Volunteers are being sought to help build a new 1.8km linking section of trail in the 19km Lonesome Pine, a popular route around the Kielder Water & Forest Park.

Volunteer trailbuilders with Kielder Trail Reavers (KTR) are working with the Forestry Commission to replace a section of fireroad with singletrack, but they need the support of mountain bikers to make the plan a reality.

“Most of the gap  in the route is filled by a forest road, but we want to replace that with an exciting red graded singletrack.  We have made a good start and opened a sub-section in the last month, but doing the whole thing is a major job.  With enough help we can make it happen.  Our vision is for the whole section to be built within five years and the entire mountain biking community will benefit,” said Chris Tait from Elsdon, chair of the Kielder Trail Reaver.

Alex MacLennan, North East Public Affairs Manager with the Forestry Commission, added: “Some of Kielder’s first off road routes were built by volunteers, who continue to make a massive contribution in designing, building and maintaining trails. Few new routes are being built anywhere in the UK at the moment so this project helps us keep up the momentum. At Kielder we have a tremendous biking network for all abilities and the project will give new sections of trail that are different from what’s already in the park.”

To recruit new trail builders and explain the latest plans the Reavers are holding a trail building day at 9.30am on Sunday 10 June at Kielder Castle.  Everyone is welcome. Come in outdoor clothing and you can get building straight away.  Visit www.kieldertrailreavers.co.uk

In a separate move another 1.2 kilometres of moderate graded trail is being constructed on the popular Osprey Trail giving a shortcut for riders pressed for time in tackling the whole 20 kilometre route. The section is being designed for youngsters and beginners to singletrack trails allowing them to hone their skills before tackling tougher routes found elsewhere in Kielder.