We reported last December that the Forestry Commission and the Lake District National Park Authority were pushing forward plans for a £500,000 project in Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick, part of which includes the building of a 19km long trail.

Today the Foresty Commission announced it'll officially open the first 10km of The Altura Trail during National Bike Week on 16 June. Included is the opening of the doors to a new bike shop and hire centre. The full trail will be complete by October.

Adrian Jones from the Forestry Commission says: "Whinlatter Forest Park is England's only true mountain forest, rising to 790 metres above sea level, so The Altura Trail will really put the mountain back into mountain biking."

"We're delighted that the first phase is now complete. Together with all the different walking routes and the new Go Ape high wire forest adventure courses, Whinlatter Forest Park is one of the region's best centres for outdoor activities."

Ian Young from sponsors Altura adds: "As the UK's leading cycle clothing brand we are keen to support mountain biking, so it's very exciting that people will now be able to ride part of The Altura Trail. It is going to provide great facilities for riders of all abilities and will be one of the best mountain bike trails in the country."

The new Cyclewise Whinlatter bike shop and hire centre will also officially open for business at 11.00 on the 16 of June. The new trail centre will provide a fleet of Cube mountain bikes for hire, Altura bike clothing and a chill out zone.

Cyclewise will also run a range of training courses from Whinlatter including Adventure racing skills training and junior skills sessions run during the summer holiday period and weekends.

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