The 35km trail has been designed for both cyclists and horses

Two horse riding trails will also enable cyclists to avoid the animals and riders on part of the trail.

The new 35km trail is based at Nant yr Arian, nine miles east of Aberystwyth and home to some of the most spectacular mountain biking in the UK.

It now offers three challenging trails, including a 16km summit trail with steep climbs and swooping single-track.

These trails definitely reinforce the message that Wales is a world class destination for biking Dafydd Davis, Forestry Commission Wales

The trails have been specially designed and built by professional contractors and volunteers.

The project has provided employment opportunities for unemployed local youngsters.

Dafydd Davis is Forest Sports Adviser for Forestry Commission Wales one of the groups involved in developing the trail.

Economy boost

"There has been a massive boom in forest sports over the past few years, probably because it's a great way to keep fit and also have loads of fun," he said.

"Recent developments and local facilities now elevate the centre as a short break destination for bikers, which has the added effect of boosting the local economy.

"We have taken a lot of care to properly build these trails and have developed routes that are fun, safe and of very high quality.

"These trails definitely reinforce the message that Wales is a world class destination for biking."

Cyclists and horse riders can now ride apart

One section of the new multi-use trail has been built to allow horses to go clockwise and mountain bikes to go in the opposite direction.

Kay Driver is chief executive of the British Horse Society, a partner in the scheme.

"We are delighted that horses and riders have been included in this exciting new project," she said.

Other significant developments include large display boards detailing detailed trail maps as well as notices informing mountain bikers of other group users.

Ceredigion Council is also involved in the scheme and Ray Quant, the cabinet member responsible for economic development and tourism, said it was already bringing in visitors.

"It is already attracting a considerable volume of new tourism business to Ceredigion, as well as significantly enhancing recreational facilities for local residents."