Proposed Million-Pound Bike Park and Resort in Scotland to Include Expert-Level DH, Enduro, and XC Trails, with a Gondola Lift... Yet Not at Innerleithen, Fort William, or Traditional Spots
Reborn on the Bike Trails: Dunoon's Reinvention as a Mountain Biking Paradise
Get ready for thrilling descents, high-speed enduros, and heart-pounding cross-country trails! The quaint town of Dunoon, located just west of Glasgow, is set for a major transformation, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Fort William and become a global mecca for adventure tourism.
With the unification of the Nevis Range and the Dunoon Project, ambitious plans are in the works for a dynamic adventure resort in the heart of Scotland. The brains behind the operation include trail builders who've mastered the art of creating world-class mountain bike trails, ready to design and construct elite-level downhill, enduro, and cross-country tracks in Dunoon. But that's not all - a bike shop, complete with bike rentals, will be stationed at the base, making it easier than ever for thrill-seekers to hit the hills.
A fascinating feature of the proposal is the installation of a gondola - the first of its kind in the area. Picture this: no more grueling climbs or lengthy shuttle rides. Hop aboard the gondola and soar to the top, taking in breathtaking panoramic views and enjoying a café positioned at the summit. No need to journey to Fort William or mainland Europe to experience one of the coolest uplifts around - Dunoon's future is looking pretty bright (and high).
The resort's new base station will take cues from Fort William's successful design, offering a hotel and dining options for riders looking to refuel and unwind. With Dunoon only a 1.5-hour drive from Glasgow, it's primed to attract hordes of adventurers to the region.
Gondola Dreams Flowing in Dunoon
In case you're wondering, yes - the gondola will indeed serve as the uplift method for bicycles, much like at Fort William. But it won't just be a perk for cyclists; the gondola also connects walkers and café enthusiasts to the summit, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to driving to the top.
Dunoon already boasts some trails to attract riders, but the planned resort represents a game-changer: the region's first purpose-built MTB destination.
The nearby gondola of Fort William, a well-known Scottish landmark, draws over 250,000 visitors each year. With the gondola, the mountain remains accessible all-year-round, contributing to its popularity. The same is hoped for Dunoon, with the potential for the town to regain its status as a sought-after holiday destination.
Ascending to Greatness
At the summit, riders can look forward to an array of downhill, enduro, and cross-country trails, with the ultimate goal of positioning Dunoon as a "leading international MTB destination." Will we once again see Scotland on the DH World Cup circuit? Only time will tell!
Additional amenities at the resort will include a thrilling adventure park, featuring zip lines and climbing areas, as well as a café offering stunning vistas of the area. So grab your friends - bring on the high fives in 2030!
Base Station Plans
At the base of it all, an "adventure hotel" catering to mountain bikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and hikers will be constructed, complete with access to the trails and the gondola. A bike shop with bike rentals and a workshop will also be available, while other outdoor-oriented shops and restaurants will offer opportunities to refuel after a long day on the hill.
Chris O'Brien, Managing Director of Nevis Range, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Dunoon has always had the potential to be a world-class adventure tourism destination. With the construction of the gondola, we're unlocking that potential and creating something truly extraordinary. We've seen first-hand how infrastructure like this can transform an area, and Dunoon will now be at the forefront of adventure tourism in Scotland."
Though plans for the project have not yet been officially submitted, the local council has given its approval to the scheme, and funding will come from both public and private sources. Project partner Action Argyll has already begun work on some of the bike trails, and, all going well, the entire park should be up and running by 2030. For the most current information, it's recommended to check the official project website, dunoonproject.org.
Sports enthusiasts will rejoice in the new mountain bike trails designed for Dunoon, with the installation of a gondola transforming the region into a leading international sports destination. Whether you're a cyclist or a café enthusiast, the gondola in Dunoon will provide an environmentally-friendly opportunity to experience the breathtaking panoramic views at the summit.
