Have You heard About These Brand New Mtb Trails?

[@ColinCadden]

Some folk obviously don't realise that the conveyor belt uplift was originally installed for learner skiers. It's great that they can use it for the easier trails too. I'm pretty sure they can't (legally) charge for access to the trails though. Removing free public acccess should have been in the planning permission documents for approval - and it definitely wasn't.

[@McTrailRider]

I didn’t realise the uplift was already there tbh, but that makes perfect sense.

[@adriankelly_edinburgh]

These trails are long overdue and, to my way of thinking, fill in an obvious gap between Laggan and Glenlivet. So now it would be possible to ride Glencoe, Fort William, Laggan, Cairngorm, Glen Livet, Ballater, The Lecht and Glen Shee in one nice big loop over a week or two (with Tarland thrown in with a bit of a detour). I've known these trails were coming for a while but I haven't had a chance to visit Aviemore since they've opened so I'll have to see if I can squeeze in a visit before we head to the Alps next month!

[@McTrailRider]

That’s a great point Adrian 👍 Ties in nicely with the other locations. Tarland isn’t that much of a detour either, only 15 minutes from Ballater👍

[@jamieroe5292]

Your laughter at 5:17 is exactly why we keep getting the bikes out 😂

[@McTrailRider]

Mountain biking can get you right in the feels sometimes 😊

[@crazyoldmaninthewoods]

Trails look pretty awesome Andrew, thanks for the tour, Andy

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you think so👍

[@misterdroneboy8999]

Outstanding great to see Scotland leading the way in the uk

[@McTrailRider]

So much happening up here this year 👍💪

[@ianbradbury6416]

Not convinced that charging £22 for a not very good, or even necessary, moving carpet counts as "leading the way" unless the goal is to become even more off a rip off country.

[@SimonSheehan01]

I think it is illegal to charge purely for access to the land under land reform bill 2003. They can change for parking, and use of the uplift, but not the trails It sets a dangerous president that all land owners could start charging for access to land for any activity. I have contacted The Cairngorms National Park Access Officer for clarification

[@averagejohnfyl6330]

I think your right here mate, tarland is a good example, they charge a 5er to park for the day, but if you stay in tarland or camped nearby etc and cycled to the trail centre, it would be a free day for you to use them as much as you like

[@McTrailRider]

You are indeed 100% correct.

[@callumcopley6780]

Mm pay to use 😂

[@ColinCadden]

Skiers don't pay to use the pisted trails if they've skied or walked up themselves.

[@turingbeing]

Agreed, cycled to Glen Nevis whilst in Fort William and used the trails for nowt

[@andyslater5248]

Will be trying it out next week, £22 seems a bit much but the uplift wont have been cheap to put in plus the money will help with the conservation of the area. As a blue / easy red rider this looks well within my comfort zone. excited !

[@McTrailRider]

I’ll be looking at the fee as more of an investment for the future👍

[@youngbairn]

I'll be surprised if this generates enough to cover the cost of building the tracks over 5 years. Let's see the state of them after 1 winter.

[@R.I.C.H.Y]

The uplift was there before as been used for beginners ski area

[@chrisgell9052]

Hadn't heard of these, but look ideal for building up the confidence of my two wee ones. Will definitely head there soon. Thanks for the video.

[@McTrailRider]

Excellent! I’m sure you’ll all enjoy it.

[@bigstoozeradventures]

Wonderful video Andrew. I shall be treating my lovely lady (Green Trail Expert) to a day out at this Trail Centre.

[@McTrailRider]

Please do!

[@kyled121]

Cool vid Andy, pity about the price though. I think it's a bit steep🤣

[@McTrailRider]

Depends how you look at it I suppose

[@DaveLivesey]

Went here today - the big lad (9yo) loved it and the 6yo had a great time too. Cafe missing a huge trick not having hot food in the morning though.

