You know that mountain biking’s hitting the mainstream when press releases start containing references to “feasibility studies”, “detailed business planning” and “team[s] of consultants”. Underneath it all is a promising-looking trail development, albeit one with ever-so-slightly sinister undertones. But more of that in a minute.

The proposed development is in Whinlatter Forest in the Lakes. We reported on the beginning of the consultation a while back, and the upshot of the latest news is that the consultants, led by well-known trail designer Pete Laing, reckon that Whinlatter’s got plenty of potential.

“Our feasibility study proved that Whinlatter Forest is capable of hosting mountain bike trails of international standing, while avoiding adverse impact on other forest users. The tremendous range of topographical features in Whinlatter Forest will enable us to create a state-of-the-art skills area for kids and novices, and varying lengths of beautifully technical trails for all levels of rider. The steady development process means we can put in all the complimentary facilities that minimise the impact on other forest users,” said Laing.

So far so good. But let’s dissect that “minimise the impact” bit a little more. Elsewhere in the release we’re told that “the Forestry Commission is looking to provide cyclists of all levels with a network of first-rate trails which will separate them from other recreational visitors to the forest – and encourage then away from more sensitive areas of the Lake District National Park.”

Now, call us a bunch of cynical old hacks, but we’ve noticed that people often don’t necessarily list their priorities in order. And while we’re all for more trails, we’re not big fans of this talk of “encouragement”. Riders are being offered a carrot to stay away from “more sensitive” (ie interesting) bits of the Lakes. How far behind can the stick be?

Adrian Jones, recreational manager at Whinlatter, said: “Mountain biking is a fast growing sport and the recent developments of purpose-built singletrack mountain bike routes in other forests has raised expectations. The Lake District is being left a long way behind in its provision of safely managed trails. The need for reliable, challenging and responsibly segregated mountain bike trails has been clearly endorsed by our measured and careful study into the impact of these proposals.”

Which kind of misses the point of why people go to the Lakes. The appeal of the Lakes is the fells and upland bridleways. After all, there are plenty of forests elsewhere in the country, but not as many places with the sheer bigness of countryside as the Lakes. And last time we checked, people didn’t mountain bike to be safely managed and responsibly segregated. Or maybe that’s just us.

None of which is to say that we don’t welcome the new development. At the moment consultants from praxis-grasmere.com are looking at fund raising and business planning, and we expect that it’ll be a great facility. But never forget that you have the right to ride every bridleway in the Lakes. Take advantage of purpose-built trails for sure, but don’t let anyone tell you that that’s where you should be…