Last updated 19:36, Thursday, 21 February 2008

WORK started in Whinlatter Forest this week to create the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.

And a new Go Ape course is also planned this year featuring rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides up to 40 feet up in the trees, enabling visitors to trek from tree to tree high above the forest floor.

The schemes are part of a £500,000 project to improve the facilities at the forest and will lead to 10 new jobs.

The 19 kilometre trail will involve building 15 kilometres of single track trail for families and mountain bike enthusiasts.

The trail is being built by trail builders Clixby’s, whose work includes single track mountain bike trails for the Forestry Commission at

Dalby forest in North Yorkshire.

The work is expected to take up to seven months and the trail will be opened to the public at the end of the summer.

Features will include rocks, drops and steps, plus linked descents, jumps and rollers.

The trail will be sponsored by British cycle clothing brand, Altura, and the bike hire facilities will be provided by Cyclewise from Penrith, who also offer training.

Natural features will be merged into the trail, and the surface will be made from local stone.

The North West Regional Development Agency will be helping to fund theconstruction of the trail and redevelopment of the car park at the visitor centre, which will remain open throughout the work, although access may be limited.

It is hoped that work around the car park and visitor centre will be finished by Easter, but visitors are advised to check before travelling by calling the Whinlatter Visitor Centre on 017687 78469 or visiting: www.forestry.gov.uk/whinlatterforestpark