SCOTLAND LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS 10-YEAR MOUNTAIN BIKING STRATEGY AND GROUNDBREAKING UK TRAILS GUIDANCE

SCOTLAND LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS 10-YEAR MOUNTAIN BIKING STRATEGY AND GROUNDBREAKING UK TRAILS GUIDANCE

Scottish Mountain Bike Conference 2026 unveils a new national vision for the sport alongside practical guidance to help communities build and maintain sustainable trail networks across the UK.

Perth, Scotland – 11 November 2026

Scotland is setting out an ambitious vision for the future of mountain biking today (Wednesday 11 November), with the launch of two major initiatives at the Scottish Mountain Bike Conference in Perth.

The Strategy for Scottish Mountain Biking 2026–2036 establishes the priorities and ambitions for the sector over the next decade, while The Manual – Systems That Get Trails Built, developed through the UK Trails Project, introduces a practical new approach to helping communities, land managers and cycling organisations work together to develop and maintain sustainable trail networks.

Together, the two launches represent an important milestone for mountain biking in Scotland and across the UK, combining long-term strategic ambition with practical solutions to one of the sport's greatest challenges: ensuring that trails can be developed, managed and maintained sustainably for generations to come.

A bold new vision for Scottish mountain biking

Developed by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), on behalf of the Scottish Mountain Bike Consortium, the new 10-year strategy builds on Scotland's internationally recognised reputation as one of the world's leading mountain biking nations.

Following extensive engagement and consultation with the mountain biking community, public agencies, businesses and partners across Scotland, the strategy establishes a shared vision:

"World-class riding. Thriving communities. Sustainable places. Leading destinations. Innovative industry."

The strategy reflects the growing contribution of mountain biking to Scotland's economy, communities, environment and population health, setting out strategic priorities across trail development, destinations, participation, health and wellbeing, education and skills, innovation, inclusion and sporting success.

It builds on significant achievements over the previous strategic period, including Scotland's hosting of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, major investments in destinations such as Glentress and Tarland Trails, and the development of more than 50 new mountain bike facilities and pump tracks across the country.

Looking ahead, the strategy aims to strengthen collaboration, unlock investment, create opportunities for communities and businesses, and ensure that more people can experience the physical, mental and social benefits of mountain biking.

Colin Slater, Chair of the Scottish Mountain Bike Consortium, said:

"Scotland has achieved an enormous amount in mountain biking over the past decade, building a reputation that is recognised around the world. But we cannot stand still. Our new strategy sets out an exciting and ambitious vision for where we want to be in 2036, and more importantly, how we can work together to get there.

"Mountain biking has the potential to deliver so much more than great riding. It can support healthier communities, create jobs, attract investment, develop skills and employability, inspire regular cycling and active travel, and bring lasting benefits to places across Scotland. This strategy is about bringing the whole sector together, building on our successes and making sure we turn that potential into real outcomes over the next ten years."

Sport Minister Maree Todd said:

"This ambitious 10-year strategy recognises recognises the role mountain biking plays in supporting Scottish Government goals of helping people lead healthier, more active lives, supporting communities, and creating economic opportunities - particularly in rural and island areas.

“I welcome the partnership approach behind this strategy and its ambition to make mountain biking more accessible and inclusive. By working together, we can build on Scotland’s reputation as a world-class mountain-biking destination and ensure more people benefit from the opportunities the sport provides."

The Manual – breaking down the barriers to getting trails built

Alongside the strategy, the conference sees the launch of The Manual – Systems That Get Trails Built, a major new resource from the UK Trails Project.

Funded by global cycling component manufacturer SRAM and hosted by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, the UK Trails Project has spent three years working with land managers, national cycling organisations and trail communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Its research has identified that one of the biggest barriers to sustainable trail development is often not a lack of enthusiasm, skills or willingness to volunteer, but the absence of clear processes, trusted relationships and agreements that allow communities and land managers to work together effectively.

The Manual seeks to address these challenges by providing a clear and adaptable approach to developing successful trail partnerships.

Designed for anyone involved in developing or maintaining mountain bike trails, from volunteer trail associations and cycling clubs to landowners, local authorities and national organisations, the guidance is structured around two complementary elements:

• The Local Checklist: An eight-stage practical approach to building trust, understanding land management requirements, demonstrating community value, establishing agreements, managing risk and delivering sustainable trails.
• The National Framework: A model for developing the wider partnerships, governance arrangements, processes and support structures needed to enable successful trail projects to be replicated across regions and nations.

Rather than prescribing a single solution, The Manual recognises that every community, land manager and trail network is different. Its approach is designed to help people develop appropriate solutions for their circumstances while creating clearer pathways from initial ideas to delivery and long-term maintenance.

Rob Cappucci, Director of Advocacy and Industry Partners at SRAM, said:

"At SRAM, we recognise that great trails are at the heart of thriving mountain bike communities. But creating and sustaining those trails requires more than passionate riders and volunteers. It requires strong partnerships, clear processes and the confidence for communities and land managers to work together.

"That's why we're proud to have supported the UK Trails Project and the development of The Manual. This is about giving people the knowledge, tools and confidence to turn their enthusiasm into meaningful action. By helping remove some of the barriers that prevent trails from being developed and maintained, we can strengthen trail communities and create a more sustainable future for mountain biking across the UK."

David Evans, UK Trails Project Manager and author of The Manual, said:

"The Manual is about tackling one of the biggest challenges facing mountain biking – creating the systems that allow trails to be built and maintained in the first place.

"Drawing on three years of research and collaboration across the four home nations, we've developed practical guidance that works for everyone, from small volunteer groups to national organisations. It's about creating a clear pathway from an initial idea to delivery, helping turn good intentions into successful, sustainable trail networks."

The Manual is supported by an evolving online resource library, providing additional guidance, examples and materials to help communities and organisations put its principles into practice.

Access the new UK Trails Project Website here - UK Trails Project – Sustainable Mountain Bike Trails

Turning ambition into action

The two launches are a central focus of the Scottish Mountain Bike Conference 2026, taking place today at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall.

The programme features panel discussions and practical examples covering sustainable trails, destination development, participation, inclusion, education, innovation and the wider economic and social benefits of mountain biking.

Graeme McLean, Head of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, said:

"Today is a really exciting moment for mountain biking in Scotland and across the UK. Our new strategy sets out where we want Scottish mountain biking to be in ten years' time, while The Manual provides practical solutions to help communities get trails built and looked after.

"Both launches are about turning ambition into action. We've shown what can be achieved when communities, government, land managers and industry work together. Now we have an opportunity to build on that success, break down barriers and make sure mountain biking continues to deliver lasting benefits for people, places and communities."

With the new strategy providing a shared direction for Scotland and The Manual offering practical guidance for trail development across the UK, the conference is challenging delegates to consider not just what the sector wants to achieve, but how it can work together to make it happen.