Though Balquhidder offers only unmanaged wild and natural trails used under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, the trail crew strives to keep the trails as safe as possible at all times and deal with trail maintenance needs as issues arise. 

To achieve this we need:-

1. Eyes on the ground and regular trail inspections to identify hazards and issues.

2. A quick and efficient response mechanism to allow us to assess the risk to users and then organise remedial work.

We recognise that daily trail users are the best and most regular "eyes on the trail" and represent the best source of up to date information on trail conditions. For this reason we have a simple online TRAIL ISSUE REPORTING FORM that allows anyone to submit details of a trail issue or hazard using any mobile device. We then use submitted forms to trigger and plan necessary repairs.

TRACKING COMPLETED WORK

We also log all trail work conducted, which then not only helps us analyse the work done on each trail over time, but also record, recognise and acknowledge the significant number of volunteer hours that go into keeping the trails safe.

The log also serves as a means to track volunteer time for those doing either their Duke of Edinburgh or Trailbuilder Awards.

BTC 10 Trail Building Commandments

Over the years, from hard-learned lessons, we have established principles that now underpin all our activity. This means that we not only build trails and features that will last, but we also comply with trail building best practice laid down by DMBinS (Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland) and any conditions determined by our land owner permissions.

Here are what we call our 10 trail building commandments that guide all our work! If you come and join us this will keep you straight...

1. STRUCTURED + ORGANISED APPROACH: All trail work should be conducted in organised groups and be led by one of the BTC lead trail builders. All volunteers should be briefed before each session in line with the BTC crew briefing. Work should only take place in the designated areas set out by the association.

2. CLOSE AREAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Work parties should close off sections where maintenance or construction work is in progress that might pose a risk to users.

3. ACCESSIBLE TO ALL: All trails should be built to be accessible by all level of walker or rider. If there are any really challenging sections on any given trail, ensure there are easier "bypass" routes. Ideally ensure there is a feature at the start of each trail that indicates the general level of technicality expected, so there are no surprises for users.

4. DRAINAGE: All trails surfaces should be graded to slope downwards or outwards by at least 5-10 degrees to promote water run-off, avoiding flat spots that will quickly form puddles. At regular intervals and at any hollows, dig in off-let channels to remove water from the trail surface.

5. ARMOURING: Where ground soft, strip back the top 4-6 inches of black top soil (which turns to sludge in the wet) to get down to harder-wearing brown or grey base base/mineral soil. The surface should then be armoured with a layer of stone and natural rubble mixed with base soil so it can withstand foot and tyre wear and water erosion.

6. ROUTING: If it is not possible to strengthen or bridge soft and boggy ground, the section should be re-routed onto higher, drier ground.

7. HAND TOOLS & NATURAL MATERIALS ONLY: Only hand tools are permitted. Only natural materials. e.g. fallen logs, stones and base soil can be used. Trail builders are also NOT permitted to fabricate anything using planks of wood, screws or nails. These are un-natural and eventually rot and become a hazard. Nails and screws are hazardous to wildlife, people and tyres!

8. LEAVE NO TRACE: Unfortunately fresh digging and remedial trail work will always be obvious at first. There's no avoiding that, but don't worry as it will soon naturalise and grow in. All trail builders are however expected to make every effort to try and "naturalise" freshly dug ground with moss, grass, conifer needles etc as far as possible, so it ideally looks completely natural in its environment.

9. ONGOING INSPECTIONS: As a minimum trails should be fully and thoroughly inspected monthly and any hazards or issues reported to focus and prioritise work for future trail building sessions. We are blessed to have an active walking and riding community so track any social posts for notifications of work required.

10. ONGOING MAINTENANCE: Trail surfaces should be clear of any debris and any litter collected. Verges should be maintained in summer, trimming back branches, bracken or overgrowth to provide a clear line of sight and good visibility. This is particularly important on the inside of corners and on approaches to intersections.