A canal towpath linking Llangollen with Trevor in the Dee Valley looks set to become a reality after the project was given the green light by Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet.
In 2010/11, Denbighshire County Council received £30,000 of funding from the TAITH Regional Transport Plan Grant for a feasibility study to investigate the potential for a cycle route along the Dee Valley.
The feasibility study was undertaken jointly with Gwynedd Council, with the aim of identifying a route from Pontcysyllte to Barmouth on the North West Wales coast.
The aim of the project is to provide a continuous cycle route from the World Heritage Site at Pontcysyllte, passing through many Denbighshire towns and villages such as Llangollen, Corwen, Carrog, Cynwyd and Glyndyfrdwy. Most of the route will consist of a traffic-free path for cyclists and pedestrians and will be popular with locals and visitors to the region.
The Dee Valley feasibility study had identified an 8 kilometre section of canal towpath in the Llangollen area that would only require resurfacing for it to be suitable as a cycle route. An estimated value of £648,000 for the works was provided by British Waterways who own and maintain the path.
Denbighshire submitted a successful bid for £228k to complete a 3km section of the route to the east of Llangollen and that work is now underway. TAITH has indicated that further funding for this project is likely to be made available in the 2011-2012 financial year for further phases of the work.
Stuart Davies, Denbighshire’s Head of Highways and Infrastructure, said: “This project between the Council and British Waterways, funded by TAITH and with support from Sustrans, will provide an excellent opportunity to invest in the cycle infrastructure in the south of the county.
“The route will provide an attractive cycle route for residents and visitors and will complement other cycle routes and attractions in the county. It will also provide a safe route to enjoy some of the Dee Valley’s breath-taking scenery which people can enjoy whilst enjoying some healthy exercise at the same time”.
