National Trust launches cycling festival

Over 40 National Trust properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will host cycling events over July 16-24 as part of the organisation's inaugural cycling festival.

The festival is part of the National Trust's initiative to get more people out into the countryside - the charity is responsible for the conservation and running of 250,000 hectares and 300 historic houses, so is ideally placed to host events.

"This festival is about opening our doors to cyclists whether for a family ride, after hours tour through the park or for a more challenging bike ride," said Philip Broadbent-Yale of the National Trust's Outdoors Team.

"Millions of us have a bike in a shed or garage and this is a great chance to dust them down and get out and about on your bike."

A range of guided rides and way-marked routes will be available for all levels of cyclist. Bikes will be available to hire at some venues.

The festival events are in addition to the National Trust's series of cyclo-sportives launched earlier this year. The Trust also sponsors the South West-based Shred road and off-road cycling team. In addition, the National Trust's property of Box Hill will be a key point in the 2012 Olympic Games road race route.

For more information and entry details for its cycling events, visit the National Trust's cycling website.

National Trust cycling festival events 2011

16 July - Cycleabout Clumber at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire

16 and 17 July - Children's 'On Your Bike!' Weekend at Scotney Castle in Kent

17 July - Bike adventure at Salcombe in Devon

17 July - Pedal and Picnic at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire

17 July - Family guided cycle ride at Reigate Hill and Gatton Park in Surrey

21 July - Cycle for Health at High Peak Estate in the Peak District

22 July - Family Mountain Bike Taster Day at Malham Tarn and Moor in Yorkshire

24 July - National Trust Cycle Sportive Series - Cycling event at Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre and Whipsnade Estate

Related links

Cycling Weekly's 2011 cyclo-sportive calendar

External links

National Trust cycling site