Safety and busy roads are regularly cited as barriers to walking, wheeling, and cycling. So the new traffic-free Misbourne Greenway in Buckinghamshire has been transformative.
Misbourne Greenway is a new addition to the National Cycle Network. Credit: Insight Photographers/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
A traffic-free asset for everyone
Finding a safe traffic-free space to commute or just get outside can be challenging.
But in Autumn 2025 residents in Great Missenden and Wendover Dean were able to enjoy the new Misbourne Greenway for the first time.
Spanning 4km, this smooth and accessible off-road path officially became part of Route 50 of the National Cycle Network.
It would take approximately 55 minutes to walk the length of it, or 20 minutes to cycle.
More than just a welcome alternative to the busy A413, it has fundamentally changed how local people move between these two thriving communities.
The secret of its success is a strong focus on accessibility. Whether you’re pushing a pram, using a mobility scooter, walking, or riding a bike, Misbourne Greenway is for you.
The new route is a popular destination for recreation. Credit: Insight Photographers/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Strong evidence of demand
In April 2026 we gathered information to find out who is using the route.
We spoke to 78 adults and counted 504 route users over a four-day period.
This exercise revealed how the route is used and demonstrated strong support for the improvements.
The data showed the route is busiest from early to Mid-afternoon during school terms with 55% of users being female.
Based on these findings, we would expect to see around 48,000 trips being made on the route in 2026 which would include:
• 14,000 cycle journeys (and 450 by electric bicycle)
• 24,000 walking journeys, (and 300 with mobility aids)
• 7,000 jogging trips
• 1,500 pushchair journeys
Misbourne Greenway has been developed using existing rights of way. Although some people would have used the route before these improvements, 73% of respondents told us they didn’t previously make this trip.
And 82% said using the route has helped improve their wellbeing.
Misbourne Greenway is popular with walkers. Credit: Insight Photographers/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Celebrating with the community
In May 2026 we brought together residents, partners, and officials to celebrate the creation of the Misbourne Greenway.
The event brought the new greenway to life with family-friendly activities, a nature trail for mini explorers, and a guided nature walk.
The walk was led by our Senior Ecologist Pippa Cope who shared her insight into the ecology work that went into constructing the route.
Participants were lucky enough to spot red kites during the walk which almost went extinct in the UK.
But they’re now a very common sight locally after they were successfully reintroduced in the Chilterns.
No celebration would be complete without a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was carried out by Councillor Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire Council.
He was joined by Shane Snow from the Department for Transport and Carole Patrick, National Cycle Network Director at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
Reflecting on the impact of the route, Councillor Peter Martin said:
"I’m delighted to see the Misbourne Greenway now launched, which is a fantastic asset for our communities. Thank you to local residents for their patience and local partners for their support throughout.”
Kerry Wells from Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (left) with Cllr Peter Martin cutting the ribbon with Carole Patrick and Shane Snow. Credit: Insight Photographers/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
People-powered partnerships
Which means projects like these are almost entirely dependent on strong collaborative partnerships.
The Misbourne Greenway was made possible through funding from the Department for Transport and the HS2 Chilterns AONB Review Group’s Additional Projects Fund, with vital support and cooperation from local landowners and partners.
These include the Chiltern Society, Buckinghamshire Council, Network Rail, Greenways and Cycle Routes, and Chiltern Railways.
Carole Patrick, National Cycle Network Director at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, highlighted the importance of partnership working:
“As custodians, it’s our role to care for the Network, improve it and hold the long-term vision for its future. We can only achieve this vision by working in partnership. We are grateful to Buckinghamshire Council for its commitment to this scheme, and to the local organisations that have supported its development.”
Credit: Insight Photographers/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
What’s next for Misbourne Greenway?
We are seeking funding to deliver targeted hedgerow planting along the existing 4km Misbourne Greenway scheme over the next three years to meet our planning obligations.
Approximately 800m has already been installed.
Misbourne Greenway is the second section of the broader Buckinghamshire Greenway and builds on the success of the Waddesdon Greenway.
It represents a major milestone in creating a sustainable travel network across the county.
Already it has become a significant asset for the area, but the long-term vision for active travel in Buckinghamshire extends further.
Ultimately, the aspiration is to continue the route northwards to seamlessly connect Wendover Dean right into the heart of Wendover.
Plans and funding options are also being explored to extend the greenway south further into Great Missenden, creating an even more robust network for the future.
Improvements to hedgerows are planned along the route. Credit Insight Photographers/ Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