[@McTrailRider]

Fantastic! Glad your kids enjoyed the facilities 👍

[@leilaevans3989]

Thank you for showing these trails (agree it's cool to have options for beginners in the area) and also your experience with the uplift / access issues. I have real concerns about the access implications though, if you don't pay for an uplift that only gets you 1/3 way up. Yes they have facilities at the base station as you mentioned, but so do plenty of trail centres (Laggan for example) and nobody else is charging simply for access. £22 is a lot for such a short uplift that doesn't get you to the top of all the trails, especially when they're stopping folks from heading up under their own steam. A final point, maybe more on logistics and longevity of these trails - they've been built through the lower beginners / nusery slopes for skiing (which was why the "magic carpet" was there in the first place). Going forwards I'm interested to understand how Cairngorm will manage this. So far I've heard that they propose to chop off the top 1m of the berms... Nevertheless, cool to see the trails are also fun for non-beginners and great video as always!

[@McTrailRider]

Some great observations. I largely agree

[@simonjones118]

🤣 "Mountain bacon in Scotland has never looked so good" in subtitles for the first sentence. Reminds me of the elevator sketch..."Eleven!"

[@McTrailRider]

I’ve got a thick, scotch, accent 😜

[@DrFaroon]

Great that this is a thing. All the European ski resorts that do MTB in Summer, Whistler and more in NA - surely there's a financial model for MTB at Cairngorm, Glenshee, The Lecht, to add to Nevis and Glen Coe? Chair lift (or funicular) up to the Ptarmigan, and an Enduro trail down the White Lady? And there's all of Coire Ciste, too. Perhaps the start of something truly epic. Nice gap over the heather.

[@McTrailRider]

I believe they’ve always wanted to have mountain bike trails, but struggled to get planning to do so. Environmental impact etc etc. Although, they got planning for everything ski related at one point.

[@DrFaroon]

@@McTrailRider Went up there today. I was a bit underwhelmed, TBH. I can't jump half as well as you can, so the jump over the heather is out, the long tabletops are jumps to flat, and rest is all a bit featureless. We did 2 runs, and went to Badaguish. Tarland 2 knocks the socks off this place, and is £30 for an annual pass. But, in other news - we took the Eeebs, rode up the paths, wasn't challenged for a fee. So I either need to get a lot better at jumping, or stick to the tech!

[@a194321]

Vey nice trail. In Belgium we can only dream of having trails like this

[@garioch_gravel_rider7376]

Looks good Andrew - £22 seems a bit steep for what's there though considering Tarland Trails is only £5 for a day?

[@McTrailRider]

You only really need a half day tbf. It’s also £3 for parking.

[@garioch_gravel_rider7376]

@@McTrailRider oooft! Proper ski resort pricing 😅

[@DizRidesMtb]

Looks gd bro. Nice to see Alex too 😎🤗

[@McTrailRider]

It was good to have her out again 👍

[@kisilvan]

Thanks for the vid. Was wondering what they were like. Thought the staff could have approached you differently. I think when the full elevator is in I would pay the half day mess about on the trails for a bit then take the elevator to the top and go up to the plateau and do a longer ride. Worth paying to save the legs on the upward bit for that alone. I park lower down and cycle up to the car park.

[@McTrailRider]

I think the woman had to raise her voice to get my attention initially, which didn’t help. If the lift went to the top, they would get a lot more custom, but they have literally just started the development. Looking forward to phase two.

[@MTBScotland]

I knew it was coming and considered going up but then I saw they charge for the trails as well as the parking. They can't justify that cost. I'd have to pay £70 to take me and the 3 kids. Fuck that. I get paying for an uplift but not to use the trails.

[@McTrailRider]

It’s not they’re fault you’ve got 3 kids Ross😜

[@MTBScotland]

@@McTrailRider not mine either 🤣

[@01FozzyS]

Whoah, nice to see Alix back in your videos!

[@McTrailRider]

Some people were starting to question weather we were still together 😬

[@01FozzyS]

@@McTrailRider 😬

[@jonathanspackman9290]

The escalator looks cool!!!

