On the trail of Olympic glory at Bolton Abbey (From Craven Herald)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting CHNEWS to 80360, or email
On the trail of Olympic glory at Bolton Abbey
3:31pm Thursday 16th August 2012 in News
Show of strength: Hannah Vost looks on as her brother Ethan lifts the weights
Youngsters have been trying their hand at the 19 Olympic sports – thanks to an innovative idea from the Bolton Abbey Estate.
It has introduced a sports trail through Strid Wood, where children are challenged to test their sporting skills and knowledge.
Many of the displays are interactive – and initial feedback has been positive.
“It’s going really well,” said visitor manager Moira Smith. “The children are loving it and many have returned for a second visit. It is also a hit with parents, as children need no encouragement to run along the route.”
Favourite sports include football, where visitors can try to score a goal, and road racing, where young trail followers are challenged to see how far they can cycle within a minute on a fixed Team GB children’s bike.
There is also interactive beach volleyball, weightlifting, boxing and cricket.
Other sports are viewed from afar, such as canoe slalom and sailing in the River Wharfe, and mountain biking and fencing on the hillside above the trail path.
But perhaps the most eye-catching display is the synchronised swimming where six figures in red, white and blue apparently “dance” in the river.
“That display has given us the most problems as the figures keep getting knocked over by our resident otter,” said Moira.
The trail will remain open throughout the summer holiday and free booklets are available from the car park attendants.
Those who complete the booklet can enter a free competition to win the Team GB bike.
Normal estate admission charges apply.
