Newbold Comyn cycle trails
Construction of the trails has started
Following the adoption of the masterplan and in line with the Council’s ambitions to bring forward a mix of facilities on the site to meet local needs and increase resident engagement with Newbold Comyn, construction has now started on a series of safe, free, family-friendly cycle trails.
To maintain access to the park for users and to minimise disruption, the construction will take place in small fenced-off sections over the next few months, with completion expected by March 2023.
The perimeter path of the Comyn will remain open, and every consideration is being taken to ensure there is no impact to wildlife or biodiversity on the site.
Construction of the cycle trails has been made possible thanks to a £423,500 grant from Sport England and British Cycling through the Places to Ride fund. Additional funding is being provided from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
We have put together some FAQs about the cycle tracks and the wider extension to the nature reserve.
Cycling facilities
The facilities are designed for local (i.e. not a regional destination) families and communities in our District as an introduction to mountain biking. All of the cycle trails will be free to use.
The cycling facilities include:
- Graded cycle trails with a series of fun features to add interest to the ride and enable beginners to learn and develop skills:
- Green trail (beginners) – approx. 1km
- Blue trail (intermediate) - approx. 2km
- Red trail (advanced) - approx. 1km
- Learn to ride and skills area for children and other people new to cycling; includes a hard surface area with markings and mini off road trails
- A cycle hub building for cycle hire, basic cycle repair, refreshments and toilets
An allocation of the funding will be used to restore and improve the Campion Hills bike track.
The previous draft masterplan had envisaged the cycle trails would extend across the whole of the former golf course.
The revised proposals have located the trails in one half of the park (to the west of Observation Hill), making the most of the sites gradients and also leaves the other half of the park free of cycle trails for use by other users of the park i.e. walkers.
It is no longer proposed that the existing perimeter will become a shared cycling/walking trail and this does not form part of the bid. Newbold Comyn has been and always will be a shared use park for all to enjoy.