Anyone into UK downhill racing will have heard of Hopton Woods, well now they have a new XC route.

The Forestry Commission and Ludlow based Pearce Cycles have been working on the project for a while now, and the new 18km trail is due to open on March 10th. If it is anything like the new (‘ish) blue run at the Forest of Dean then we can expect great things. Here’s the full Press Release:

Return of the Shropshire mountainbiking gem

The Forestry Commission’s Hopton Woods, near Hopton Castle, will welcome cross country mountain bikers back to its trails after a 3 year break on the 10 March.

Come along between 10:30 and 2:30 to celebrate the completion by riding the 18km trail.

The route is classed as a red or difficult trail suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-road skills. The sweeping descents, challenging climbs and rocky, rooty downhill sections have been honed to perfection by Dave Pearce of Pearce Cycles.

Dave tells us;

“ It has been great to be able to put Hopton Woods back on the cycling map of Shropshire, we have spent a lot of time ensuring that these trails are some of the best riding the county has to offer.”

Georgina Sharp Recreation Ranger for the Forestry Commission adds:

“It has taken several years to get Hopton back to a level that we are proud to carry the Forestry Commission badge and I’d like to thank riders for their patience whilst the trails were shut. Please come and join us on the 10th and see what a great job Dave has done, refreshments will be available and we are hoping that one of our local champions will be able to open the trail”

For more information on Hopton Woods and the work of the Forestry Commission in the Marches area visit www.forestry.gov.uk/marches or visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/ourlocalwoods . For Dave Pearce Cycles visit www.pearcecycles.co.uk