Many mountain bikers will be familiar (either from a riding or spectating point of view) with the challenging downhill track at Nevis Range which has been used for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cups since 2002 and was revised and upgraded for the 2007 Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships. This track is often cited by professional riders as one of the toughest and best on the World Cup circuit.

Funding partners sportscotland, Highlands & Island Enterprise, Nevis Range, West Highland Wheelers, Forestry Commission Scotland and Lochaber - The Outdoor Capital of the UK have agreed to support the build which commences later in July with completion expected some time in 2009.

Accessible by gondola (so no tiring uphill) the new track will also be aimed at leisure mountain bikers, holidaying riders and family groups in order to make mountain biking of this nature more accessible and will feature stopping places and view points to allow riders to rest and admire the views.

Further information is available at the Nevis Range website.

Completed in 2007 and now ready to ride, a 9km extension to the more demanding Wolftrax red route means that there is now a stamina testing, skill challenging 17km of red grade trail for proficient mountain bike riders to enjoy.

A new ‘green’ grade circular trail also offers beginners an opportunity to hone their skills across 4km of less difficult ground – and more experienced bikers an excellent warm-up before tackling harder graded routes.

With Nevis Range’s ‘Witches Trails’ closed for competition across the week of the event (3rd – 9th Sep) this guide aims to provide you with some quality alternatives in the area.

As a double, consecutive IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Global Superstar, Scotland is the ideal location for mountain biking; so when you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to pack your cycle legs along with the rest of your kit, get out there and enjoy what’s on offer both locally and further afield.

You can download a PDF copy of the brochure here (1Mb)

What's more - we've also added the latest Scottish Mountain Biking podcast which of course has great footage from the Highlands including Fort William's world cup events.

Over 600 have already entered but there's still time to get your entry in before the event if you're quick.

Other entertainment includes a pyrotechnic stunt man, live bands, a Moto-Cross display and a post race party.

Promising more than just a MTB Festival, the weekend will offer a carnival atmosphere with food, bands, entertainment and side shows, and is expected to attract visitors from far afield to take advantage of the long weekend and enjoy the wonderful scenery and attractions of Sutherland.

Visit their site for more details -

Congratulations to all the category winners and the organisers - whatever the weather and however much mud you have to plough through (I know - I was there) the great atmosphere makes it all worthwhile.

Approximately 18km of trail has been built in Phase 1 and plans are underway to develop further phases over the next 5 years.

Happy riding
The MTB-Highland team