Cookstown District Council Pump more Trails into Davagh

With the Davagh Forest Trails powered by Chain Reaction Cycles now officially open and already attracting thousands of mountain bikers and walkers each month, Cookstown District Council is delighted to announce the commencement of works on an accompanying mountain bike skills park and pump track.

Located at the official trailhead, off the Davagh Road, these new facilities are expected to further boost numbers of mountain bike visitors to Davagh Forest and add an extra dimension to this unique recreational hub in the Sperrins.

Speaking at the cut of the first sod, Cookstown District Council’s Leisure Services Manager, Liam Glavin, explained, “We couldn’t be happier with how the Davagh Forest Trails have been received since they were officially opened by Minister O’Neill in May. The initial visitor numbers are exceeding our expectations and we are already recording an increase in tourism expenditure in the local area as a result of the trails.”

Mr Glavin continued, “Rather than rest on our laurels, we have worked with trail designers, Architrail, and contractors, FP McCann, to develop a purpose-built pump track and skills park which we hope will encourage even more mountain bikers to come and enjoy Davagh Forest for years to come.”

Pump tracks are a popular addition to mountain bike trail centres and have already been hugely successful in similar trail centres in Castlewellan and Blessingbourne Estate in Fivemiletown. However Chris Armstrong from MountainBikeNI.com believes that it is the new skills park that will shine as a unique selling point for the Davagh Forest Trails.

Mr Armstrong explains, “Skills parks appeal to mountain bikers of all abilities, young and old. Best located at the beginning of trail centres, such as Davagh Forest, these short circular trails are designed to incorporate challenges that will be found out on the main trails. Each option is graded according to its difficulty so that mountain bikers can attempt all the various features in a safe and controlled environment before heading out on the trails.”

Mr Armstrong concluded, “Coupled with the new pump track, bike wash and changing facilities this addition to the trailhead is be sure to further raise Davagh Forest’s profile as a flagship mountain biking location. Cookstown District Council should be congratulated for again showing such initiative and enthusiasm for developing such a fantastic mountain bike venue here at Davagh Forest.”

The Davagh Forest Trails were made possible with funding from the Rural Development Programme through the South Western Action for Rural Development (SWARD) fund and Cookstown District Council with support from the Forest Service of Northern Ireland and Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland.

Click here for detailed route descriptions, interactive mapping, information on bike hire, coaching,  guiding and mtb friendly places to eat, drink and stay in the local area.