Sue explains how the closure of the Swiss Valley National Cycle Network route has halted her progress preparing for a vital knee operation and had an overwhelming impact on her wellbeing. With 27 routes at risk of closure due to climate related damage, we see first hand how disruptions like this take a real toll on the people who rely on them.
"Since I found it [the route], it means everything to me and to many, but to me it means the world." Credit: Marisa Nolan
Rediscovering movement on two wheels
For Sue, who is currently waiting for a vital knee operation, even short walks can be extremely painful.
Discovering she can cycle on an e-bike has been nothing short of transformative.
Sue was recommended gentle exercise to lose some weight in preparation for her surgery. But finding something that minimised her pain felt daunting.
She had cycled when she was young, but since having a family she had not cycled since.
In a moment of bravery, she decided to try it again. She said:
"I needed something to get me out of the house, and an e-bike popped up, and I decided to try it.
"I found out I can cycle. I needed an e-bike because at times my knees get so painful I have to resort to power to get me from A to B."
Achieving her goals and finding freedom
Sue has since managed to lose an amazing amount of weight, thanks to the safety and accessibility of the Swiss Valley National Cycle Network route, where she rode her electric bike for miles.
After living in Wales for 20 years, she describes discovering this route as life changing. She said:
"Finding this route was a big plus. I wouldn't have done it [cycled / exercised] any other way.
"This route, since I found it, means everything to me and to many, but to me it means the world.”
Not only has cycling helped Sue prepare for her operation, but the safety and accessibility of the traffic-free path have improved her mental health and wellbeing.
"This route gives you peace and tranquillity, uninterrupted by cars and traffic.
"The path is kept well, it’s always accessible. And if there is a tree down, they’re on it straight away. You can’t wish for better.
"You decompress and, you know, the scenery, the wildlife, and some of it's funny, you get little squirrels pop out in front of you unexpectedly. It's just really nice.
"Every time I’m on here is a special moment."
In November, a devastating landslide severed the path, cutting Sue off from the place that had become central to her wellbeing. Credit: Rafael Bastos.
Cut off from the path that kept her going
Losing the Swiss Valley route has taken a significant emotional and physical toll on Sue.
In November, a devastating landslide severed the path, cutting her off from the place that had become central to her wellbeing.
What was once a daily source of peace, routine, and recovery has now come to an abrupt stop.
The closure has left Sue housebound, disrupting the rhythm that once structured her days and supported her mental health.
Describing her daily life since the route’s closure, Sue says:
"I go to work, I come home, and that's my day.
"It's really bad. I'm bored. I'm housebound.
"At the moment [cycling] is at a standstill because my track is not passable.
"I want it fixed, I’m not just the only one."
But before the landslide, Sue's routine was much different.
She cycled on her e-bike impressive distances daily and could not get enough of the special moments the route had to offer. She said:
"If I went to work on an early shift, I'd come home, change, and come straight on here.
"I would do a minimum of 16 and a half miles. The maximum I've done is 31 and a half.
"And then if I'm on a later shift, I'll come out as soon as the light comes up, and I will get the bike ready and I'll come down on here and do that again."
Protect the National Cycle Network
Extreme weather is threatening community lifelines. Will you help protect the most vulnerable routes before it's too late? If you live in England, every pound you donate will be doubled by a generous match funder for a limited time only. This means you can make double the impact.
Severed paths disconnect people from nature and from each other
The loss of this route isn’t just about exercise; it’s about losing a vital anchor in her day, a place that kept her grounded, and a place to meet others along the way.
There is an urgent need to fix the huge landslide and restore access — not just for Sue, but for everyone who depends on it.
Sue donates monthly to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, and she wants more people to support the Network so that everyone can enjoy the path once more and protect other routes in danger across the UK.
