MOUNTAIN bikers look set to benefit from plans to create a new network of trails at the Whinlatter Forest Park, near Bassenthwaite Lake.

The Forestry Commission says it wants to provide cyclists of all levels with trails that separate them from other visitors and encourage them away from more sensitive areas of the Lake District National Park.

Attempts have now begun to find funding for the scheme and the outcome of a consultation is to be revealed at the Whinlatter Users’ Forum which will meets at Rawnsley Hall, Keswick, on December 11 at 7.30pm.

Adrian Jones, recreational manager at Whinlatter, said: “Mountain biking is a fast growing sport and the recent developments of purpose-built single track mountain bike routes in other forests has raised expectations. The Lake District is being left a long way behind in its provision of safely managed trails. The need for reliable, challenging and responsibly segregated mountain bike trails has been clearly endorsed by our measured and careful study into the impact of these proposals.”