Architects appointed for bike trails in Gortin Glen Forest Park

Architrail, who were involved in the design of mountain bike trails for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, bring with them a wealth of experience in this line of work including the successful delivery of similar projects in Northern Ireland.

The Davagh Forest Trails near Cookstown, which opened to the public in spring 2013, were designed by the Architrail team and Managing Director, Phil Saxena, believes the proposed trails in Gortin Glen Forest Park can complement Davagh Forest and transform the Sperrins into a first class short break destination for mountain bikers and walkers alike.

“We are absolutely delighted to be awarded the contract to work on the initial design for mountain biking and walking trails within Gortin Glen Forest Park,” said Mr Saxena.

“This landscape holds huge recreation potential which at the minute is clearly underutilised and so we are incredibly excited to be able to help breathe new life into this Forest Park.”

“This initial design, which will be completed by May 2015, will broadly outline the main areas within the Forest Park which could feasibly cater for a minimum of 20km of walking trails and at least 30km of mountain biking trails.

“It is just one aspect of a wider ‘masterplan’ for Gortin Glen Forest Park which has been is being developed by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland in partnership and on behalf of Omagh District Council which also includes the potential development of a café, event space, retail unit visitor servicing facilities and an adventure play area.”