A Co Tyrone park has been named as Northern Ireland's joint-favourite mountain bike trail.
Gortin Glen Forest Park picked up the Favourite Mountain Bike Trail Centre in NI award at the 2020 MountainBike NI awards, alongside Castlewellan Forest Park in Co Down, following a public vote.
Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong, said they were delighted with the award and which showed the council's committment to making the area a great place to live.
She said: “The Council is committed to making the Fermanagh and Omagh district a great place to live, work and visit and has been working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, to redevelop Gortin Glen Forest Park into a must visit family destination, with the new mountain bike trail just opened at the end of last year.
"Improving the health and wellbeing of all our citizens is one of the Council’s key priorities. We recognise the importance of providing high quality outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors to get and stay active while having a thoroughly great time.
"I am delighted that the mountain bike trails are bringing such enjoyment to those visiting Gortin Glen Forest Park and that the forest park is now considered one of the best mountain bike trail centres in Northern Ireland. I would like to commend all those in involved in the development of the forest park and mountain bike trails in particular, Gortin Mountain Bike Club and Friends of the Glens for their continued support and feedback.”
The development of 13km of mountain bike trails is just one part of the £2 million investment programme at Gortin Glen Forest Park with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs each committing £1,000,000 to the project.
Development works undertaken to date include the creation of a destination play park and trim trail, improved walking trails, and upgrade works to the forestry office, classroom and cafe building. Works are soon to complete on horse trails, located on the western side of the forest, for which an application process to access the trails is now open.
Red and blue graded mountain bike trails start from the main car park, and, after a challenging climb, people are rewarded with stunning views at the top of Keelan’s Chase (Blue) or the Mountain Trail (Red), before enjoying the thrill of the berms and jerms all the way back to the visitor hub area.
Visitors to the Forest Park users are encouraged to use the main two car parks. Parking for blue badge holders is available beside the playpark. Please note a one-way system continues to be in operation.