[@McTrailRider]

It’s pretty sweet👍

[@brucemacdonald5532]

Yeah, noticed a lot of the ski/trail centres seem to be upping their game!

[@McTrailRider]

I think they all need to, ski seasons are unpredictable and sometimes none existent.

[@brucemacdonald5532]

@@McTrailRider Yeah, overheads will be considerable maintaining gondolas etc.

[@farty81]

I feared the worst when I heard Cairngorm were building these a while back, but to be fair they've done a proper job. Now they just need some chairlifts so they can provide proper uplift for bikes and skiers.

[@camperp195]

Wow,the escalator is such a good idea! Trails look great!

[@McTrailRider]

It’s pretty cool tbh

[@pablojmcglynn2863]

Great content as always , paying £22 for a fd really doesnt sit well with me , if they said £22 for fd parking i would have no issue lol but to to pay to hit up trails in scotland ....no chance , charge for parking but not for using a trail. Trails looked fresh ....a little to ski resort, but maybe that's just me ... still, might try it out some time. Great watch 🤘🤘🤘

[@McTrailRider]

Worth a visit to see if you feel the same way after I suppose.

[@garyalexander3281]

Been following Cairn Gorm on social media about the new trails excellent to see your take and hear their building trails further, think it's CRC that down the work here, planning on going up later this year don't mind paying worth it. Thanks for sharing Andy much appreciated 😁🤙

[@McTrailRider]

Excellent! It feels like CRC’s work.

[@leilaevans3989]

I believe, but don't quote me, that they put the work out to tender, CRC bid, but Cairngorm Mountain didn't want to pay much so did the work themselves. And to be fair when I heard that I thought it was a poor call, given how excellent CRC are, but the actual trails look decent

[@McTrailRider]

@@leilaevans3989 CRC are definitely a great choice for building trails, but the work done at Cairngorm is really good imo 👍

[@gordoncuthbertson5255]

I'm worried about the paying for the trails, as it could easily become paying for access

[@McTrailRider]

I wouldn’t worry, I don’t see the law changing any time soon.

[@_I.M.T.B_]

Was there a couple of weeks ago and found them a wee bit dodgy due to the granite marbles all over the trails. My daughter slid out on the greens but eventually mastered her confidence. It's a shame we have to use the escalators and therefore have to pay ( £50 for a family of four for 3hrs) as there's a perffectly good trail to the left for climbing. However if paying means more trails to come and the possibility of a chairlift then fair enough. I suppose the money is currently paying for the team of sweepers dealing with the aforementioned marbles 😂 Minor grumbles and hopefully the trails will bed in soon. Paying for parking by card on the one machine on the way out however 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ P.s. I'm reliably informed that if you head up in the evening out of hours, the trails are free 😉

[@McTrailRider]

Good valid points mate👍 The looseness is almost an inevitability in a place like this i suppose. I reckon it will get less of an issue with more bedding in. If my money is going into getting more trails and infrastructure, I’m more happy to pay.

[@robertdoyle5576]

£22 seems a bit steep for sure for access and a third of an uplift, I still want to go and see what it’s all about but I wouldn’t be looking to go too often at that cost!

[@McTrailRider]

True. I feel that the price won’t stop people trying the trails, but it’s a hard sell to pay that every time.

[@Highland_Darts]

Paying that much is a bit out for most. Is it better than natural trails across the country? Ideal for beginners, but still very expensive for what it is.@@McTrailRider

[@glendaandthepinkwarrig]

Isn’t it good. I went last week and had a blast. I didn’t mind paying £22 as they’ve made a cracking job of the trails.

[@McTrailRider]

Good to hear! They’re great trails👍

[@Mtnboarder]

Not sure how that can be legal- will they be charging walkers to climb Cairngorm next? The chances of my cash hitting their tills just dropped even lower.

[@McTrailRider]

It’s not legal, that’s the long and short of it. They have invested a lot of money into the trails though, and I understand the need to recoup and reinvest.

