Joint fund to create 10 new cycle trails

Ten new new mountain bike cycle trails are to be developed over the next 18 months in a £4.25 million joint investment between the National Trust and Sport England.

The multi-million pound investment programme will be completed by autumn 2017. Waymarked all-weather trails will allow visitors to use pedal power to get active and explore the great outdoors at our places.

New routes to explore

Each trail will be around five kilometres long and will wind through scenic parklands and atmospheric woodlands.

Helen Ghosh, Director-General, said: ‘I am delighted that generous funding from Sport England means that we can create more trails at our properties across the country for cyclists of all ages and levels of skill to explore and enjoy.’  

More ways to get active

The latest insight from Sport England and the Outdoor Industries Association, Getting Active Outdoors, shows that 18.2 million people not currently active want to participate in some form of outdoors activity, and 80 per cent of people already active outdoors feel that it strengthens family relationships.

Today’s £2 million investment by Sport England marks the organisation’s fourth venture with us, which since 2012  has invested over £4.2 million to help our places cater more towards people’s outdoor activity needs.

The creation of the new cycle trails will provide a safe off-road environment for people to enjoy the freedom of riding a bike while seeing our places in a different way.

Partnership working

Sport England Director of Property, Charles Johnston, said: ‘We are really pleased to continue working with the National Trust, so even more people can enjoy the great outdoors.

‘Thanks to National Lottery funding, cyclists of all abilities will be able to safely get on their bike, take in some fresh air, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings that National Trust sites have to offer.’

Details of where the new cycle trails will be built will be announced later in the year.

Source: National Trust