A NEW woodland trail for walkers, runners and cyclists has opened on the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne, giving stunning views of the house and allowing visitors to discover previously inaccessible parts of the park.

The trail passes through beautiful forest and along old carriage drives that were originally created by the Bankes family. The 4.7km flat route is suitable for walkers, runners, adapted wheelchair users and cyclists of all ages and abilities. It is ideal for families who can choose between a shorter route to the woodland play area, ideal for little legs and balance bikes, and a longer loop for more confident adventurers.

The Kingston Lacy route is one of eight new trails across the country that have been developed in association with Sport England to enable visitors to ‘get active’ and explore the great outdoors.

Kingston Lacy general manager Tim Turner says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Sport England in this project which, thanks to National Lottery Funding, has enabled us to help more people to get active and explore more of Kingston Lacy’s spectacular parkland.”

Dave Newton of Sport England says: “Developing urban and rural spaces to make them activity friendly – whether you want to stroll, ride, or jog – is a priority in Sport England’s strategy, Towards An Active Nation. We’re proud of our continued partnership with the National Trust which helps make it easier for people to get active outdoors.”

Pictured: Cyclists enjoying the new trail at Kingston Lacy © National Trust/Stan and Dee Maddams; Runners on the trail, National Trust- James Dobson