Recently, I have seen more reports of investment for cyclists in British forests. This is great news. Across the country, our managed forests are increasingly being used for recreational purposes. The one nearest to here, Gisburn, is currently expanding its cycle trails. From the Singletrack website I discovered they are receiving investment resulting in a shift of the ratio of singletrack to fireroad in favour of the more exciting singletrack. This is an opportunity for keen singletrack MTBers to not only influence where trails go, but also increase the investment in the trails. By volunteering to build trails, the hours spent helps gain more investment money for trailbuilding.
Maybe the route on bikley will be updated. It's nice to see this happening in a forest nearby so it's less far to travel for some off road fun. I haven't had chance to check out Whinlatter and likely as not will get to Gisburn first.
More details on the Singletrack magazine website.
There may be a long way to go to catch up on Wales and Scotland for mountain bike trails, but every bit helps. The recently (partly) opened Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District looks nice. Singletrack MTBers will want to add it to their todo lists. There is a map on the Forestry Commission website of where these man-made trails are in Whinlatter. They circle round Hospital Plantation, Comb Plantation and Beckstones Plantation through some steep and windy forest.
Looking at that map brought back memories of cold November days watching the RAC rally as powerful rally cars tackled the tricky forest roads. These days Rally GB doesn't get out of South Wales, so it is fitting that man-powered craft have replaced them in the Lakes.
Single Track Magazine reviewed it here.
Forestry Commission link.
What could be finer? This lovely looking bridleway begged to be explored on a day like today. This is typical of many of the rural Lakeland bridleways. You don't have to climb the biggest hills to gain great pleasure from exploring off road in Cumbria.
As I stood admiring Albert's Amble this morning, a carriage drawn by four horses and an entourage in period dress passed by. I was distracted enough to forget to take a picture. Maybe I was just dazed by the utter peacefulness of this bit of the Lakes near Winster or perhaps I was fascinated by their descent of the steep hill. Plenty of folk were out enjoying the outdoors. If you want a daily dose of Lakeland views, check out Tony Richards' excellent photo blog http://www.lakelandcam.co.uk/
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Recently, I have seen more reports of investment for cyclists in British forests. This is great news. Across the country, our managed forests are increasingly being used for recreational purposes. The one nearest to here, Gisburn, is currently expanding its cycle trails. From the Singletrack website I discovered they are receiving investment resulting in a shift of the ratio of singletrack to fireroad in favour of the more exciting singletrack. This is an opportunity for keen singletrack MTBers to not only influence where trails go, but also increase the investment in the trails. By volunteering to build trails, the hours spent helps gain more investment money for trailbuilding.
