The first purpose-built black grade trail in Cumbria has been unveiled at Grizedale Forest in the Lake District National Park.

The downhill trail adds to the existing off-road network at Grizedale, which includes the 16km red grade North Face Trail, a range of bridleways, several way-marked family trails on the forest road system, and the Grizedale Mountain Bikes’ bike hire and shop.

The downhill trail, which is more than a kilometre long, was built by a small team of volunteers , supported by the Grizedale Mountain Bikes team and the Forestry Commission’s recreation ranger.

The volunteers were presented with an annual car parking pass for Grizedale Forest in appreciation of their work at trail’s launch on Friday March 30.

Katie Jarvis, Forestry Commission recreation ranger at Grizedale Forest, said: “It is great to be able to launch a new mountain biking trail at Grizedale. We already have a strong reputation within the sport as being a great destination for mountain biking and this trail offers something different to the trails already in the forest.

“We are now able to offer great trails to suit all levels of riders, from families with children on our forest road routes, the cross-country mountain bikers with the North Face Trail and bridleways, and now the more experienced riders and downhill adrenaline-junkies with the new black route.

“We would like to say a huge thanks to all the volunteers who have given up their free time to create this trail and I hope they and other bikers have great fun riding it now and over many years into the future.”

Lee Rayton of Grizedale Mountain Bikes led the volunteer trail building and said: “Everyone has put a tremendous amount of work in over many months into creating the new trail. It is great to see it finally finished and it adds a new dimension to the riding available here at Grizedale Forest and the Lake District.”

Riders can enjoy Grizedale Forest year-round by purchasing a Discovery Pass which, for £40, entitles you to free parking within the forest, ten per cent off items in the visitor centre shop, 20 per cent off Go Ape high wire adventure courses on weekdays during term time and a saving of £24 on adult membership of the CTC (the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation).

For more information about Grizedale Forest head to www.visitlakelandforests.co.uk or check out the Grizedale Mountain Bikes website at www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk