Saddle up for National Bike Week at Delamere Forest Park

Riders in Cheshire, Manchester and Merseyside are being encouraged to saddle up and get active at their local Forest Park during National Bike Week (17-25 June). Bike Week is the UK's only annual nationwide campaign to increase participation in organised cycling and to encourage one-time cyclists to return to the road. Delamere Forest Park is an ideal venue for cycling, with smooth sandy tracks and only a few gentle hills. Mature Scots pine and areas of wetland provide a tranquil setting for an afternoon’s family cycle ride. Families can try out one of two waymarked cycle trails. Hunger Hill and Whitemoor trails range from 4 to 7 miles and can take up to an hour to complete. For the more adventurous, cycling to the top of Old Pale offers superb panoramas of the Cheshire countryside or on a clear day views as far away as the Liverpool city skyline. The specially marked footpaths and cycle trails are carefully planned to guide visitors around this diverse forest. The Forestry Commission is running its own campaign - Active Woods - to encourage people to make the most of the opportunities that forests provide for healthy activity. Simon Hough, Recreation and Environment Manager for Delamere says: “Forests are great places for cycling and mountain biking. There’s also a fantastic range of health and fitness opportunities on offer at Delamere. It’s a great safe area for families to spend their leisure time, whatever their age or ability. “Woods aren’t only good for the body – they’re good for the mind too. In fact, natural green space boosts people’s wellbeing and morale.” Delamere is Cheshire’s largest wooded area, offering a complete day out for all the family. As well as bike hire, families can enjoy guided nature walks, horse riding and orienteering. There is also a visitor centre, picnic sites, viewpoints, café and a shop. This year, Go Ape, a high wire forest adventure course has also opened up in the Forest. Visitors can now benefit from a new bike wash at the Visitor Centre, and leave all the mud and crud behind them. Cycle hire is also available at Delamere Forest Park Visitor Centre every weekend and from Thursday to Sunday every school holiday. Group hire and cycle skills coaching are also available. Advance bookings can be made by contacting WirralTracs on 07717 886832. www.forestry.gov.uk