A NEW signposted cycling trail around the Malvern Hills is ready to be explored by mountain bike.

This trail is the second of three waymarked cycling trails to be provided by the Malvern Hills Trust around the hills.

Cycling visitors who wish to explore the Hills along these routes can now choose from tow routes of 5.5km or 8.5km.

Starting at North Quarry car park, the two circular routes follow bridleways and permissive paths on the hills open to mountain bikers. Both routes are clearly signposted for visiting cyclists who are unfamiliar with the hills’ cycling access network.

The Malvern Hills Trust has been working closely with the Malverns by Mountain Bike project to encourage responsible riding.

Beck Baker, the trust's community and conservation officer, said: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of our second cycling trail around the Malvern Hills. These two routes offer a choice for visitors to explore this landscape and we’re looking forward to getting a third route installed in due course.

“Following on from the walking and cycling map and guide we launched in spring, providing information on the ground for cyclists is the next step in our project to encourage responsible riding.

“We know that we have a large number of visiting cyclists from surrounding areas including Worcester and Birmingham who may not know anything about the access arrangements on the Malvern Hills or this landscape’s important features that need protecting.

“Those who are new to the area will be able to experience and enjoy riding in this amazing landscape along the signposted trails knowing they’re on the right tracks.”

“We’re extremely grateful to local mountain bikers who’ve worked with us on the Malverns by Mountain Bike project, as well as other user groups for sharing information and advice.”

Route cards to accompany the trails, which include directions and further access advice, can be picked up from the trust's office, Tourist Information Centres and local bike shops.

Electronic copies of these guides, and further information about the Malverns by Mountain Bike project can be found at malvernhills.org.uk/visiting/cycling