A £150,000 facelift has been revealed at Learnie Forest on the Black Isle. The network of more than 28kms of blue, red and black trails has been relaunched under the name Learnie Red Rock Trails. The cash boost has enabled the Forestry Commission to revamp exisiting trails, orignally built by local bikers, and build new ones designed by Paul Masson of Cycletherapy. He also designed the Laggan Wolftrax mtb trails. Dirt jumps and a northshore section have been built at the car park. Riders are then faced with a choice of trails ranging from meandering loops for the less experienced to some great downhill and technically challenging black runs.

It's a 1.2km easy going climb to the top. The skilled rider can then choose a 1.5km downhill section, which includes six foot berms, jumps and doubles. Alternatively, there's a sweeping piece of singletrack through pine forest. Not too technical, but can be very fast.
On the back of the hill, there's more singletrack offering blue and black trails. Plans are in place for further black trails to be built at a disused quarry on the hill. Great views of the Moray Firth are available from this side.

Signs are basic at the moment - so prepare to explore. Updates from the Highland Mountain Bike Association are great, check out their site before you go.

To get there follow the A9 north from Inverness and continue until the first roundabout. Take the fourth exit for Tore on the A832 and carry on this road through Fortrose and Rosemarkie towards Cromarty. Continue on the main road and you'll see the car park on your right.