The Glentress Masterplan sets out redevelopment proposals that includes new trails, improved facilities, and some new accommodation options in the area. Originally conceived before the 2023 UCI World Championships were planned to take place in the area, there have been a few amendments to the plan and schedule to allow the 2023 UCI World Championships to happen. If you’re planning a trip to the area, here’s what to expect.
Closures From March 1st
The Buzzard’s Nest carpark is closed. Riders can park at the main visitor hub area at the bottom of the hill. If you want easier access to the skills area and trails that start up by the Buzzard’s Nest, you can book an uplift with Adrenaline Uplift. It is £8 per person per uplift, or £80 for a family day pass (see their website for the full range of services and pricing). The Forestry and Land Scotland website also states ‘Vehicle access for forest businesses and clubs to the Buzzard’s Nest Skills Area can be arranged in advance by contacting our local office, but will be limited to drop-offs only.’
The Freeride Area, and Zoom or Bust are closed. Ho Chi Zoom has a diversion in place. Martin Page, Regional Visitor Services Manager for Forestry and Land Scotland, confirmed that no other trail closures are planned:
‘I can confirm that there are currently no plans to close any existing MTB network trails as part of the Glentress Masterplan delivery. There may however be the need to put some temporary diversions in place due to late season storm damage or if any environmental issues arise (e.g. nesting birds).‘
2023 UCI World Championships preparation
If you check the planning application for the Masterplan, you’ll see that there has been a lot of back and forth making amendments to enable to World Championships to take place at Glentress – all the Cross-country and Cross-country Marathon events will be held there. Many of those changes allow for things like better access for event vehicles, rather than affecting the trails. However, the large start and finish area for the event is the site that is destined to be the location of the new skills area. Obviously work will not be able to begin on that new skills area until after the World Championships, meaning that the new skills area is now scheduled for completion at Easter 2024. The existing skills area, near the (closed) Buzzard’s Nest carpark, will remain open until the new area is complete.
After the 2023 UCI World Championships the start/finish line will be reconfigured and accommodated into the Masterplan so it can be used in future.
No new trails will be created as a result of the World Championships, Martin Page confirmed: ‘The XC race routes will be using approximately 80% of the existing trails and those being developed as part of the masterplan, with the remainder being removed as they are not compatible with the site’s legacy configuration.‘
Restrictions from 10th July, Closures 1st – 14th August
From 10th July Forestry and Land Scotland will be handing over management of the car parks and visitor hub to the event organisers. These car parks should remain open during this time, although there may be some reduction in available parking spaces. Notification of these restrictions will be provided nearer the time – check the Glentress website for updates.
From 1st August 2023 to 14th August 2023 the car parks and visitor hub will be closed. There will also be no access to Glentress from the A72 for the duration of the event between the 1st and 14th August.
What New Fun Is Coming?
Under the masterplan there will be 16km of new trails. Approximately 4km of the new trails are being designed as multi user paths, with the remaining 12km or so being specifically designed and constructed for mountain bikes.
Keep up to date with any developments or temporary closures here.
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