Orkney’s new mountain-bike trails are targeting an opening at the end of October or the start of November 2026, according to the Pickaquoy Centre. The Kirkwall facility will add 4.65km of purpose-built riding, with green, blue and red routes rather than a single trail aimed at experienced riders.
That is an expected opening window, not a confirmed public opening date. The centre advertised pre-opening coaching sessions for 3 October alongside staff training; those sessions should not be read as permission to ride the site freely before it opens.
A new place to progress
The centre’s project announcement, published on 15 July, describes a green route suitable for beginners and adaptive cycles, an intermediate blue and a more technical red. Planned features include a pump track, jumps, drop-offs, rock gardens and a flyover section.
The distinction between those grades matters more than the total distance. A family group or returning rider needs somewhere to build confidence; a rider looking for technical practice needs to know which features are optional and how the routes connect. Those details will be worth checking against the final trail map and opening information.
An Island Games legacy
The project forms part of the Orkney 2025 Island Games legacy. Orkney Islands Council lists support from council funds alongside sportscotland, the Scottish Government’s Scottish Islands Programme, the National Lottery, the Pickaquoy Centre Trust and Orkney Cycling Club.
The centre also describes the site as a permanent recreation corridor, with native-tree planting and ponds alongside the riding facilities. This is a local facility with scope for coaching and repeat visits, rather than simply another destination to tick off on a road trip.
What to check before taking an eMTB
The current coaching page gives the late-October/early-November target, but it does not establish a confirmed opening day or an eMTB access policy. Check directly with the venue before travelling, including opening status, permitted bikes and any booking requirements.
Our guide to where you can ride an eMTB explains why venue-specific rules matter. If you are choosing a bike for graded routes, our trail-centre eMTB guide starts with the riding you actually intend to do.