Bike trail revives adventure on Storm Arwen anniversary
28 Nov 2024
The iconic Lonesome Pine Mountain Bike Trail, a beloved feature of Forestry England’s Kielder Forest since 2009, reopened on the third anniversary of Storm Arwen.
The storm, which devastated large parts of the UK on 26 November 2021, caused extensive damage to the trail, leaving it closed for three years.
Following a difficult tree recovery operation, completed in summer, the trail has been revitalised thanks to a £167,000 funding grant from Northumberland County Council’s Rural Asset Multiplier Pilot Programme (RAMP). The reopening marks a new era for Kielder Forest, with the trail now upgraded to be more inclusive and accessible.
Mike Seddon, Forestry England Chief Executive said: “The impact of Storm Arwen was immense. Over one million tonnes of timber were blown down, roads were blocked, and power supplies and communication networks damaged. This disruption affected many of our teams living and working in the area. Yet – even three years on - their continued dedication to restore and repair has been incredible.
“I’m really pleased that we can re-open the Lonesome Pine Mountain Bike Trail, which is a hugely popular trail for our Kielder visitors. This has been achieved thanks to the combined efforts of the fantastic partnership working between our Forestry England colleagues and the Northumberland RAMP project fund.”
Contractors worked alongside Forestry England since late summer to enhance the red graded trail, making it more accessible. Upgrades include over 3.5km of improved descents from the trail’s summit to Kielder village; and design features catering to adaptive mountain bikes, ensuring disabled riders can fully enjoy the experience.
Positioned on the same hillside as the renowned Kielder Observatory, the Lonesome Pine Trail is now not only a haven for mountain bikers but also a symbol of resilience and innovation.
Kielder Forest is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation and tourism in the region. The reopening of the trail will attract cyclists from across the UK, offering an unparalleled experience that blends thrilling descents with breathtaking views of Northumberland’s countryside.
Alex MacLennan, Forestry England Recreation and Public Affairs Manager Northumberland at Forestry England said: “The reopening of the Lonesome Pine Trail demonstrates our commitment to making outdoor spaces more inclusive and accessible for everyone. This trail opens opportunities for adaptive mountain biking, providing opportunities for more people to connect with nature and enjoy the forest.”
The long-awaited reopening of the red-graded Lonesome Pine trail was celebrated on 26 November, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Northumberland County Councillor John Riddle. The event drew cycling enthusiasts from near and far, with riders from Team Cycles, Cycling Tynedale, and other local cyclists taking to the trail to test its new features and improvements. The day was marked by a sense of community pride and excitement as the revitalised trail was unveiled, promising to become a favourite spot for riders of all skill levels.
Councillor Riddle said: “It's great to be celebrating the re-opening of this fantastic trail, thanks in part to funding through the RAMP programme.
“Storm Arwen caused huge devastation in parts of our county and we're still seeing the effects three years later, but this is a real success story - with the trail reconfigured to appeal to cyclists of different ages and abilities.
“It's another example of the RAMP programme supporting projects large and small, but with a common focus on growing the local economy, enhancing the environment, and supporting rural communities.”