Cycle path reopens three years after Storm Arwen

The Lonesome Pine trail in Kielder Forest has reopened after three years

A cycling route which was damaged during Storm Arwen has reopened three years later, but a handful of footpaths remain closed.

Approximately one million trees fell in Northumberland in the severe winds which hit the county on 26 November 2021, as thousands of people were left without power.

Hundreds of footpaths and trails, including the Lonesome Pine Mountain bike trail at Kielder Forest, were damaged and blocked.

Alex MacLennan from Forestry England said it was great to see the route "up and running again and we are really close to getting the remaining few footpaths open too."

A grant of more than £160,000 means the Lonesome Pine trail has been widened to make it more accessible

According to the Met Office, Arwen was one of the most damaging storms of the last decade, with the highest gust speed of 98mph recorded at Brizlee Wood, Northumberland.

The 11-mile (18km) Lonesome Pine trail was upgraded during the summer at a cost of more than £160,00 and widened so disabled riders can use it too.

Mr MacLennan said clearing up after Storm Arwen had been "relentless work".

"We thought it would take us at least two [years], but in fact it's been more like three," he added.

Teams have worked for three years to reopen miles of footpaths blocked by fallen trees

The Bastle Trail at Greenhaugh remains closed but it is hoped it will reopen early in 2025.

A small part of Thrunton Forest, near Rothbury, has also not been cleared yet.

"Then there are some rights of way in Kidland Forest up in Alwinton and those, along with Uswayford, are the final areas with very considerable damage still," Mr MacLennan said.

"People would get frustrated wondering why we couldn't get their favourite walk or woodland open straight away but it has been a mammoth task.

"I think we're finally getting there though."