A NEW mountain bike trail will be officially launched this month.

The Oakwell mountain bike trail which has been created within the country park surrounding the museum in Nutter Lane, Birstall, has been developed by rangers at Oakwell Hall along with the local mountain bike advocacy group - Ride Kirklees.

It was funded by Batley and Spen District Committee, the National Lottery and Sport England and built by Sheffield-based Bike-Track.

The 1.4km trail, which is located along the main bridleway (Warren's Lane) running from the main car park, has two uphill sections and two downhill sections along with berms (banked corners) and other off road mountain bike features such as rollers and some rock gardens/drop offs.

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Eric Brown, site manager at Oakwell Hall, explains: "For those in the know it’s a blue trail, which means although it has some challenges along the way, it’s suitable for most riders, even those with no experience of mountain biking. And that’s our aim, to give an opportunity for all to have a go, whether experienced or not."

Eric says they, along with their partners in the Kirklees Adventurous Activity Team, hope to offer taster sessions encouraging people to have a go.

"It’s just the kind of thing families can do together as part of their day out at Oakwell," says Eric, who credits the support from funders, volunteers and Ride Kirklees for making the mountain bike trail possible.

The official launch takes place from 11am until 4.30pm on Sunday June 30.

For more information, or to get involved visit ridekirklees.co.uk or search Ride Kirklees and Oakwell Hall mtb trail through Facebook.