Work
begins on the Red Route
* * * UPDATE
* * *
One North East have finally approved the Project
Initiation Plan for a £5.5 million development at Hamsterley
to include the new Red Route, new Visitor Centre, MTB facilities,
Go Ape facility and chalet development etc. Subject to the next
stage of the process being completed by August 08 (the Business
Case) - we are looking to start work on the new Red Route for
1 November 2008. Teesdale Council have allocated some substantial
funding for this in 2008/09 and CDENT have also indicated they
would like to put up substantial funding. Funding raised this
way will be matched by One North East. FC are now working on producing
the Business Case and we will keep you advised on progress.
* * * UPDATE
* * *
The Trail
Work has begun on Hamsterley's new Red Route : a flowing 7Stanes
style singletrack.
The Work
The Forestry Commission
are keen to get the digger in but before this can happen, overhanging
branches and some general clearing has to be done. The first trailbuilding
day for the Red Route is on 24th September. Please come along,
everyone will be useful - if everyone contributes a small amount,
a great deal can be done. If you can spare any time, however small,
please contact Matt
Clark.
This
map shows the areas (highlighted in yellow)
where trailbuilding work needs to take place to complete the route.
Estimated length will be 15.15km of singletrack (excluding fireroads):-
Red section |
Estimated
length (m) |
Build
sequence |
Notes |
A |
800 |
7 |
Runs
near boundary, existing trail parallel |
B |
1100 |
8 |
Traverses
steep ground, crosses SSUK course |
C |
700 |
9 |
Traverses
below quarry |
D |
1400 |
3 |
May
be wet ground near stream ?Old road here? 100m ascent via
Neighbour Moor House (ruins).
Large culvert required |
E |
6000 |
2 |
5
Lanes trail, 180m descent |
F |
900 |
4 |
30
m descent, traverses steep ground |
G |
800 |
5 |
70m
ascent, steep ground, connects to lane from descend hut |
H |
1500 |
6 |
Across
top of 4X, 50m descent. Additional
armouring due to proximity to Descend. |
J |
1000 |
11 |
Replaces
black section with cobbled corner |
K |
500 |
10 |
Blue/red
grade share |
L |
450 |
1 |
Red
grade final. Use as
black return for interim. October
6th build date. |
Additional work will include the trailhead map and signposting
(estimated to be 45 signs).
Why Red ?
In the (extensive) consultation phase,
the Trailblazers spoke to lots of riders. The general
feeling was that other mountain biking centres were catering well
for freeriders and black grade riders but red grade riders (riders
who's main interest is fitness but who also like to have fun)
were not well catered for. Flow was being neglected at the expense
of thrills. Not any more !
The Project
At the Trailblazer's September meeting it was agreed to set up
a Trail Working Group (Matt Clark, Gary Ewing and officers from
Traiblazers) to manage the Red Route development. In view of the
distance involved, it was also agreed to divide the route into
short, prioritised sections that could be financed as stand alone
schemes, if necessary. With this in mind, the views of everyone
in Trailblazers is invited, to suggest which sections and which
priorities. Please email Vicky
Chilcott, Trailblazer Secretary if you have any comments.
Initial feeling at the meeting was that the first funding priority
should be the single track switchback descent from Five Land Ends,
but the views from everyone would be welcome.
The Trail
The trail can be seen here.
Keep checking back - this page will be
frequently updated with news on the Red Route progress...
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