Architrail to Undertake Initial Trail Design in Gortin Glen Forest Park

Trail design experts, Architrail, have this week been awarded the initial design contract for an extensive 50km network of mountain biking and walking trails within Gortin Glen Forest Park, County Tyrone.

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.

Mr Saxena explains, “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. 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 within the Forest Park"

Omagh District Council Chairman, Councillor Sean Begley, explained “We are absolutely delighted to appoint Architrail to carry out this initial trails design in Gortin Glen Forest Park. Their world class pedigree is the right fit for this project and will help us to transform the Forest Park into a major recreational hub and tourism asset for the new Fermanagh Omagh Council, County Tyrone and the Sperrins region.”

Outdoor Recreation NI’s Development Manager, Clare Jones, explains, “We have exciting plans for Gortin in the future however it is important to remember that developing sustainable trails within challenging landscapes such as this can be a lengthy process. The first step is to secure an expert trail design company so having Architrail on board gets us off to the best possible start.”

Further information on the development of these recreational facilities within Gortin Glen Forest Park will be made available on www.outdoorrecreationni.com where you can also find out how to get involved at this design stage through a range of planned public meetings and consultations.