When routes are disconnected, individuals and communities suffer. Meet Chelle, whose beloved local National Cycle Network route had become a lifeline. But since its recent closure due to a dangerous landslide, Chelle shares the massive impact the closure is having on her daily life.
For local resident Chelle, the Swiss Valley route is her "safe place," and its closure has "massively" impacted her life. Credit: Marisa Nolan
A route disconnected
The Swiss Valley, National Cycle Network Route 47, provides a peaceful, tranquil and car-free environment.
It is an important social hub for the community, who regularly meet and interact along the route.
But in November, a devastating landslide severed the Swiss Valley Cycle Route in Carmarthenshire.
Due to increased extreme weather across the UK, coastal erosion, soil loss, flooding and landslides are happening more often and with greater severity - sometimes cutting off routes entirely.
The closure of this path has had a major impact on the regular users, disrupting their routines, access to the scenic coastal areas and ability to exercise outdoors.
Routes like this one can be a sanctuary to those who use it. When they are disconnected, they have a knock-on effect to the lives of individuals and entire communities.
In November, a devastating landslide caused by extreme weather conditions severed the Swiss Valley Cycle Route in Carmarthenshire. Credit: Rafael Bastos
They're more than just paths, they are lifelines
For Chelle, running has become a vital "lifeline” and “safe place” helping her process grief and cope with daily challenges.
Chelle first got into running to help with her mental health to process the loss of her mum, while also managing symptoms of her arthritis.
She has since become a formidable runner, completing ultra marathons and representing GB.
Until its recent closure, Chelle enjoyed the Welsh countryside and fresh air, running daily along the Swiss Valley.
This route means so much for her health and wellbeing. The impact of the closure on her daily life has been massive.
Routes connect you to people, to nature and to your health
Prior to its closure, the Swiss Valley was used by a diverse group of people, including walkers, horse riders, joggers, people of all ages and abilities.
Chelle has felt the long-term positive effects of the path, and has loved to see it used by so many people. She said:
“I run this path basically every day of the year, and it can snow, rain, it can do anything. It's not a bother. But now it's started washing land away.
“All the people I’ve met on this path…I think I know everyone!
“It’s amazing, it’s the social impact, you don’t see people you normally see.
“I’ve gotten to know people on the path. Everyone's local. It's used by so many.
“You always feel safe, and you know where you are. You don't need to worry about cars, which is a major issue for running.
“And you can't run on pavements anywhere because there are cars on the pavements, parked.
“So this is just beautiful, and it's so well kept and maintained, and wildlife, and it's just fab.”
Support the National Cycle Network
Extreme weather is threatening community lifelines. Will you help protect the most vulnerable routes before it's too late?
The shock of discovering the landslide
Chelle was the first person to find the landslide and notify Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, so we could safely close off the path.
She was so shocked and devastated when she came across it:
"I would never have thought that that would have happened. I was gobsmacked. I think Matthew [Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Estate Supervisor] was as well. It just goes to show the crazy weather events."
The landslide is enormous - around 1.5 double-decker buses wide and 3 buses deep.
The extent of the damage to the route has made it extremely difficult for our Estate Supervisors to continue the vital maintenance work required for routes such as this one.
Matthew is an Estate Supervisor at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, working on many routes in the area, including Route 47.
He works tirelessly to clear trees, sweep leaves, fill cracks, replace culverts, fix fences and more, to make paths accessible for everyone.
The landslide is so severe that work to fix the route requires much more time and resource. This takes time away from other routes that need regular maintenance or are also at risk.
Chelle said that prior to the landslip, the paths have always been well looked after.
"Guys like Matt keep it possible. They do a good job, a hard job as well."
The extent of the landslide has made it extremely difficult to continue the vital work people like Matt do on the National Cycle Network. Credit: Marisa Nolan
With her story, Chelle hopes to encourage more people to support the Network so that everyone can enjoy the path once it's reopened, and protect other routes in danger across the UK.
27 routes are at risk of closure and need urgent work in the next 18 months due to climate-change related damage.
