Work on the £500,000 project in Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick has finished, with the Altura Trail, a 19km red grade trail, officially opening yesterday.

The Altura Trail is the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District, with 15km of singletrack. The trail is the result of 9 months work and was largely constructed using material that had been sourced within the forest.

"We are delighted for our Altura brand to sponsor the first mountain bike trail here at Whinlatter, says Altura's Ian Young. “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."

“The Forestry Commission is committed to providing the best opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor activities,” adds Lord Clark. “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 work also includes the Cyclewise Whinlatter bike shop and hire centre which is now stocked with Cube mountain bikes, clothing from Altrua and a 'chill out zone' - whatever one of those is.

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.