We’ve ‘filed down’ cobblestones and reinstated an historic carriageway at the Temple Newsam estate near Leeds, as part of the first phase of a new accessible route for people travelling between Leeds and Rothwell.
At the launch event people tried out the new smooth cobblestone path, using wheelchairs and adapted cycles. PHOTO: Chris Foster/Sustrans
We’ve ‘filed down’ cobblestones and reinstated an historic carriageway at the Temple Newsam estate near Leeds, as part of the first phase of a new accessible route for people travelling between Leeds and Rothwell.
At a celebration launch event Councillor Helen Hayden cut the ribbon on the new path, which starts outside Temple Newsam House, runs through estate, and connects with National Cycle Network Route 66.
Our Network Development team worked with partners* to re-lay and file the cobbles. This maintained the character of the cobbled track, while making a smooth surface for wheelchairs and buggies.
They also reinstated a former carriageway that had been grassed over, to create the walking, wheeling and cycling route through the estate.
Over 100 years ago visitors would have used this carriageway to pass through the spectacular East Avenue on their approach to the House.
Our Network Development team worked with Leeds City Council on the project.
It was funded thanks to over £1.1 million from National Highways’ Designated Funds programme for this project and future development of the route.
As part of the work there's now a safer road crossing at the southern entrance to the estate, with a new signalised crossing at Pontefract Lane, installed by Leeds City Council's Highways team.
There is also better directional signage throughout to help different users.
The improvements allow many more people to access the path and enjoy it for leisure and short trips.
An historic carriageway was reinstated as part of the work. PHOTO: Chris Foster/Sustrans
Sarah Bradbury-Ewen, our Network Development Manager said:
“The cobbled path was identified as a major barrier for many disabled people and families with buggies. We worked closely with Temple Newsam Estate to ensure that we maintained the character of the cobbles, while creating a smooth path for everyone to enjoy.
“The new route is laid over a former carriageway through the field. It helps to reduce congestion outside the house, and gives more space for different users to walk, wheel or cycle through the grounds.
“Improving a route like this one means more people get to access nature, exercise and enjoy independent and sustainable travel along a beautiful route.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families and ward member for Temple Newsam, Leeds said:
"We are really pleased to have played a part in creating a new National Cycle Network route, by better connecting our communities to one of our city's most celebrated attractions.
"Providing better active and sustainable travel choices between our communities will encourage more people to walk, cycle and wheel and is a great way to improve health and wellbeing, particularly when it connects you to beautiful and historic places such as the Temple Newsam Estate."
Councillor Helen Hayden cut the ribbon on the new path PHOTO: Chris Foster/Sustrans
National Highways Head of Customer Journeys Freda Rashdi said:
“We are proud to have supported this project - made possible through our Designated Funds programme, which helps deliver lasting benefits to communities.
“Creating safe and accessible routes is at the heart of our vision to make end-to-end journeys easier for everyone - whether walking, wheeling, cycling, or horse-riding. This new path at Temple Newsam is one of three fantastic Sustrans schemes that we’ve funded in the last five years, and a great example of how our work is bringing real, positive change to local communities across the country.”
The new route currently runs from Temple Newsam House to Pontefract Lane to the south and connects to National Cycle Route 66 in the north.
Our team aims to secure future funding to extend the route over the Aire and Calder Navigation and the River Aire, and into Rothwell.
Being able to cross the River Aire in the future, would also enable people to connect with National Cycle Network Route 67 along the canal.
The new route is part of our commitment to improve the quality of National Cycle Network and make it accessible for everyone.
*Sustrans worked with the heritage team at Temple Newsam Estate and took advice from the landscape architects reShaped, who carried out similar work on Liverpool waterfront.
Paths for Everyone
New directional signage helps make it easier for everyone to navigate through Temple Newsam Estate. PHOTO: Chris Foster/Sustrans
