The new Quercus trail in the Lake District’s Whinlatter Forest Park was opened today by Simon Hansel, the winner of a competition to find a name for the trail.

Earlier this year the Forestry Commission teamed up with local bike hire company and training specialist yclewise to launch a competition for people to name the new route. The winner, on Hansel from Ireby, near Wigton, unveiled the route on Tuesday 4 August and enjoyed a fee skills session courtesy of Cyclewise.

Taken from the latin for oak, ‘Quercus robur’, the new Quercus mountain bike trail also takes its name from the semi ancient oak woodlands of Masmill at Whinlatter, which is the oldest part of the forest and relatively unknown to visitors.

Paul Brown, Recreation Ranger for the Forestry Commission at Whinlatter, said:

“The new ‘Quercus Trail’ helps to reinforce Whinlatter’s growing reputation as the region’s leading mountain biking venue. Thanks to competition winner Simon Hansel, the new name for the trail fits well with our strong forestry background and also portrays a more user friendly trail.”

Measuring 7.5km, the trial is graded blue and has been designed especially to suit reasonably competent cyclists and mountain bikers of any age with basic off road riding skills, including families with children aged seven years and over. Most robust bikes will manage the trail, a few extra gears and a little suspension may help.

Craig Scott from Cyclewise, says:

“The new ‘Quercus Trail’ is a fantastic new development which will open the forest up to a much wider range of visitors, allowing them to get involved in a great sport and see the forest in a whole new light.

“The trail has been built in such a way that as riders’ fitness and skills increase they can extend their journey to suit.”

The Quercus Trail is the latest addition to Whinlatter’s growing range of mountain biking facilities. The ‘Altura Trail’, the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District, was unveiled at Whinlatter at the end of last year.

More information about Whinlatter Forest Park can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/whinlatterforestpark.