Forestry Commission - News - take a two-wheel forest tour this weekend

People in Dumfriesshire are being offered the chance to get on their bikes and explore their local woodlands on Saturday (June 21) as part of National Bike Week.

A qualified ranger from Forestry Commission Scotland will be leading guided bicycle tours of Forest of Ae in an event suitable for families and novice bikers.

The event ties in with Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods programme which encourages more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s woods and forests.

While the forest is popular with experienced mountain bikers for its famous 7stanes trails, Saturday’s hour-long tours are planned to act as an introduction to woodland cycling and will follow the forest’s least challenging bike route.

The track follows the Water of Ae through nine kilometres of quiet woodland and leads to a beautiful waterfall. Bikers can also look forward to spotting some of the forest’s diverse wildlife, including red squirrels and buzzards.

Robin Fuller of Forestry Commission Scotland, who will be leading the cycling groups, said:

“Biking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, and Ae Forest is a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy on their bikes.

“This event will be the ideal for people who want to explore the forest for the first time or build their biking confidence, and it’s the perfect way for families to start cycling together.

”The forest has trails suitable for everyone from complete beginners to experts, so once visitors have whetted their appetites this weekend they can be sure they can keep coming back to find a course which matches their abilities.”

The cycling event will take place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday June 21. It is open to all visitors over the age of eight, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Bike hire is available from Ae Bike Shop and Café. Call 01387 860541 or visit www.ae7.co.uk for more information.

Booking in advance is essential to take part in a guided tour. To book a place on a guided ride, call the Ae Forest District office on 01387 860 247.

The cycling tour is the first of a series of forest events in the forthcoming weeks to encourage local people to get active in their local green spaces. Planned events include an introduction to Mabie Nature Reserve on Saturday June 28, and a family activity day in the Forest of Ae on Friday July 25.

Forestry Commission Scotland's Active Woods campaign aims to help improve the nation's health and well-being by encouraging more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests. For more information, log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods or telephone 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).

Notes to Editors:

1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry department and is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Scotland. Each year, around 20 million people visit its forests and woodlands which cover over 17% of Scotland’s land mass – an amazing natural resource to explore.

2. It is recommended children accumulate one hour a day of exercise to benefit their health. Active children are more likely to be active adults, reducing their risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Media enquiries to:

Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland, press office, 0131 314 6508

Robin Fuller, Forestry Commission Scotland, Ae Forest District, 01387 860 247