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Outdoor cycle trails to get families active

Ten new cycle trails will be created at National Trust sites across England, thanks to a £4.25 million joint investment

2nd February 2016

The trails, due to be completed by autumn 2017, are designed to allow people to use pedal power to get active and explore the great outdoors at several National Trust locations.

Each trail will be around 5km long and will wind through scenic parklands and atmospheric woodlands.

Helen Ghosh, director general for the National Trust, says: “I know from cycling with my own family that it’s a wonderful way to explore the countryside and get in touch with nature, while getting fit and having fun.

Cyclists on a cycling trail

"I am delighted that generous funding from Sport England means that we can create more trails at our properties across the country for cyclists of all ages and levels of skill to explore and enjoy."

Thanks to National Lottery funding, cyclists of all abilities will be able to safely get on their bike, take in some fresh air, and appreciate the beautiful National Trust surroundings

Charles Johnston

Sport England's Property Director

Happy families

Our recently-released research, Getting Active Outdoors, shows that 18.2 million people not currently active want to take part in some form of outdoors activity, and 80 per cent of people already active outdoors feel that it gets families happier and healthier.

Our £2 million investment marks our fourth venture with the National Trust. Since 2012, we've invested more than £4.2 million to help Trust properties cater for outdoor activity. 

The creation of the new cycle trails will provide a safe off-road environment to enjoy the freedom of riding a bike while also creating another way for visitors to enjoy the National Trust's sites.

Sport England Director of Property, Charles Johnston, said: “Thanks to National Lottery funding, cyclists of all abilities will be able to safely get on their bike, take in some fresh air, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings that National Trust sites have to offer.”

Details of where the cycle trails will be built will be announced later in the year.

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