The first phase of an exciting new mountain bike trail at The Forestry Commission's Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick opened earlier this week.

The developments to the new Altura Trail at Whinlatter include 10km singletrack and is now open for all to ride. When finished the 19km trail will be the longest purpose built mountain bike trail in the Lake District, with 15km all singletrack.

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 says: “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 this week. The new trail centre will provide a fleet of Cube mountain bikes for hire, Altura bike clothing and a chill out zone.

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