Mountain bikers are once again able to enjoy the trails at Forestry and Land Scotland's (FLS) Carron Valley following the completion of significant upgrade works.

The site, renowned for offering some of the best official mountain biking trails in close proximity to Glasgow, has undergone resurfacing and improvements to its various features.

Two of the three red-graded trails, Runway and Cannonball, are now open to riders. The third red-graded trail, Eas Dubh, is anticipated to be ready for use in the coming weeks.

Collectively, these three trails offer experienced mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills and a reasonable level of fitness five miles of singletrack riding with a diverse range of challenges. This includes steep climbs, descents, and technical elements such as tree roots, drop-offs, and large rocks.


Katy McGregor, FLS Area Visitor Services Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the reopening: "We are very excited to welcome back mountain bikers to this popular site. Our teams have been working hard to get to this point and we appreciate the understanding and patience riders have shown during the time the trails were closed. The upgrades will provide experienced mountain bikers with a set of joined up red-graded trails that test and challenge their skills through a wide variety of ascents, sweeping descents, jumps, berms and other features."

A recent harvesting programme within the Carron Forest also facilitated a timely clear-up of damage caused by Storm Eowyn, further enhancing the visitor experience in the area.

FLS is also reminding riders and other forest users about a plant health notice affecting the larch trees in Carron Forest. As part of essential biosecurity measures, visitors are requested to thoroughly clean their bikes and clothing before leaving the forest.

Beyond the challenging red-graded trails, Carron Valley also offers more leisurely options, with easy waterside strolls and family-friendly cycle routes available for those seeking a gentler pace or wishing to explore the area on foot or two wheels with family and friends. The forest is rich in wildlife and history, with features such as standing stones, old drove roads, and a reconstructed Iron Age fort waiting to be discovered. Visitors may also spot red squirrels and crossbills in the trees, and ospreys and waterbirds from the lochside hide.