Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

New traffic-free path for UK tourist destination

07 December 2007

A new traffic-free path will provide tourists with improved access to a popular nature destination in the UK.

Over 5 kilometres of disused railways and paths as well as forest and farm tracks have been transformed into walking trails and cycling routes in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales.

As part of the Peregrine Path project, this area of outstanding natural beauty – a hot spot for nature loving tourists – will be ‘opened up’.

The neighbouring River Wye and the Upper Wye Gorge Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Fiddlers Elbow – known locally as Priory Grove – and Lady Wood Park National Nature Reserve will also benefit from improved accessibility.

Lee Waters, National Director of the Sustrans® for Wales, which is supporting the project, said: ‘The Peregrine Path is one of the most beautiful paths in the country. Locals and visitors will be able to enjoy a stunning walk or cycle ride free from the noise and congestion of traffic.

‘The nearby A roads are congested and unpleasant for pedestrians. The Peregrine Path has easy gradients and a smooth firm surface, which will make it suitable for use by people of all ages and mobility.’

Over £207 000 is being spent on the path, most of which is situated in Monmouthshire in Wales, with other sections of the trail running into Herefordshire and the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.

Sustrans is a registered trademark of Sustrans Ltd.

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