Steve Peat larks about in a snowy Wharncliffe Woods (Pic: Shann Flannery)

Wharncliffe Wood near Sheffield is something of a legendary spot in mountain biking. It’s been two-time World Cup DH Champ Steve Peat’s stamping ground for years: “One of the reasons I got so good on bikes was riding in Wharncliffe,” he says.

Now, thanks to another link-up between the Forestry Commission and local riders’ organisation SingletrAction (also responsible for trail developments at Dalby, Guisborough and Stainburn Forests), the 1,200 acre Wharncliffe Wood is to become the latest recipient of some new purpose-built trails, including (naturally enough) a downhill course. Steve again: “I’ve been busting laps in there since the late eighties and to finally see some trail input going in from a well-established trail building group is something that is needed.”

He’s not wrong – according to FC Recreation Manager Chris Bray, Wharncliffe’s popularity has led to the existing trails taking a beating: “Wharncliffe is known throughout the UK as a top venue, but its sheer popularity has caused some of the trails to spread out and get badly eroded, especially the downhill ones. Working with SingletrAction, we want to create routes that are well maintained and properly surfaced so they can be used all year round, while offering a terrific ride.”

The plans include a new “black” rated downhill course and a ten mile XC route. The XC loop will be aimed at intermediate level riders but with a selection of technical features. The division of labour between FC and SingletrAction sees the volunteers designing the trails, raising funds and supplying the labour, while the Forestry chaps come up with additional financial and engineering support. Extra sponsors are already coming on board, with a big lump of cash being stumped up by local company Avanti Conveyors.