New funding, new trails !

After what seems like an endless cycle of delays to those involved, we are finally able to announce the first major trailbuilding project since the Loop was built in 2005. A flowing downhill singletrack will link the Descend 4X starting mound to existing sections of black route in the direction of the visitors centre. Trail design is by Pete Laing whom many will know from his work at Glentress and Golspie. The brief is for an innovative and highly exciting trail which will leave smiles all around.

Vice Chair Oliver Graham said "I want this trail to be a statement of what we can achieve".

Route clearance was completed last week and at the time of writing the tender for the build is about to be awarded. The build is expected to start in February and after Forestry Commission approval should be open in time for summer.

In addition to this new trail, further funding has been secured to build a descending trail in the area adjacent to the radio mast. This would form the bottom section of the long awaited 5 Lanes End Descent. For the total project £30,000 was contributed by Teesdale District Council and £50,000 by CDENT with materials and labour from the Forestry Commission and the Trailblazers contributing in the region of £40,000 additional value to the project.

Volunteer trailbuilding leader Mat Clark said "It's great to be able to share such positive news. We still need good support from our volunteer trailbuilders so that we can complete the Special K trail section, it is this last 15 percent which will transform the trail from a pile of rocks to a highly charged riding experience"

Volunteer trailbuilding days are on the 3rd Saturday of the month, Jan-Nov, further details on trailbuilding activites can be found on the Trailbuilding page.

Hamsterley Trailblazers would like to thank our funders, Teesdale District Council and CDENT, and our partner Forestry Commission England.