July 21, 2026
The Importance of Getting Beginner Trails Right
At Drummy Woods, something important has happened. Not a brand-new trail center or a headline-grabbing build, but something quieter and, in many ways, more meaningful. The kind of project that changes how people start mountain biking.
That’s why c was named the 2025 winner of the IMBA Europe Trail Accessibility Award, supported by Shimano. This award recognizes projects that make riding more welcoming. The kind of work that helps someone feel comfortable enough to try, to come back, and to progress. At Tarland, that is exactly what the Drummy Woods Trail Accessibility Revamp has delivered.
Starting point: when beginner trails stop feeling like beginner trails
The team at Tarland knew their Blue trail and pump track better than anyone. They also knew something wasn’t right. These are some of the most heavily used trails at Drummy Woods. Families, school groups, coaching sessions, young riders on balance bikes, and teenagers building confidence. This is where it all begins.
But over time, wear and tear had taken its toll. Surfaces had become rough and inconsistent. Lines were harder to read. For new riders, especially children, confidence dropped quickly. As they put it, trails designed to be an introduction to the sport were at risk of becoming a barrier instead .
The approach: improve what matters most
Rather than expanding, Tarland focused on improving what they already had. The project centered on resurfacing and reprofiling existing beginner and intermediate trails. The goal was simple. Make them smoother, safer, and easier to understand for riders at the very start of their journey.
That meant:
- consistent trail surfaces
- better drainage to protect long-term quality
- reshaped features to improve flow
- small, confidence-building elements to support progression
With support from the Mountain Bike Movement and a strong volunteer base, the work was practical and focused. It was about getting the details right.
What changed on the ground?
“The difference has been immediate. Riders are spending more time on the trails. They are linking sections together more naturally. Progression feels smoother, less forced”.
Families and younger riders are noticeably more comfortable using the network. The pump track, in particular, has become a more social and accessible space, not just for riding but also for watching and learning. Feedback from the community has been clear. The trails feel more fun, more approachable, and better suited to learning.
For IMBA Europe, this is what good accessibility looks like. Not just removing difficulty, but designing experiences that build confidence step by step.
Why this matters
The IMBA Europe Trail Accessibility Award focuses on a simple idea. If we want a stronger, more diverse mountain bike community, we need better entry points.
That means trails that:
- reduce intimidation for first-time riders
- support progression without pressure
- work for families, young riders, and adaptive users
- are built with long-term usability in mind
At Drummy Woods, those principles are now clearly visible on the ground. The improvements have also made the trails more accessible to adaptive riders and those returning to cycling. Smoother surfaces and improved flow make a real difference in who can use a trail and how they experience it.
Shimano’s support and the bigger picture
Support from Shimano has been key in making this award possible.
Through funding initiatives like this and wider advocacy work, such as the Trail Born Fund, Shimano is investing in the foundations of the sport. Not just high-profile destinations, but local, community-led projects that bring more people into riding.
That aligns closely with IMBA Europe’s mission. Supporting grassroots trail development, strengthening local communities, and ensuring that access to mountain biking continues to grow in a positive and inclusive way. Tarland Trails is a strong example of how that support translates into impact.
Built by the community, for the community
One of the strengths of this project is the role of local volunteers. They contributed to trail work, finishing, and ongoing maintenance. Just as importantly, they gained new skills and experience by working alongside professional builders. That knowledge stays in the community. It supports future projects. It builds resilience into the trail network.
Recognition through this award also helps raise the profile of that work and supports future development efforts. But Tarland Trails is not stopping here. Future plans include further improvements to beginner and intermediate trails, as well as better on-site facilities. An accessible off-grid composting toilet has already been identified as a key step toward making the site more inclusive for families and adaptive users.
Because access is not just about the trail itself. It is about the full experience of being there. Projects like the Drummy Woods revamp are important because they are repeatable. They show that you do not always need new trails to make a difference. Sometimes the biggest impact comes from improving what already exists, with a clear focus on who the trails are for.
Tarland Trails has shown what can be achieved with the right priorities, strong community involvement, and targeted support. And for IMBA Europe, that is exactly what this award is here to recognize.