Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails

This page was made to help mountain bikers find out information that was not readily available during the construction and completion of this venue, it also gives riders a chance to voice any concerns or issues they may have.

his project involves the development of the Mournes as a short break mountain bike destination through the development of up to 40kms of x-country and downhill trails (plus associated facilities) within Castlewellan & Rostrevor Forest Parks. Forest Service will remain the 'Trail Owner' and each of the respective Councils will become the 'Trail Provider' with responsibility for ongoing management and maintenance of the trails once complete. The trails have been designed by Dafydd Davis MBE, with input on the Downhill trails from Glyn O'Brien.

Euro Services Ltd has been appointed to complete the MTB trails within Castlewellan and Rostrevor.

Clixbys comes with a wealth of past experience in building technical mountain bike trails across GB including high-profile projects such as the 38km Dalby red route, the new Kitchener trail in Sherwood Pines and the high-level, high-exposure and high-fun Altura trail at Whinlatter complete with the Rough Riderz descent.

Work is phased across the 2 sites. Work began at Rostrevor in April 12 with completion by March 2013. Castlewellan works commenced in September 2012 with completion by April 2013.

Proposed Start Date Construction - April 2012
Proposed Completion Date Spring 2013
Project Partners Outdoor Recreation NI, Newry & Mourne District Council, Down District Council, Forest Service NI, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), Sport NI
Project Funders (Secured) Newry & Mourne District Council - £153, 000
Down District Council - £170, 000
Sport NI - £150, 000
NITB - £1, 414, 691
Approximate Cost £1. 894 million
Other Information Outdoor Recreation NI is working with both Councils to market the trails as part of a wider Northern Ireland Strategic Marketing Plan for Mountain Biking.