Alliance welcomes opening of ‘World Class’ £1.8M Mountain Bike Trails in Castlewellan
Alliance Party Down District Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the opening of the new £1.8m cross-country mountain biking trails and purpose built pump track in Castlewellan Forest Park in Castlewellan.
Councillor Clarke believes that the 25 kilometres of world-class mountain bike trails expected to attract upwards of 13,000 visitors in the first year alone will be a major tourism and economic boost for Castlewellan, the surrounding areas and the wider Mournes.
Speaking to Newry Times, Clarke stated, “The opening of the £1.8m cross-country mountain biking trails and purpose built pump track in Castlewellan Forest Park will not only attract many thousands of visitors into Castlewellan but there will also be the major tourism and economic spin-off.
“This is a massively growing sport and Castlewellan will now be on the map with this new biking trail.
“This new trail system will help local businesses considerably, and there will be an increase in the number of visitors into the area from across the UK and beyond. It will help money to stay in the local economy.
“Apart from the healthy living, fitness and sporting dimension that many visitors will enjoy from using these new world class mountain biking trails but there will be the added attraction of both visitors and tourists staying in Castlewellan and the local surrounding areas.
Clarke added, “The long term potential of the cross-country mountain biking trails and purpose built bump track which have been designed and constructed to blend into the natural surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park has not yet been fully realised.
“I have no doubt that in the coming months and years ahead this ever growing adventure activity is going to get even bigger and combined with a further 50 kilometre trail network in Rostrevor, will give Castlewellan, surrounding areas and the wider Mournes region a significant boost to the local economy.”
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