Pic ⓒ Mark Pinder
Plans to build one of the UK’s longest mountain bike routes in Hamsterley Forest have received the go ahead with a £130,000 boost in funding.
Together, the Forestry Commission, Hamsterley Trailblazers, Groundwork and Teesdale District Council have released their plans to extend the current 14km red graded trail to take it up to 25km.
Hamsterly Forest has been on the receiving end of much funding into its MTBing infrastructure recently, with a £220,000 skills loop, a beginner’s trail and an upgraded black route for experts.
“But what’s missing according to the feedback we get is an intermediate challenge so bikers can take their skills onto a new level,” says Vicky Chilcott from Hamsterley Trailblazers. “That’s why the new red trail is crucial. Ultimately we want to create one of the longest single track red routes in the UK, extending over 25km, which will have huge appeal.”
Work on the new trail extension is commencing in the following weeks and is expected to take around four months to complete, and scheduled for opening in July.
“Cycle trails allowing progression from beginner to expert are a key part of our vision for Hamsterley,” says Alex MacLennan from the Forestry Commission, “which aims to develop sustainable world class visitor facilities. The off-road routes already built have made the wood a honey pot for bikers, bringing benefits to County Durham and the entire North East and helping minimise conflicts with other woodland users. Now we need to push on and ensure we cater for all ability levels.”
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