Government commits to explore options for multi-user Coast to Coast National Trail

The UK government has included a commitment to explore potential multi-user routes for the new Coast to Coast National Trail within the recent Environmental Improvement Plan for England, following campaigning by Cycling UK and the British Horse Society (BHS).

Regarding the trail, the plan says:

“We will make the path more accessible to people of different abilities. We will also develop link routes and circular routes to provide more options for users and work to improve inclusivity for visitors on bikes, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and on horseback.”

This mention of cyclists and horse riders being able to use the trail would not have made it into the document were it not for the threat of legal action against Defra and Natural England for the lack of consideration of a multi-use route. Both Cycling UK and BHS are prescribed outdoor user groups which should be consulted on changes to rights of way, but were not consulted with on plans for the new National Trail.

Thanks to everyone who donated to the Cyclists’ Defence Fund, we were able to press Defra to reconsider and discuss with us how we can enable outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to be able to enjoy this fantastic route, with all the benefits for wellbeing and rural tourism that will bring

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns and advocacy

Cycling UK’s head of campaigns and advocacy Duncan Dollimore explains how Cycling UK members made this possible:

“Thanks to everyone who donated to the Cyclists’ Defence Fund, we were able to press Defra to reconsider and discuss with us how we can enable outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to be able to enjoy this fantastic route, with all the benefits for wellbeing and rural tourism that will bring.

“Alongside the British Horse Society, Cycling UK is pleased to report that we are now working with Natural England to draw up possible options with a view to creating multi-user routes where these do not currently exist.”

Defra has committed to designate Wainwright’s popular Coast to Coast route from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay as a new National Trail, to benefit from increased funding and maintenance. Although Natural England has a legal duty when creating new National Trails to consider how they could be made multi-use, the original plan was that the trail would only be for walking.

Cycling UK would like to see the creation of a braided route, which would follow existing bridleway sections of the Coast to Coast route and then divert onto parallel trails for other parts. This would not alter the walking route, just create further opportunities for people to enjoy the amazing landscapes in different ways.

Potential ways to do this were set out in a report ‘Realising the Wider Benefits of the Coast to Coast Route Designation as a National Trail’ prepared by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for Natural England.

Cycling UK and BHS are working with Natural England to explore how some of the recommendations in the report might be implemented.

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