National Trust opens free new woodland trail and bike pump track at Arlington
The new Woolley Woods area on the National Trust Arlington Estate will be free to enjoy too…
An entire new free place to walk, cycle, play and enjoy has been opened by the National Trust on its Arlington estate – including a cycle pump track with berms and jumps.
Woolley Woods includes a 1.2 kilometre surfaced multi-use trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.
It is outside the pay-for-entry area at Arlington Court and is free to enter for anyone arriving on foot, by bicycle or by bus. Affordable parking is available and is free for National Trust members.
There is a natural play area and a cycle skills area featuring a pump track, berms, jumps and routes designed to help riders build confidence on wheels.
The site also includes a car park, picnic areas and a multi-purpose indoor space, with a refreshment kiosk coming soon.
From Woolley Woods, visitors can connect to more than 20 miles of walking, running and cycling routes across the wider Arlington Estate.
Rob Joules, North Devon general manager, said: “Woolley Woods will help more people access nature and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits it can bring.
“Shaped by local communities, it opens up a new accessible countryside experience in a largely undiscovered area of the estate and gives people a new way to explore Arlington.
“Whether it’s learning to ride with confidence, enjoying a walk with friends or simply spending time outdoors, we hope Woolley Woods becomes a place where people can build confidence outdoors, make memories and develop a lasting connection with nature.”
The National Trust said the Woolley Woods project had been shaped and designed after two years of consultation with nearby communities, schools, charities and partner organisations.
It said the result is a site that responds to local needs and will continue to develop with community input, providing opportunities for people to be active, spend time together and connect with nature.
Ella Ronan, National Trust ranger, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming community groups, families and visitors to the site, which offers a fantastic setting for events and opportunities for people of all ages to try new activities and spend time together outdoors.
“We’ve already had many positive conversations with local people during the development of Woolley Woods, so it’s exciting to see it opening and the benefits it will bring for local communities.”
Woolley Woods has been made possible by funders, including support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for community programming.