The Eskdale Trail may encourage people to take up cycling

The Eskdale Trail allows cyclists to take their bikes on the Ravenglasss and Eskdale steam railway and then cycle back through one of the Lake District's most beautiful valleys.

Specially designed carriages have been added to the small steam trains to take bicycles along the route.

Cyclists can then ride back to their original starting point using the trail through the Eskdale Valley.

The new route was officially opened by Eric Robson, the chairman of Cumbria Tourist Board, and Caroline Alexander, the UK's most successful ever mountain biker.

She said the new trail - known as the Eskdale Trail - is an excellent incentive for beginners and for encouraging more people to take up a healthy hobby.

The trail passes a number of pubs and cafes, as well as the Eskdale Heritage Exhibition at Eskdale Green.