Boost For Plan To Create Longest Mountain Bike Trail In Hamsterley Forest

The latest stage in an ambitious plan which could see one of the UK's longest mountain bike routes of its kind constructed in Hamsterley Forest has received a £130,000 boost. The Forestry Commission, Hamsterley Trailblazers, Groundwork and Teesdale District Council have unveiled plans to build a stunning new extension to the popular `red’ grade mountain bike trail in the 2,000-hectare (5,000-acre) beauty-spot, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Funding for the project – which will get underway in the next few weeks – has come from County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT) through a £50,000 CDENT PREMIER Award, Teesdale District Council (£40,000), Hamsterley Trailblazers (£20,000) and the Forestry Commission (£28,000). Trailbuilding volunteers will be managed by Groundwork. Work is likely to take four months to complete with the trail set to open in July. Hamsterley is potentially one of England’s prime venues for off-roading. The latest work will create a new loop to an existing 14 kilometre trail, offering a mouth-watering challenge with tight turns and jumps for cyclists. Because it will be surfaced with locally quarried stone, it will add another all-year-round, weather-proof attraction to the forest and boost bike tourism to the region. Vicky Chilcott, from Hamsterley Trailblazers, an independent rider’s and trail building group which has worked to secure funding for new biking developments, said: “Over the past five years exciting new facilities have been created in Hamsterley including 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. 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 25 kilometres, which will have huge appeal.” The new loop will be built to internationally recognised eco-friendly standards, avoiding conservation areas and blending with the outstanding Pennine landscape. Further sections have already been mapped out and will be added when funding is secured. Alex MacLennan, Recreation, Tourism and Communities Manager with the Forestry Commission, added: “Cycle trails allowing progression from beginner to expert are a key part of our vision for Hamsterley, which aims to develop sustainable world class visitor facilities. The off-road routes already built have made the wood a honeypot 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.” John Taylor, Executive Officer for CDENT, commented: “Those involved in developing cycling routes at Hamsterley Forest are to be congratulated on their achievements so far. We hope that our grant award will enable them to step up a gear and bring enjoyment to even more cyclists for many years to come." Councillor Keith Stansfield, Teesdale District Council’s Lead Member for Health, said: “Improving and extending facilities at Hamsterley is great news. To be able to use this unspoilt part of Teesdale for activities like mountain biking is good for local people who have this facility nearby, as well as increasing the desirability of the area to visitors.”