Countryside Agency funding points the way on new Pennine Cycleway

The first section of the Pennine Cycleway, a 150-mile leisure route from Cumbria to North Northumberland, opened in July 2002. Now Sustrans and over 20 partners including local authorities, British Waterways, the Countryside Agency and others, are working to get the southern part of the route opened in 2003.

Running from Derby, the Cycleway visits the Peak District, climbs the Pennines in South and West Yorkshire, passes witch-focussed Pendle Hill in Lancashire, and struts through the Yorkshire Dales before reaching Appleby in the Eden Valley. The northern section continues to Berwick upon Tweed.

The entire route will form part of National Cycle Network Route 68.

The Countryside Agency funding will help pay for 104 ‘fingerpost’ signs in villages and towns en route, 223 routing and junction signs, 30 information boards and the production of a new map for walkers and cyclists. The funding will also contribute towards four

automatic data counters and the resurfacing of 1.2km of canal-side path north of Barnoldswick.

Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, National Cycle Network programme Director, said:

"We are most grateful to the Countryside Agency for this funding that will help encourage more cycling tourists to use this exciting new route. It will help to bring increased

business to the many rural towns and villages through the heart of England."