and the Laggan Forest Trust turns twenty.
“As we celebrate 20 years of working together, it is testament to the success of the partnership that the trails at Laggan Wolftrax continue to evolve so that more people, of all abilities, can take part in mountain biking,” she said.
The work has been funded and supported by a wide range of partners, including the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Sportscotland, with input from disabled mountain biking advocate Dave Bower.
Laggan Forest Trust Business Development Officer Cristian Pizarro said the upgrades mean the centre can now cater to a much broader range of visitors.
“Laggan Wolftrax has long been a favourite for highly skilled riders, but now it is also a trail centre for everyone,” he said.
The changes will make it easier for people using adaptive bikes to experience the joy of the trails, while also offering beginners a safe and exciting introduction to the sport.
The success of the centre also brings benefits beyond the bike tracks, supporting the local economy by attracting visitors who spend money in nearby shops, cafes and accommodation.
British Paralympic gold and silver medallist Karen Darke recently tried the improved trails on her adaptive bike and described them as a game changer.
“It’s fantastic that places like Laggan have made the effort to upgrade and improve trails for riders of all abilities,” she said.
Karen said the trails now have a natural progression, giving riders the confidence to try more challenging sections as their skills grow.
For her, the improvements mean she can now ride alongside friends instead of waiting to meet them afterwards.
“I think it’s really important that trails like this exist,” she said.
“It’s brilliant.”
With these upgrades, Laggan Wolftrax has strengthened its reputation as one of Scotland’s most welcoming mountain biking destinations, a place where skill level, ability or equipment no longer stand in the way of a great day on the trails.
