The sound of clanging tools and heavy machinery has been upsetting the peace and quiet in the North York Moors National Park this spring. Thankfully it’s all in the name of adding even more singletrack to the 50km and more of official trail at Dalby Forest.

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This densely wooded corner of Yorkshire has long housed one of the largest trail centres in England, and the great news for local riders (and almost half a million visitors each year) is that the Forestry Commission is succeeding in building new trails, while plenty of other trail centres remain fallow.

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Bit of blue for the rads

Blue is the colour for the latest addition, with the new machine-made flow sections the second of three renovation stages planned (around funding and forestation considerations) to bring the 13km Blue Trail bang up to date and ensure it’s more engaging for riders of all levels.

The two main parts add massively increased flow and rider interest by removing boring fire road in an extended climbing section up Housedale, and also add a fast and swooping finale back down to the visitor centre.

The final descent has one of the best aspects in the forest and by constantly weaving at speed through berms and rollers, really adds some spice to the blue route, arguably even managing to push the envelope on the colour grading.

Spooky Woods II?

Local Strava rippers have cheekily given this final segment a Glentress-themed title in homage to Scotland’s most famous Stane, and it’s hard to argue it doesn’t share a sense of fun and flow with some of the famous trails in that part of the world.

The new 2km trail is well sculpted and designed by Metro construction and complements the shorter, bermy, sections opened a year ago, meaning Dalby Forest is now better than ever.

With a newly renovated Bike Barn shop, further plans for more jumps at Dixon’s Hollow, and the future completion of the blue trail, things look set to get even better too.