Seven pupils from Kinlochleven High School are taking part in a pilot programme that will see them build a trail on Cow Hill in Fort William, with the finished trail set to feature as a stage in the Scottish Enduro Series and Scottish Enduro Championships in September 2026.

The programme, called From Trail Concept to Enduro Event, is a Developing Young Workforce (DYW) initiative led by the West Highland Chamber of Commerce and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), working alongside Lochaber Trails Association, Forestry and Land Scotland, and CRC Trails. It draws on methodology from the international DIRTT (Developing Inter-European Resources for Trail building Training) project.

Pupils from S1 to S3 are taking part in a blended learning programme combining classroom sessions, online learning, and hands-on trail construction, working alongside industry professionals to understand how a trail and event progress from initial concept through to delivery. Works on the Cow Hill trail have already begun.

Careers Pathway

Beyond the immediate project, the partners hope the pilot could lay the groundwork for future delivery of the National 5 level Customised Award in Mountain Biking at the school, potentially opening pathways into trail maintenance, coaching, leadership, bike mechanics, and outdoor event management.

The programme will be evaluated through participant feedback, partner reviews, and DYW outcome measures, with a long-term ambition to roll out similar initiatives across other Scottish mountain biking regions.

What They Said

Frazer Coupland, CEO of West Highland Chamber of Commerce, said: "Mountain biking and outdoor tourism are increasingly important to the West Highlands economy, and giving pupils real hands-on experience in trail building and event preparation is a brilliant way to connect education with future careers."

Graeme McLean, Head of DMBinS, said: "Seeing pupils out onsite, learning practical skills and contributing directly to a trail that will be ridden during the Scottish Enduro Series, is exactly the type of inspiring experience we want to create through Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland."

Mark Clark, chair of Lochaber Trails Association and lead deliverer of the practical aspects of the programme, said: "Community trail groups play a huge role in maintaining and developing trails across Scotland, and it has been brilliant to introduce the young people to the skills, teamwork, and volunteering."