Take whichever path yer like…!

#Kent #Footpath #Bridleway #prow #england #uk

Council backs down on Clyne Valley tarmac plan after public outcry

The Old Carriage Drive bridleway, which links Derwen Fawr and Killay, became the focus of fierce local anger last year after residents discovered proposals to lay a hard tarmac surface along the rural route. Walkers, horse‑riders and cyclists warned the scheme would “urbanise” one of the valley’s most cherished green corridors, prompting protests, petitions and packed public meetings.

Now the council has confirmed it is rowing back on the original plan and will instead restore the bridleway using a more traditional surface dressing, improved drainage and lighter‑touch repairs designed to keep the route’s natural character intact.

A clear shift after community pressure

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the rethink came directly from the strength of feeling shown by residents and community groups.

“Our discussions with residents and community groups have come up with suggestions that will help enhance the route while also maintaining the look and feel of the local natural environment.”

“We’ve listened to what people have been saying about our original proposals and the result will see enhancements aiming to reflect many of their suggestions.”

He said the new approach would still improve accessibility, but without the hard urban finish many feared. The revised plan includes clearing drainage ditches, restoring the bridleway’s original surface and improving connections to adjoining paths.

Residents claim victory after months of opposition

Locals had slammed the tarmac plan as “completely inappropriate”, staging a protest walk through the valley in a bid to stop it. The council’s reversal is already being seen by many as a significant climbdown.

Campaigners had warned that tarmac would damage the valley’s ecology, increase speeds on the route and erase the historic feel of the Old Carriage Drive. Some accused the council of pushing through a scheme that ignored the bridleway’s rural status.

Part of wider investment — but with a lighter touch

The council says the new works will complement more than £1 million already spent upgrading the main Clyne Valley Path, which has been widened and resurfaced in recent years to cope with rising footfall. But unlike the main route, the Old Carriage Drive will now retain its woodland character.

Cllr Stevens said the upgrade would “add to and continue the significant investment” in the country park, while ensuring the bridleway remains in keeping with its surroundings.

What happens next?

Detailed designs for the revised scheme will be drawn up in the coming months, with work expected to focus on restoring the bridleway’s original surface rather than replacing it with tarmac.

For many residents, the shift marks a rare moment where community pressure has directly reshaped a council project — and a win for those determined to keep Clyne Valley’s woodland routes as natural as possible.

More on the Clyne Valley row

Protest planned over Clyne Valley bridleway resurfacing
Residents organise a protest walk after plans emerge to tarmac the historic route.

Residents voice anger over plans to resurface historic Clyne bridleway
Walkers, cyclists and horse‑riders condemn the proposal as “completely inappropriate”.

Residents voice anger over plans to resurface historic Clyne bridleway

The £250,000 project, funded through Welsh Government’s Active Travel programme, would see the historic bridleway linking Derwen Fawr and Olchfa Lane resurfaced later this autumn.

Swansea Council says the work will make the route more accessible for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, families with pushchairs and people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

“Already accessible as it is”

Local resident Will Allen sparked the debate after posting online that the project would “ruin the visual appeal of one of the most beautiful parts of Clyne Valley woods” and risk damaging the area’s industrial heritage, including brickwork remnants from the former brickworks.

Allen, a daily cycle commuter and supporter of active travel, questioned whether the scheme would deliver meaningful benefits, suggesting it was “an easy way to spend Welsh Government funding” rather than addressing more pressing gaps such as the long‑discussed Clyne Common link.

His post prompted dozens of responses, many of them emotional.

• Bethany Rowe said: “I’ve seen mobility scooters using this path already so it’s already accessible exactly as it is. My children ride their bikes on it, horse riders use it without issues, and everyone can enjoy the history embedded in the track.”
• Analyst101 added: “I instantly feel immersed in nature and love how it changes week by week. I don’t feel the same walking along the cycle path.”
• Others warned of damage to flora and wildlife, drainage issues, and the loss of a tranquil walking route.

