A surprise flood has hit a popular bike trail in Woodchester and left local authorities scratching their heads.

Yesterday a torrent of water swamped Woodchester mountain bike trail - built by the parish council a couple of years ago next to the Stroud-Nailsworth cycle path - out of the blue.

“It is a massive puzzle where all this water came from,” said ex-councillor Iain Dunbar, who led the building of the trail and still continues to keep a watchful eye over it. He speculates melting snow may have filled up an underground spring which could then have overflowed into an undiscovered old gulley.

Adding to the mystery is Severn Trent Water’s discovery – or lack thereof – of any piping in the area.

Those planning to use the trail for Easter weekend may still be in luck, however. Mr Dunbar says the flow of water has now slowed and, with drainage and repairs ongoing, he hopes the trail could be back up and running in time for the weekend.

Readers with their own theory for the mystery flood can get in touch with Mr Dunbar via his email: iain.dunbar29@gmail.com.