A new opportunity for adventure at Whinlatter Forest, the Gorse Cycle Trail opens 1st March. There will be a 10km route to follow, sticking mostly to well-surfaced forest roads, taking you to the best parts of the forest. With stunning vistas across the Lake District, it’s one not to be missed.

Perfect for those with gravel bikes, mountain bikes, mountain e-bikes and hybrid bikes, there’s a whole new part of the forest to explore. There are long gradual climbs and descents all the way – being England’s only mountain forest, there isn’t much flat ground to be found!

Come for a demo session on 1st March (10am-11am) to celebrate the new route opening, with Cyclewise providing bikes to try and expert advice for getting out in the forest.

Paul Brown, Forestry Commission Recreation Ranger, said:
“It’s fantastic to provide a new cycle route at Whinlatter for the ever-expanding cycling community, particularly as gravel and e-bikes become more popular. You can reach more quiet areas of the forest, with amazing views across the Lakes. This is a great addition to our much-enjoyed mountain bike routes in the forest.”

Craig from Cyclewise, said:
“This new trail opens up the forest to a much wider cycling ordinance, we are proud to work with forestry getting more people to enjoy this fantastic forest.

Why the name ‘Gorse’? Whinlatter is a word rooted in Norse, meaning ‘gorse covered slopes’ and the cycle route takes you through areas of the yellow-flowered shrub, giving off a sweet coconut scent.