Pictured: Councillor Paul Garner with representatives from Falkirk Council, sportscotland, Scottish Cycling, Paths for All, Falkirk Junior Bike Club, pupils from Laurieston primary and Archtrail Velosolutions

The new all year-round mountain bike skills area aims to promote cycling as a sport for life, while bringing to life an underused area of the park into a vibrant hub for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The Callendar Park Mountain Bike Trails facility has been made possible through significant funding from sportscotland’s Cycling Facilities Fund and Falkirk Council. The facility aims to become a gateway to cycling in the heart of Falkirk, offering a variety of cycling opportunities that support active travel, health, and community connections.

The development received a £157,000 award from the sportscotland Cycling Facilities Fund, designed to create a lasting impact from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. The fund’s mission is to inspire both new and existing cyclists across Scotland by providing modern facilities that encourage lifelong participation in the sport. Additional funding came from Falkirk Council (£85,000), reflecting a strong local commitment to the initiative.

Additional funding was secured from Paths for All (£55k) to carry out the refurbishment of the  Par 3 building into an Active Travel Hub where visitors can discover more about cycling in the area.

The trails

Construction of the new facility, which began in January 2024 under the management of Archtrail Velosolutions Ltd UK, is now complete. The facility is located on the park’s west side, on part of what was once the Par 3 golf course, and features a beginners training area, blue and red graded ascent/descent trails and a red jump trail to develop and practise skills and have fun. They are available for casual use as well, but also for local cycling clubs and skills development training programs.

Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for Economic Development said: “This fantastic new facility will not only promote active travel and leisure cycling but also serve as a focal point for cycling activities across the area. We aim to deliver accessible and inclusive cycling opportunities for everyone, regardless of their skill level. Callendar Park will become a vibrant hub for cycling, fostering a healthier and more connected Falkirk.”

He added: “The park already offers excellent accessibility and a range of cycling infrastructure and existing routes like the John Muir Way. With the addition of this new cycling area, the park will not only encourage active travel but provide a much-needed, exciting environment for cyclists of all ages and abilities.”

Working in partnership

The project was developed in consultation with key partners, including the Falkirk Junior Bike Club, Paths for All, and Scottish Cycling, who all highlighted the high demand for cycling facilities in the region. Cycling's growing popularity across Scotland has resulted in waiting lists for children and young people eager to participate in local clubs, emphasising the need for accessible, all-weather cycling options.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “The investment provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery to deliver the Cycling Facilities Fund has allowed us to harness the interest in cycling generated by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and deliver a lasting benefit for the nation and the sport.

“By working with Scottish Cycling to shape the fund, we have been able to increase the opportunities for people to get involved in cycling right across the country. It’s hugely encouraging to see organisations like Falkirk Council who have grasped this opportunity to improve the lives of their local communities by investing in cycling facilities. From beginners' pump tracks to circuits and trails capable of hosting national competitions, it really has changed the cycling infrastructure in Scotland.”

Graham McQueen, Head of Walking Delivery, Paths for All said: “Paths for All as Scotland’s national walking charity want to see more people getting out of their cars and walking and cycling for their daily journeys. 

“The information, advice and support that will be available in the new hub will help encourage people to get active and get out there walking and cycling in Falkirk. The new facility is great and will encourage young people to get into cycling but its also important to acknowledge the wider facilities and new infrastructure making access to the park easier on foot and by bike.”

Fraser Johnston, Head of Development (Clubs & Events), Scottish Cycling added: “Our ambition for the Cycling Facilities Fund was twofold. Firstly, to provide accessible, purpose built facilities at the heart of local communities, and secondly, to provide homes for clubs and events, to stimulate their continued growth and success.

“The Callendar Park project delivers against both of these outcomes, and should go a long way in supporting the development of new cyclists, and challenging existing cyclists to progress further too.”