Applicants for Loch Ness Cycle Park are meeting with the community to outline their £3.4 million Ride Ness plan and its potential for employment.

Part of the area above Loch Ness is reserved for a bicycle park.

Organizers have hailed a public event to explain the concept for Scotland’s first purpose-built cycle park in the hills overlooking Loch Ness and Fort Augustus as a great success.

They say they have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from around 100 people who have come to find out more about plans for a £3.4 million Ride Ness development on Glendoe Estate.

Plans have been submitted to Highland Council for planning permission to create a new outdoor recreation facility five minutes’ walk from Fort Augustus and close to the shores of Loch Ness.

As part of a long-standing commitment to engaging with the local community, the project team recently held an event to showcase the plans, potential employment opportunities and the community and economic benefits that Ride Ness will bring if it receives planning approval.

Andrew Vernon, founder of Ride Ness, said: “We are delighted with the positive response we received at the public event, it further confirmed that there is local support and enthusiasm for a world-class project such as ours in the area.”

If the planning application is successful, Ryde Ness plans to create a range of permanent, year-round full and part-time positions for local residents, and visitors will be encouraged to use Ryde Ness as a base from which to explore the rest of the region. , supporting local businesses.

Fort Augustus residents at the Ride Ness event.

Ahead of the event, Chris O’Brien, managing director of the Nevis Range Mountain Experience, based in the west of the Great Glen, said: “As a long-time supporter of sustainable tourism and community initiatives, I am thrilled to see the development of Ride Ness.

“This project promises to bring a significant boost to the local economy by creating quality jobs all year round and encouraging longer visitor stays, as we at Nevis Range have seen first hand.”

The bike park has been designed to make mountain biking accessible and fun for children and beginners, while also offering new challenges for experienced riders.

Over 24 km of mountain bike trails are designed to encourage progression and offer something for every riding style.

As well as cycling, Ride Ness will also offer the public access to explore 700 acres of Highland wilderness on the shores of Loch Ness, ideal for hikers and dog walkers.

Younger children will enjoy the play area and mini Land Rovers, while there will be an on-site eatery called The Forks, which bills itself as a destination for “the most discerning palates”.

Mr Vernon added: “We have worked very hard to build relationships with the local community, get their thoughts and feedback and of course answer their questions.

“We are now awaiting what we hope will be a positive decision from local authorities.”

A planning decision from Highland Council is expected by the end of the year.

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