[@Mtnboarder]

@@McTrailRider It'll be more fuel for the Save the Ciste campaigners. It'll take more than a few bike trails to recoup the millions wasted on that bloody hopeless trainset they've got too! Trails look good, but its just not offering enough to charge for, when you've got Laggan, Glenlivet etc nearby.

[@youngbairn]

Invested unwisely imo

[@mtbfree4914]

What happens when the conveyor belt breaks down…. as it inevitably will? 😂

[@McTrailRider]

It wouldn’t be a huge issue for me, as it doesn’t take you all that far up the hill.

[@Razz_Matazz927]

Nice

[@scottmccann4509]

Mmmmm i'm 50/50 on whether there should be a cost, i mean it's not much but no other trails (which are far better) are charging unless you're using the uplifts. Should other places charge? Regarding the routes, it looks like a great place to take kids (or adults) getting into mountain biking. Where you can watch them in a confined area, build their confidence, fitness and skill until you can take them on some real trails/adventures. 💪💪 🤙

[@McTrailRider]

No business can legally charge you for access to land in Scotland. They have built great trails though and I want them to succeed and to build more in the future.

[@kennywilliams7513]

try the isle of man... I broke my ribs going down one of the trails and I'm a former soldier and moto crosser ! Well hard

[@McTrailRider]

A place I’ve been meaning to visit for some time.

[@cleggycyclist]

Flowy goodness

[@McTrailRider]

👌

[@jonathanwhitehead9649]

I don’t suppose you know of anything worth a ride more towards Rosehall/Lairg? Due to have a week up there mid September, wondering whether to take the bike.

[@McTrailRider]

Good news! There is some fantastic riding to be had in that area. Golspie, Balblair and Contin to name just 3.

[@pungarehu]

Don’t forget the highland 550 runs through the rosehall area. There some great stuff at Evanton if you check OSM maps - trails are even named on the old interweb

[@wikrok]

Did they frisk you for water bottles on the way in? From the ticket ts&cs: "6.2 You acknowledge and agree that the following are not permitted within the Bike Park and that you shall not seek to bring any of the following into the Bike Park: [...] (c) your own food and drink; (d) bottles, cans or glass containers;"

[@McTrailRider]

Wow, that’s pretty ridiculous! I had my water bottle on the bike the whole time with no issues thankfully.

[@gavinheron1]

So paying for these trails and not using the uplift is similar to being charged to ski on a piste even although you walked up and didn’t use the ski lift. Welcome to Scotland! This does not encourage people, especially those with kids to mountain bike. That aside, thanks for the video.

[@McTrailRider]

Very true

[@NextLevelRiding]

Thise trails look fun. Shame about the paying side of things. But still a fun looking set of trails.

[@McTrailRider]

Yes, a good set of trails regardless 👍

[@NextLevelRiding]

@@McTrailRider one day I'll make it to sunny Scotland. 😉

[@jaykellett7693]

I have to say - Im pretty jealous of what Scotland has to offer in regards to bike parks these days. Why is the South of England so flat 😅

[@McTrailRider]

Tbf, it’s only really gotten good this year.

[@idmacp]

Good vid! You’re lucky discussion has been about £ rather than your quote about the jump 😂 “It’s not mass…” anyway. Sorry. I’m more worried that we lose some of the amazing recent trail developments because the mentality is we shouldn’t be paying. How on earth is Tarland/Glenlivet etc going to stay epic and develop without us paying more than the tiny amount we do for parking? Don’t want to pay? No worries, there’s so much fun to be had elsewhere. But if we want more variety across Scotland including these well built flow trails we’ll need to be dipping our hands in our pockets. Don’t get me started on parking round the corner and riding up at Tarland…just gonnae no.

