Surfacing the Second Section of the Tetbury Trail, Tetbury Rail Lands Regeneration Trust, Glos

When the Tetbury rail lands were first developed as a linear park in 2000, a cycle path/footpath was built along the old branch line for about a kilometre where it came to a dead end. More recently the Trust has succeeded in extending the path for two further sections creating a three-mile multi-user path called the Tetbury Trail. Unfortunately, the second section of the Trail has become severely eroded due to the large number of users. This has resulted in a mass of exposed roots along the path with thick mud when it is wet. This project is to put an all-weather surface on the second section of the trail so it can be enjoyed by everyone all the year round.

Improving the surface of the second section of the Tetbury Trail will make it more attractive to users and create an inclusive community space for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and particularly disabled people. The former railway line is flat with few gates and no stiles, so once surfaced it will be ideal for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adaptive bikes, prams, and pushchairs. The trail will also be suitable for the elderly and less able who find it difficult walking along rough country footpaths, up steep slopes, across ploughed fields, and having to climb over stiles, walls, electric fences etc.