Sport England will build ten new off road trails at National Trust sites in England by Autumn 2017.

The trails are the result of a joint investment of £4.25 million designed to help get people active. Each trail will be around 5km long but don’t expect them to replace your weekly trail centre romp as Sport England says they will “wind through scenic parklands and atmospheric woodlands”, which gives us the impressions they will be more aimed at beginners than experienced cyclists.

That’s not to say they’re a bad thing though, in fact anything that gets more people out on bikes in the countryside is great in our books. After all, recently released research from Sport England shows that 18.2 million people not currently active want to take part in some form of outdoors activity, and 80 per cent of people already active outdoors feel that it gets families happier and healthier.

Watch our £500 Hardtail of the Year – the Trek Marlin 7

Helen Ghosh, director general for the National Trust, says: “I know from cycling with my own family that it’s a wonderful way to explore the countryside and get in touch with nature, while getting fit and having fun.

Sport England Director of Property, Charles Johnston, said: “Thanks to National Lottery funding, cyclists of all abilities will be able to safely get on their bike, take in some fresh air, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings that National Trust sites have to offer.”

Details of where the cycle trails will be built will be announced later in the year.