[@McTrailRider]

I don’t think anyone has an issue with paying to use trails. I think the main issue that people are having with this place is that they are charging to use the trails and not for parking or uplift. In Scotland, we have the right to access land and I believe it is illegal to charge money for something we have a right for anyway. Two visits here would cost you £44 whereas an entire years pass for parking at Tarland costs £35. Tarland also offers a huge amount more trails, in fact, a whole network of trails for a tiny amount of money. Every single other trail centre in Scotland does not charge you to access the trails, instead only for parking or uplift if they have it.

[@idmacp]

@@McTrailRider just want the trail centres to stay awesome 😭

[@McTrailRider]

@@idmacp me too mate, it just needs to be done the right way👍

[@oliver_mtb]

From what i can see it is open in october when i visit, but from previous experience wouldn't it be absolutely horrendous weather up there? Would it still be worth looking to visit?

[@McTrailRider]

You really can’t tell with Scotland. October could very well be nicer than it is just now.

[@oliver_mtb]

@@McTrailRider oh ok I’m from the midlands, I think it’d be better of booking right before going to ensure it’s ridable

[@McTrailRider]

@@oliver_mtb you can just turn up and pay. Won’t cost you anything if the weather isn’t good.

[@chemistninja]

Looks a great facility but it does seem that Cairngorm Mountain Resort yet again take a ham-fisted approach to development. The manner of asking you for payment was not subtle and it won’t encourage regulars. I hope they take note of the Land Access issues and sort this out properly.

[@McTrailRider]

Still early days, I’m sure they will get things more refined in the future.

[@ridingflats]

Seems a bit steep in price, I bet parking isn't cheap either on top of it. Looks good though for a range of abilities.

[@McTrailRider]

£3 for parking. Great trails for everyone 👍

[@kjduncan1]

On their website FAQs they say this about paying.... "Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park has been developed and set out for recreational use in terms of Section 6 (1) (e) (ii) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. While it is in use as a Bike Park, the right to use the newly built trails is limited to those paying to do so. Allowing unrestricted access to the bike trails within it would interfere with the use and safety of the Bike Park for paying customers. The revenue from the park is used to pay for the cost of the services provided which include trail maintenance, staff and first aid assistance." It seems unclear on whether it being "set out for recreational use" actually gives them the right to withhold access, they seem to imply it does. Hopefully somebody smarter than me can perhaps raise it with them.

[@McTrailRider]

From the people that I’ve spoken to about the matter, it seems that this is not legal. I understand asking for money to help maintain and expand the trails, but I don’t think they have legal standing on the matter🤔

[@Jody1314]

If they let you take the funicular to midway then maybe £22 would be worth it.

[@McTrailRider]

Agreed 👍

[@StoneAgeProductionsAdventure]

Bike trails there have been long overdue but £16 for three hours plus the £3 parking, are they mad? I can understand they want to expand on it but at it is at the moment I won't be making the effort simply because of the price

[@McTrailRider]

That’s a pretty reasonable opinion to be fair.

[@paulmorgan5094]

CG has missed the game as usual. They have a funicular railway that should be used as a bike shuttle charge a 1/3 of the ski pass for the day jump on every 15mins.

[@McTrailRider]

I’d argue that the funicular is busy enough with tourists going to the top cafe to have the capacity to deal with loads of mountain bikers on top of that.

[@Bazza1968]

I can E-MTB to the bottom of Sgor Gaoith quicker than drive to here lol .... Funny how people accept the installation of a conveyor belt you lazily stand on for an uplift yet hate E-MTB's you actually have to pedal.... wonder if Cairngorm Mountain installed any charging stations??? I only go up the mountain on my road bike, I'd be better off going to Wolftrax than this tourist honeypot, unless it's well out of any holiday season

[@adriankelly_edinburgh]

I think the conveyor is really intended to make it easier for the kids since it only goes to the top of the green trails.

[@McTrailRider]

Not many people still out there that are complaining about e-bikes these days thankfully. No charging stations that I’m aware of.

[@np939427a]

Go out the top carpark and go to the first big bolder on the left before it goes down hill, Sqeeze past that and its all down hill for free on the old lecht road that use to go to the ski station road many moons ago, It crosses the road and you have wooden jumps within the trees for walkers lower down on the right hand side, But if no one is using it, Its also free, That takes you down to the back of glen more lodge.. Never been on that course yet, But a £10 for a full day out is well worth the money. Bargain if you ask me..

