Guided mountain bike rides are set to be trialled at CairnGorm mountain.

The route, involving a descent of almost 3000ft, will start start from the car park in Coire Cas and will take in Loch Morlich and the Old Logging Way before finishing at Rothiemurchus.

Mountain bikers taking part in the new activity will have the opportunity to ride up the funicular first before cycling down.

Scottish Natural Heritage has allowed the mountain bike trips to take place on a trial period. The trips will happen twice a day.

The rides, which will take place in groups of no more than 10, will start next month.

Commenting on the new activity CairnGorm Mountain chief executive Ian Whitaker said: "The trial is subject to rigorous operating procedures to protect the nearby European nature conservation sites. As a result we are delighted to be able to provide this new activity for our customers and think it will appeal in particular to families with teenage children.

"It was evident from the interest in the Red Bull 50/50 event in March that mountain bikers were keen to have a chance to ride down the mountain after going up on the funicular and this product will deliver a thrilling experience in a managed way without damaging the environment which attracts people to this area in the first place."