We're improving the surface of the Wetherby Railway Path between Wood Lane and Thorp Arch to make it smoother and more accessible for everyone.
Improvement work will begin on the Wetherby Railway path from November 2026
What is the Wetherby Railway Path and Route 665?
Wetherby Railway Path is a disused railway line, from Spofforth Castle to Thorp Arch in Yorkshire.
It's a gentle trail through the Yorkshire countryside, passing through the historic market town of Wetherby along the way.
It's part of Route 665 - the West Yorkshire cycle route, and links to Route 67.
An adjoining section via Newton Kyme is still under development.
What are we doing?
We are resurfacing the path from Wood Lane to Thorp Arch, widening where possible and repairing tree root damage.
Improved signage will be installed at the access points and the Church Causeway crossing point.
The short metal bollards at Walton Gates and Church Causeway will be replaced and repositioned to improve access to the path.
The replacement bollards will also be metal.
Who is carrying out the work?
We are working with BDS Construction to carry out the work.
It is funded by Active Travel England as part of a UK-wide programme to improve the National Cycle Network and make it safer and more accessible for everyone.
The uneven surface of the Wetherby Railway Path is difficult to access for people using buggies, wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
How long will the works take?
Works are due to start in early November and will be completed in Spring 2027.
Will the path close during this time?
We will close the path in two halves: The northern section will close first, followed by the southern section.
The site is very narrow and must be fenced to protect the surrounding trees, so there is no space to pass the works safely.
To protect the construction team and the public, the path will be closed while works take place.
Our team will aim to open stretches of completed path as soon as they possibly can.
Car park at Breedon Concrete works
The construction team will use the car park at the entrance to Breedon Concrete works as a compound during the period of the work.
Access to the site is limited and this car park is the only space that is large enough to support a compound accessible from both the north and south without being in the way of the works.
The car park is not safe to use at this time, as it will be part of the live construction site while work is carried out.
Are there any diversions in place?
There are no signed diversions, but maps at the start and end of each closed section show alternative routes available for people using the path.
Closures on the Wetherby Railway Path
Why are we being given such short notice?
The planning process required many conditions to be discharged before we could start work.
Whether works could go ahead this winter was tightly tied to discharge of these conditions.
The final pre-site condition was discharged on 21st October 2026.
After confirming a few final details, we are issuing notices of construction as soon as we can, now we know that the works are going ahead.
We must start quickly, as some of the works are bound by strict regulations regarding when they may take place, and we have little time to waste.
Are you cutting down any trees to widen the path?
No. There are no plans to cut down any trees to widen the path, and the path will not be widened where trees are too close to the path to allow it.
An arboriculturist will ensure that trees are protected during the works.
Why are there traffic lights on Church Causeway?
Access to the path is too tight to admit large construction vehicles.
The only way we can deliver construction materials to the path is by parking on the carriageway at Church Causeway.
To ensure the safety of road users, this requires traffic light control.
To avoid busy periods the traffic lights will only be in place between 09:30 and 14:30 each weekday.
The lights will be removed as soon as it is possible to do so.
How can I walk from Thorp Arch to Walton during the works?
The footway along Church Causeway/Walton Road will remain open throughout the works.
Traffic management operatives will be on site to ensure pedestrians can safely pass by the works entrance.
Please follow their instructions for your safety.
