Art trails

Along the National Cycle Network, Sustrans works with artists to make unique and memorable art trails. Through the artwork the aim is to reflect aspects of the passing landscape, provide stopping and resting places, and encourage people on their journeys by foot and by bike.

The Bristol Bath Railway Path

The Bristol Bath Railway path was the first section of National Cycle Network to be built, starting in 1979. Beginning in the historic city of Bristol it passes Mangotsfield, Warmley and Saltford before arriving in the heart of Bath. Artwork includes Gaius Sentius by Gordon Young and most recently Twisted Arch by Cod Steaks. National Route 4 Artists: Cod Steaks, Steve Joyce, Gordon Young, Barbara Disney, Kevin Hughes, Jim Paulsen.
Foyle Valley

Londonderry, National Route 93 Artist: Noah Rose The River Foyle is the focus of the Derry National Cycle Network, connecting the historic walled city of Londonderry to the Border towns of Lifford and Strabane. Two viewing structures made by artist Noah Rose from a disused railway foot-bridge, form a work of two halves that cleverly parallels the North South political divide in Ireland. Each half of the bridge is installed opposite the other and cantilevered out over the river to form a bisected bridge across the River Foyle. At night the empty span is connected by a laser light, a virtual bridge, to symbolise the uniting of the divided halves.
Addenbrooke's to Great Shelford

A series of stripes in four colours representing the 10,257 genetic bases have been laid on the path that links Addenbrookes' Hospital and the Sanger Institute with the community of Great Shelford. This work celebrates the Sanger Institutes' decoding of the vital human gene BRCA2 - just one of the 30,000 genes in the human genome that plays an important role in our bodies. Cambridge, National Route 11 Artist: Katy Hallett
The Marsh Farm Loop, Luton

Luton, National Route 6 Artists: Isabella Lockett, Michael Pinksy The Marsh Farm Loop branches off National Route 6 through Marsh Farm Estate and on to the ancient Great Bramingham Wood. 'Blockers' Seaside by Isabella Lockett reflects on the life of early 20th century workers from the hat factories of Luton, who became known as 'blockers' and 'Layering of Time', a series of milestones reveal local geological strata - chalk, flint, gault, clay and sandstone - carved with writing by local people about journeys, archaeology and personal milestones.
The Water Rail Way (Hi-Views)

Boston to Lincoln, National Route 1 Artists: Robbrecht en Daem, Sally Matthews Two viewing platforms by Belgian architects Robbrecht en Daem rise high over the banks of the River Witham. As landmarks and gateways to the Water Rail Way, each structure supports a flight of stairs leading up to expansive views over the fens or the historic City of Lincoln. Other works along the route include Sally Matthews 'Lincoln Reds' and 'Lincoln Longwool Sheep' and a sculptures inspired by the poems of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and to commemorate the 200th anniversary of this former Poet Laureate who was born in Lincolnshire.
Colliers Way

Colliers Way is a 23-mile rural route that leaves the Kennet and Avon Canal at Monkton Combe and meanders through impressive countryside along a disused railway line. Artists worked with local schools to create a 'Linear Orchard' of English apple trees planted at intervals to highlight disappearing orchards in Somerset, and echo self seeded fruit trees (from apple cores thrown from trains) along the route. Bath, National Route 24 Artists: Jerry Ortman, Jez Pearson, Katy Hallett, Lesley Greene, Liz Turrell, Imi Murfe.
Wansbeck Estuary

Lynemouth, National Route 1 Artists: Richard Harris, Simon Watkinson. A network of cycle routes next to the River Wansbeck between Blyth, Ashington and Lynemouth provide a green corridor and important wildlife resource running through residential areas and a former derelict industrial area. Richard Harris major earthwork with ten pathways leading down to the water offered a real opportunity for local communities to get involved in the creation of high quality work.
Wandle Trail

Wandsworth, National Route 21 Artists: Andrew Sabin, Chelsea Art School Students: Jemima Burrell, Kamiya Koshikawa, David Henningham, Fergus Mercer. The Wandle Trail runs parallel to the River Wandle. Taking the river as his inspiration Andrew Sabin's work provide navigation, entrances, gateways, bridges and look out points through this diverse urban landscape.
The Tarka Trail

West Country Way, National Route 3 Artists: Geoff Stainthorpe, Ben May, John Butler, Katy Hallett, Paul Anderson The Tarka Trail includes 35 miles of off road cycling and walking passing through the largely unspoilt countryside as it was described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel 'Tarka the Otter' first published in 1927.This route gives you superb views across the mouth of the Taw Estuary and there are some interesting sculptures and shelters along the way before you reach Fremington Quay.
Spen Valley Greenway

Bradford, National Route 66 Artists: Trudi Entwhistle, Richard Harris, Sally Matthews, Alan Evans, Pauline Monkcom and Jason Lane, Pauline Monkcom The Spen Valley Greenway runs between Bradford and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire along eight miles of abandoned railway line. Community groups were asked to explore and respond to different elements of the route with poet John Duffy, which was used to develop an artists brief. Artworks include We All Walk the Same Way by Sally Matthews; Rotate by Trudi Entwhistle, and Spring Along the Greenway by Pauline Monkcom.