Greenways are some of the most inspiring places to walk, wheel and cycle on the National Cycle Network. They are vital places for nature and wildlife to thrive and for people to breathe more deeply and connect to the nature around them. In this blog, we share with you some of our favourite greenways on the Network.
Greenways invite everyone to explore what is around them, like here on Padiham greenway. Credit: Chris Foster
What is a greenway?
Imagine walking, wheeling or cycling through a forest where you can hear birds sing, bees buzz and see plants dance in the wind.
Greenways are not only perfect routes to walk, wheel and cycle, they also have the power to improve biodiversity and protect wildlife.
A greenway is a largely traffic-free route that helps people walk, wheel and cycle through nature corridors.
They benefit both nature and people by creating wildlife corridors between habitats, support biodiversity and make it easier for people to access nature close to home.
Find out more about how we're making space for nature on the National Cycle Network
The Solar System Way is packed with wildlife, nature and plenty to spot along the way. Credit: Richard Peace
England
Solar System Way, York
This route is a haven for bird lovers.
Part of National Cycle Network Route 62 and forming the west and central sections of the Trans Pennine Trail, this traffic-free greenway is packed with wildlife, nature and plenty to spot along the way.
Greener Greenway volunteers have constructed several bird hides and feeders and you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of barn owls, tree sparrows, corn buntings, little egrets, and buzzards.
During spring and summer the route is filled with beautiful wildflowers, such as bee orchids, birdsfoot trefoils, oxeye daisies and yellow irises.
Phoenix Trail, Buckinghamshire
The Phoenix Trail features flower-rich grassland set between the two charming market towns of Thame and Princes Risborough.
This route is rich in wildlife, with butterflies in abundance during spring and summer.
And while you probably won’t find the mythical bird from which the trail takes its name, you may just spot the forked tail of a red kite or two!
The Phoenix Trail has something to suit everyone: It’s a traffic-free, tranquil path to amble along with your dog on a summer's evening or somewhere to teach your child to ride their first bicycle.
Liverpool Loop Line
This green corridor through east Liverpool, forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail.
The Loop Line is perfect for families and less experienced cyclists as it’s flat, easy and almost entirely traffic-free.
Once a railway line, the route makes for a perfect escape from the city. the former West Derby station is a highlight to spot on route.
To the south in Childwall, Greener Greenway teams have created a wildflower area where lots of common frogs can be seen.
There’s also a small orchard in Fazakerley, planted by volunteers.
Running through rocky cuttings, high on embankments with wide views across the city the Liverpool Loop Line makes for a perfect day out in nature.
On the Collier's Way may spot birds such as red kites, buzzards and kestrels. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Collier’s Way, Somerset
This relaxing route begins just outside Bath, following Route 24 and tracing Limpley Stoke Valley southwards to Frome Valley.
Along it, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside that Somerset has to offer.
Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot birds such as red kites, buzzards and kestrels.
Between Shoscombe and Frombe, you’ll discover a ‘linear orchard’ of English apple trees every half a mile or so.
You'll pass the spectacular Dundas Aqueduct, museums and there is plenty of plants and wildlife to enjoy along the way.
Cycling through nature
Kate cycled the length of South America for her biodiversity-focused expedition on her bamboo bike, this time she explores the Tarka Trail right here in the UK.
She was amazed by just how much variety it packs into a few miles.
Padiham Greenway, Burnley
Locally known as Padiham Greenway, Route 685, has brought people closer to nature whilst improving biodiversity.
A newly improved stretch in Lancashire provides a space to enjoy time to recharge in nature.
The greenway, which connects Padiham with surrounding villages and links to Burnley town centre, forms a green corridor connecting people to places and also providing a safe passageway for animals to move through.
The route was designed to be a linear park, providing people with a social space with a 'village green' atmosphere.
Walking, wheeling or cycling past a wildflower meadow on a greenway allows you to breathe deeper. Credit: Laura White
Scotland
Paisley to Kilbirnie, Renfrewshire
Part of Route 7 and the long-distance Carlisle to Glasgow route, this traffic-free greenway follows former railways lines through some of Renfrewshire's most nature-rich landscapes.
Lochwinnoch is one of the last remaining wetlands left in west Scotland and the Lochwinnoch Loop Line takes you right to it.
The route is popular with volunteers recording wildlife and carrying out BeeWalk surveys.
Along the way you'll pass a growing orchard at Elderslie and a wildflower area in Kilbarchan and
Look out for whooper swans, wigeons and a wide variety of ducks during the winter months.
River Leven Path, West Dunbartonshire
The River Leven is a haven for wildlife and part of the Scottish Greenways Programme.
Following the Vale of Leven between Balloch in the north and Dumbarton in the south, this greenway is a section of Route 7 and also the long-distance Lochs and Glens Way.
The marshland just north of Dumbarton has many visiting species, from salmon and sea trout to otters and feeding birds.
In recent years, there have even been sightings of the extravagantly-plumed Mandarin duck on the water at Balloch, as well as seals swimming upstream.
Greenways on the National Cycle Network connect people and nature. They are vital places for nature and wildlife to thrive and for people to breathe more deeply. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Wales
Brunel Trail, Pembroke
This greenway travels through Pembrokeshire in south west Wales, linking Neyland Marina with the picturesque Haverfordwest.
At the southern end of the route, you’ll find Westfield Pill Nature Reserve, a green space centred around a disused rail line.
Here you’ll discover hedgerows filled with butterflies and a variety of water birds in the lake.
You may even spy otters hunting fish in the waters or sheltering in the reedbeds.
With cafes and restaurants to be found at either end of the route, the Brunel Trail provides lots of stopping points for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
Burton Marsh Greenway, Shotton
Straddling along the border between Wales and England, the Burton Marsh greenway on Route 5 offers great views over the Dee Estuary.
This is one of the UK’s premier locations for wetland and shore birds, with the RSPB’s Burton Mere Wetlands right next to the path.
Here, you might spot avocets, egrets, harriers, swallows, swifts and redshanks, to name but a few.
Surrounded by a woodland, greenways offer peace and tranquillity and allow you to connect to nature. Credit: Matthew Horwood
Northern Ireland
Comber Greenway, County Antrim/County Down
This family-friendly route is a seven-mile nature corridor, part of Route 99, starting in Belfast.
Peaceful and free from traffic, the greenway follows alongside the River Enler for part of its way.
This waterway is a conservation area, and local volunteers have planed willow trees at the riverside to improve fish populations.
Look out for species such as robins, herons and tortoiseshell butterflies.
There have even been sightings of great spotted woodpeckers on the path.
Strathfoyle Greenway, Derry-Londonderry
Connecting Derry City to the border towns of Lifford and Strabane, Strathfoyle greenway is part of the Foyle Valley Cycle Route.
The greenway is part of a network in Derry; offering great views onto the waterside.
The greenway path runs parallel to the Belfast train line.
Surrounded by a woodland, it offers peace, tranquillity and views beyond in the Donegal hinterland.
The Comber Greenway is popular with commuters and leisure-seekers alike.
