;)
The Forestry Commission, in its 100th anniversary year, has announced 'Delamere Forest' to be the 'best woodland bike ride in England'.
The forest is located SE of Frodsham; the gateway to the Sandstone Ridge
It includes 972 hectares (2,400 acres) of mixed deciduous and evergreen woodland, making it the largest area of woodland in Cheshire. 'Delamere' means 'forest of the lakes'.
So get out on two wheels and explore the woodland bike rides (there are opportunities to hire bikes on site and you can also reach the forest by public transport).
- First up is the scenic, blue grade Hunger Hill Trail, a relaxing family challenge along wide roads and including several short, sharp climbs. At the end, cyclists get their just rewards — stunning views over Blakemere Moss, a reclaimed wetland that is now a thriving wildlife habitat.
- For those made of sterner stuff, the 6.8 mile-long Whitemoor Trail offers a greater challenge, though is still viewed as peaceful (rather than adrenalin-pumping) in duration.
The Forestry Commission was founded in 1919 after the timber demands of The Great War had ravaged the nation's tree-lined spaces.