Thornley Pump Track, Durham

Riders tackle the Thornley track

Thornley Pump Track

Thornley Pump Track is a community pump track project located in Thornley, County Durham, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The track was designed to provide an inclusive and fun facility for bikers, scooter riders, skateboarders, and rollerbladers of all ages and skill levels, promoting health, fitness, and community engagement.

Project background

Thornley Parish Council led the initiative, with strong community support shown during consultations, where the majority expressed enthusiasm for the project. The pump track was designed with input from the community and high standards for safety, quality, and sustainability. The design and construction process was led by Clark and Kent Contractors, a British Cycling-approved track builder with extensive experience in creating pump tracks across the UK. The company is recognised for its commitment to safety standards and inclusivity, which aim to provide access for both novice and experienced riders.
The design features a continuous loop with various bumps and banked turns, allowing riders to navigate using momentum rather than pedalling, thereby improving accessibility for riders of different skill levels. The layout encourages riders to develop confidence gradually by allowing them to choose their own lines and the level of engagement with the features, thereby reducing barriers to entry while still offering a challenge for more experienced riders. The track is composed of tarmac, making it durable and suitable for a variety of wheels, from BMX bikes to scooters and skateboards.

Operational considerations

Funding included support from local authorities and outside agencies, such as the Police and Crime Commission, reflecting the project's expected positive social impact on youth activity and well-being. The project was made possible through a combination of support from the Sir James Knott Trust, former Durham County Councillors Jake Miller, Chris Varty, and Lucy Hovvels, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Durham County Council, and the East Durham Area Action Partnership.
Thornley Parish Council sought to minimise disruption to nearby woodland and wildlife, with a focus on sustainability during the installation. The tender outlined priorities, including planning/construction methodology, quality, health and safety, sustainable approaches, and aftercare.
The site, located on Thornley Colliery’s former land, required careful preparation due to its non-level terrain. Clark and Kent Contractors were responsible for site clearance, installation, and high-standard landscaping to ensure longevity and minimal maintenance.

Community reception

The track's opening was met with celebration in the village, with local youth and families welcoming the new facility as a healthy outlet for physical activity and community events. The Thornley pump track serves as a well-designed, professionally constructed facility for active recreation, reflecting up-to-date standards and strong community engagement throughout its development. The completed track is an example of a modern, inclusive, and widely supported community asset designed to encourage youth engagement, reduce antisocial behaviour, and improve local fitness opportunities.