Lake District launches ultimate mountain bike trail

The longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District was unveiled at the Forestry Commission’s Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick on Monday 1st December.

Lord Clark of Windermere, the Chairman of the Forestry Commission, launched the Altura Trail, a 19 kilometre red grade mountain bike route which includes 15 kilometres of new singletrack.

The Altura Trail is a true Lake District mountain bike trail. Whinlatter is England’s only mountain forest and the trail has been built for experienced riders with good off road skills and a reasonable level of fitness.

It has challenging singletrack sections and popular features like berms, jumps, rock gardens, skinnies, cork screws and table tops. There are also great views of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and the surrounding fells.

Lord Clark says:

“The Forestry Commission is committed to providing the best opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor activities. The Altura Trail provides a fantastic new facility for mountain bikers who live in or visit the Lake District.

“Together with all the different walking routes and the Go Ape high wire forest adventure courses, unveiled earlier this year; it is now one of the region’s best centres for outdoor activities.”

The Altura Trail took nine months to build and was largely constructed using material that had been sourced within the forest.

Ian Young from sponsors Altura says:

"We are delighted for our Altura brand to sponsor the first mountain bike trail here at Whinlatter. At Altura we believe in encouraging all types of riding and are especially proud to be associated with technical mountain biking such as this new red route, unrivalled in Lakeland area."

A Cyclewise Whinlatter bike shop and hire centre now provides a fleet of Cube mountain bikes for hire, Altura bike clothing and a chill out zone.

The North West Regional Development Agency has also helped to fund the construction of the mountain bike trail and redevelopment of the car park at the Visitor Centre.

Whinlatter Forest Park rises to 790 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Lake District and into Scotland.

More information about Whinlatter Forest Park can be found at Forestry.gov.uk/whinlatterforestpark.

For information on Altura visit Zyro.co.uk.