[@owlinthewood]

I don’t think the Lecht road will take you to Glenmore Lodge.😄

[@McTrailRider]

Every trail in Scotland is free technically. I know the one you’re talking about and I’m yet to hit it on the way down.

[@youngbairn]

Don't think it's a case of slipped under the radar. More why would anyone pass up the multiple trail centres to pay 20 odd quid, plus parking for a few short runs. I think your way off the mark saying the price is reasonable. Cairngorm has had the benefit of millions from the tax payer and they have the nerve to charge these prices. Also don't get me started on the location (in relation to the mountain) 😂 can you tell I'm a fan 😂

[@McTrailRider]

I think your a very big fan 😜

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

are the trails free to the public????

[@MTBScotland]

They should be

[@McTrailRider]

Technically, yes.

[@markwebster9455]

That’s what she said😂

[@McTrailRider]

😂

[@f-godz3342]

Presume riding up the escalator is a big no no? 😂

[@McTrailRider]

Don’t think I never thought about trying it 😜

[@sw6738]

22 quid a day is a rip off for the amount of trails (will still go to check it out lol)

[@McTrailRider]

It’s definitely a place you will pay for once, but I’m not sure they will get a lot of return custom at that price

[@robertlusted8858]

Makes you realise 'what could have been' over @ nevis range BlueDoon..🤦

[@McTrailRider]

Don’t get me started 😜

[@robertlusted8858]

@@McTrailRider 😂😂😂...🙄🫤

[@craigwilson3803]

Honestly can't believe that you pay to ride the actual trails. mental. anyway, it is what it is.

[@McTrailRider]

I was obviously surprised too.

[@carrotman2871]

:)

[@McTrailRider]

👍

[@TeddyChap]

So £20 to use the trails. Do they own the land ?

[@McTrailRider]

Fair point.

[@axt_messer_survival]

das viele ebike fahren macht fett (siehe video)

[@McTrailRider]

Dein Sprichwort weit?

[@axt_messer_survival]

@@McTrailRider dein vid bei 3:45 aber das ist sicher nur das shirt das sich der schwerkraft ergibt :-))) jetzt versteh ich natürlich warum die im frankreich video über fehlende fitness geklagt hast :-)

[@McTrailRider]

@@axt_messer_survival Im Vereinigten Königreich sind wir im Allgemeinen netter zu anderen und reden nicht direkt miteinander über unsere Fehler. Ja, ich habe einen Bauch, aber das liegt einfach daran, dass ich mehr Kalorien zu mir nehme, als ich verbrauche. E-Bikes haben damit allerdings nichts zu tun. Wenn Sie sich meine letzten Videos ansehen, werden Sie feststellen, dass ich viel häufiger mit meinen normalen Fahrrädern fahre.

[@axt_messer_survival]

@@McTrailRider das mit der höflichkeit mag stimmen. aber von welchem vereinigten königreich redest du? ich dachte du bist schotte. seit wann verstehen sich schotten als zugehörig? deshalb hast du dich wohl während der corona lüge auch streng an die unsinnigen vorschriften gehalten, das erklärt einiges.

[@andyclarke2969]

Can't believe all the responses from the miserable gits on here, the trails look excellent, Cairngorm mountain built the trails at great expense, if you don't want to pay it's really simple isn't it go freeload somewhere else.

[@McTrailRider]

I didn’t think that the price would have been such a talking point tbh. Asking to pay just to use the trails though, I can understand the complaints as I believe that isn’t legal.

[@andyclarke2969]

@@McTrailRider well i guess Aonach mor & Glencoe don't have the same problem ie people have to pay for the up lift as the trails are halfway up the mountain, who is going to hike a bike up to access the trails no one! on Cairngorm they are next to the carpark or very near catch 22.