Archallagan Forest

About

Archallagan, also known by some as the Forest of a Thousand Trails, was first planted in 1873 at an elevation of 600 feet. The forest is set across a diverse landscape with marshy bog land, rough moorland and a variety of other vegetation.

Discover the rich mining history with the Cornelly mines to the north and enjoy the child friendly trails and play areas perfect for a family outing. Or, why not enjoy exploring the forest using the orienteering course or geocaching?

Archallagan has a good network of paths leading to picnic areas, viewpoints and ponds. The wildlife consists mainly of rabbits, hares, wood pigeons, song birds and moorland nesting birds.  The largest of the ponds, which was created for wildlife interest and to attract game birds, naturally attracts plenty of ducks during their mating seasons.  It is also an excellent place to see dragonflies.

The forest is popular among mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders and boasts a number of way-marked mountain bike trails, with routes for beginner and experienced riders. 

Please remember that forest roads are multi-user routes so share with care and respect other visitors. Please remain on designated routes in order to preserve Archallagan Forest.

Watch: How to behave on mountain bike trails | Trail etiquette (British Cycling)

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is indebted to a number of local volunteer groups and organisations who have considerably helped with amenity improvements including trail building, path improvements and conservation projects.

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Mountain Bike Trails

Community Blue Trail
Grading - Moderate/Blue
Follow this single track route as it meanders through the forests trees and external bounderies; much of which follows a blue route. Riders will encounter a combination of surfaces, narrow and rooty sections and hairpin bends.

End2End Legacy Junior Race Course
Grading - Easy/Green
Perfect for families and novice riders, this winding single track trail offers a great introduction to mountain biking. Riders will encounter little climbing and some narrow sections whilst riding through the forest trees,

Yellow Dot Trails
Grading - Difficult/Red - Severe/Black
Find miles of unsurfaced trails waiting to be explored with as little as a yellow dot to guide you. Suitable for adventurous and experienced riders with a good sense of direction, looking for a challenge.  

Forest Roads (No Grading)
Forest roads are not graded, being of variable gradient and condition, but are suited to a wide range of cyclists. Please share with care as forest roads are multi-user routes.

WARNING: Mountain Biking is a potentially hazardous activity carrying significant risk. It should only be undertaken with a full understanding of all inherent risks.