Last year, we helped to fund repair works for National Cycle Network Route 81 in Ceredigion following a landslide. This is another recent example of the Network being impacted by extreme weather as a result of climate change, and we need to protect it.
The damage caused to National Cycle Network Route 81 in Llanilar, and the repaired section of the route. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
Thanks to funding from Welsh Government, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust was able to help fund the final repair works needed for Route 81 in Ceredigion recently.
The works were required after a landslide had happened at Llanilar, leaving a section of the Ystwyth Trail closed and inaccessible for close to two years.
Working with Ceredigion Council, funding was made available to improve the accessibility and resilience of the Network.
By doing this, more people would be able to travel by walking, wheeling or cycling along the route, promoting healthier ways of travelling.
The repair works themselves took just over a year to complete, with a new retaining wall and footpath required after a fallen tree caused the supporting embankment to wash away during a storm.
“I am really pleased that local residents have been able to use this route again,” said Stephen Cunnah, Policy and Communications Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
“This repair and restoration of the route highlights how the Network is an important local and national asset here in Wales.
“It contributes to our economy, our health and our wellbeing - if it is not there, we're all the poorer for it.
“We’ve seen other routes across Wales disrupted by landslides and storm damage, which we attribute to more frequent extreme weather.
“If we want the Network to be there for us in the future, we need to keep investing in it.”
85%
of users say the Network's helped them increase their regular amount of exercise
83%
of users say the Network improves their overall satisfaction with life
Extreme weather and landslides cause havoc on the Network
The landslide at Llanilar is just one of many recent examples across the UK of the impact of climate change on our walking and cycling paths.
In Scotland, we recently saw the collapse of the Spey Viaduct, an iconic 19th railway bridge that sits on National Cycle Network Route 1, due to erosion of the soil from increased water flow.
Route 4 is a major UK route, spanning from the centre of London to the wilds of west Wales, and last year saw the section by Wisemans Bridge finally reopen after a number of landslides in the past few years.
The estimated costs for the repair to this section of the National Cycle Network – which also forms part of the Wales Coast Path – to the local authority is reported to be in the region of £700,000.
The cost of these landslides go beyond what’s needed for the repair, too, as a Pembrokeshire County Councillor stated that the closure was negatively impacting on local businesses.
With an estimated 480,000 visitors recorded as having travelled along the path at Wisemans Bridge, major closures will inevitably have knock-on effects for local tourism.
In Carmarthenshire, a section of Route 47, between Tumble and Pontyberem, was totally washed away in a major landslide along what’s known as the Swiss Valley.
The local Member of the Senedd posted about this landslide, attributing it to increased rainfall and storms, a direct result of climate change.
£1.7bn
estimated benefit to local businesses from Network users
£21.5m
estimated saving to the NHS from walking and cycling on the Network
600,000
estimated sick days prevented from physical activity on the Network
Protecting and preserving the future of the National Cycle Network
We want to ensure the National Cycle Network exists for generations to come, which is why we’re calling for more investment in preventative measures.
Improved investment in preventative water management infrastructure and other measures can help reduce the impact of major weather-related events like these.
Take, for example, Route 9 in Belfast, otherwise known as the Lagan towpath.
It was closed for over a year while an extensive floodwall, as part of a tidal flood defence scheme, was built.
This necessary intervention was put in place because of the flood risk to the river which flows into Belfast Lough – measures were taken to prevent flooding affecting local people and businesses.
Route 9 is a very popular commuter path, as well as being a popular local leisure route as well, making it all the more important to preserve this route for the long term.
Active travel does more than just getting us active, it also gives us space to think and help us connect with nature, family and friends.
The National Cycle Network truly connects all of us – almost 60% of us live within a mile of it - which is why it needs robust and regular funding to ensure that it can continue to connect our communities.
Whether you walk, wheel or cycle, the Network is there for all of us, but we need to make sure it survives for the future.
