Down races ahead for mountain bikers

Down races ahead for mountain bikers

24 July 2013

COUNTY Down is set to become a centre of mountain bike adventure following the official opening of the Castlewellan mountain bike trail.

The new cross-country trails and purpose built pump track in Castlewellan Forest Park were opened by Stormont Minister Arlene Foster on Monday.

The new trails are 27.5km long and full of features for all levels of mountain bike riders including winding single track, rollers and rock gardens. Along with new trails in Rostrevor the new County Down mountain biking facilities cost almost £1.9m to construct.

The two County Down trails, along with Blessingbourne, Barnett Demesne and Davagh Forest, has brought Northern Ireland’s network of purpose-built trails to over 100km.

The trails in the Mournes area have already been noticed at a competitive level, with the Castlewellan trail being selected to host the Single Speed European Championships in 2014 and the Rostrevor trail will be a venue in the upcoming World Police and Fire Games.

Down Council vice-Chairman, Gareth Sharvin said the forest park has been transformed into a must-visit location for mountain bike enthusiasts, beginners and families alike.

“Coupled with 49km of purpose-built trails in Rostrevor,

this landmark development of sustainable trails has not only transformed the Mourne Mountains into an ideal short break mountain biking destination but also combines with a further 26.5km of new trails in Davagh Forest near Cookstown to make Northern Ireland the next must visit destination for mountain bikers across the UK and Ireland.

“I believe we are set to realise Northern Ireland’s potential as one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations.

Mrs. Foster said mountain biking is one of the fastest growing adventure activities in the UK and in Northern Ireland there’s been a revolution in the provision for the activity over the past few years.

“Castlewellan, and also its counterpart in Kilbroney, is really putting the Mourne Mountains on the mountain biking map.

“The numbers of bikers using both trails has already exceeded all expectations and this is a reflection of the quality of the trails not only as a test of ability, but also the beauty of the scenery and landscape in the Mournes,” she said.

South Down SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said trails represent a major collaborative project between Down and Newry and Mourne councils, Forestry Division and Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland.

“With mountain bike trails in Castlewellan Forest Park will come more visitors and investment of money in the area. I also hope that more people will visit the famous Arboretum and the glasshouses, excellent examples of our built and natural heritage, something to be cherished, promoted and funded.”