THE UK's first progressive mountain bike training facility is set to open near Carlisle next month.

Ben Eggleston, 40, from Penrith, is behind the venture at Low Hesket.

He said: “There are forest tracks all over the country that mountain bikers can use but this is something different.

“It is about multiple sharp, short tracks to be done again and again to improve your skills. It's a Canadian idea.

“I thought it time to do something by a rider for other riders.”

Mr Eggleston was cycle centre head of department at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest for seven years before leaving in January 2015 to set up GNAR Bike Park – GNAR stands for 'go north and ride'.

He used savings of £29,000, topped up with a £6,500 loan, to acquire 46 acres at Barrock Wood on a 20-year lease.

GNAR Bike Park is due to open over the weekend June 18-19.

Cyclists will pay £8 a day and it will also offer bike hire, servicing and mechanical expertise, parts and retail sales, events, training and coaching courses.

Mr Eggleston said: “The woodland didn't have a forestry management plan in place so there was work to do, tree thinning and so on, before I could build the tracks.

“Initially it will run  at weekends because I'm not able to employ anyone,  but once we're big enough the plan is to open seven days a week.”

His also hopes to start a mountain bike race league, have woodland cabin accommodation and introduce food and drink outlets.

Raising the cash for the project was a struggle.

A bid for funds on the crowd-funding platform Indiegogo fell short and he was not eligible for any government grants.

In the end, he borrowed £6,500 from Business Finance Solutions, the regional delivery partner for the Government’s £310m Start Up Loans programme.

Alex Mearns, loan officer at Business Finance Solutions, said: “Cycling and mountain biking in particular has enjoyed a real renaissance.

“Ben has the passion and expertise to make GNAR a huge success. We have been delighted to support a venture with such growth potential.”