Some residents described the path as “a beautiful walk, especially in autumn when it is truly spectacular,” while others feared the valley could become “a manicured park” rather than a wild woodland.

Horse riders raised particular concerns, saying more hard surfacing would further reduce safe spaces for cantering. One rider said: “We’re losing rights to access such exercise throughout the valley. If the surface was laid like hard dirt and tiny stones that would be ideal, but not hard solid tarmac.”

Campaign call

In a follow‑up post, Allen said the response showed “strong feeling locally that this project should not go ahead.” He claimed local councillors only learned of the scheme after it was approved and that an ecological assessment has not been shared publicly.

He urged residents to contact their MP and MS, sign petitions, and join a campaign to halt the works. “Time to campaign against this is very limited. Work will begin soon. If you can, please do something,” he wrote.

Council: “Improving accessibility for all”

In a statement, Swansea Council defended the scheme, saying the current footpath provides “limited accessibility” and that the upgrade will benefit a wide range of users.

The council said the route was identified during a city‑wide consultation in 2021 and that ecological surveys have been completed to ensure the works are carried out sensitively.

A spokesperson said:

“Our aim is to improve this section, creating a more accessible route for everyone to use, including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, as well as families with pushchairs and people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

The works will not only feature an upgrade to the existing path, we will also strengthen culverts, install seating and provide information boards celebrating the historical nature of this route.”

The council pointed to previous improvements at Olchfa and Sketty, which it said had proved “hugely successful.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtUUS3BT3ls

Cycle‑through video of the upgraded Olchfa active travel route, showing the type of improvements Swansea Council has previously delivered in Clyne Valley.

Political reaction

The scheme has drawn criticism from local Liberal Democrat councillors Mary Jones and Jeff Jones, who represent the area.

In a joint statement they said:

“We were yet again disappointed with the lack of consultation from the Active Travel Team and the relative short notice given. We were under the impression that the detail of works given in 2020/21 were that there would be repair work to existing surfaces and it was understood that there were no plans to increase the number of paths that are tarmacked.”

Former cabinet member Jen Raynor has already criticised the project online, describing it as “an easy way to blow WG grant money in the absence of better alternatives.”

A path at the heart of the valley

The Old Carriage Drive is one of the most historic routes through Clyne Valley, with remnants of the area’s industrial past still visible underfoot. For many residents, that heritage is part of the attraction.

As one commenter put it: “It is not acceptable to destroy natural heritage and write about it on a display board instead.”

Others argued the steep incline means the path will never be suitable for those with severe mobility issues, even if resurfaced. “My dad has severe mobility issues and even when it is tarmacked there is no way I’d take him on that sort of incline,” said one resident.

What happens next

Work is expected to begin in late October or early November. Campaigners say they are considering petitions and protests, while the council insists the project will improve safety and accessibility in line with its Active Travel duties.

Related articles

• Swansea University’s bike hire scheme sees a near 300% increase in users
• Future transport plans lead to rethink on city centre walking and cycling route
• Raised boardwalk plan for new walking and cycling route along River Tawe
• Funds for controversial Sketty Road cycle route to be diverted to other schemes

#ActiveTravel #bridleway #CllrJenniferRaynor #Clyne #ClyneValley #ClyneValleyWoods #DerwenFawr #footpath #heritage #industrialHeritage #Killay #Olchfa #OlchfaLane #protest #resurfacing #Sketty #SwanseaCouncil #tarmac #woodland

Bridleway'd my way into Cambridge, yesterday. Cloudy day, was too late for my appointment, but lovely walk.

#cambridge #cambridgeshire #bridleway

#FingerpostFriday

#Bridleway #Dartmoor #Devon #GetOutside

Wanted! Looking for companies and individuals who know how to fix this.

I want to connect with you to discuss such matters.

Small projects available, plus larger tenders soon.

Connect or contact me.

#projects #rightsofway #footpath #bridleway #activetravel #ELMS #PROW