Orkney's newest sporting facility will add 4,650 metres of purpose-built mountain bike trails as part of the Orkney 2025 Island Games legacy. The project comes amid growing interest in mountain biking and cyclo-cross and aims to enhance local cycling opportunities on an off-road, car free environment.
The facility will feature three trail grades:
• Green – suitable for beginners and adaptive cycles
• Blue – intermediate level
• Red – advanced riders seeking greater technical challenges
Features such as jumps, drop-offs, rock gardens, pump track and a flyover section have been designed for recreational use, coaching sessions and guided rides. The completed trails will meet UCI standards for international cross-country mountain bike events.
The site, formerly designated for housing, has been re-zoned as a permanent green recreation and leisure corridor connecting the Pickaquoy Centre area to Orkney Golf Course. Plans include planting 1,000 native trees, creating ponds to support wildlife and help reduce flooding, and repurposing felled trees into habitats for small mammals. The Pickaquoy Centre has been working in partnership with the Woodland Trust, to ensure biodiversity and environmental enhancement.
Dan Brazier of Orkney Cycling Club has been pivotal to the development of the project, having originally pitched the idea to The Picky Trust back in 2020. The trails have been designed by experienced mountain bike trail builder Clive Forth and Daria Zandomeneghi, working with Bracewell Architectural Practice. Construction of the trails is being carried out by local firm Eoin Muir Plant Hire.
The building phase funding has been provided by sportscotland, the Scottish Government's Scottish Islands Programme, Orkney Islands Council Crown Estate Fund and Orkney Islands Council Community Development Funds following the design phase funding from The National Lottery Awards for All, Pickaquoy Centre Trust and Orkney Cycling Club. The facility is expected to open Autumn, with public open days planned to showcase the trails and wider environmental benefits. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming recruitment for Orkney's first and only purpose-built Mountain Bike Track.