We’ve worked closely with local volunteer group Back the Track to transform this former railway line in Walsall into something special. This luscious greenway opened officially in May 2025 and now has a bright future to look forward to.
James Lowe (Sustrans), West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, Beccy Marston, Tim Kitchen (Back the Track) and Alistair Ryder (National Highways) declaring the route open. Credit: Mark Radford/Sustrans
The Mc Clean Way on a journey
For some time, this well-loved green corridor has been used by local people for walking and cycling.
But our improvements have transformed it into a safer, more modern greenway giving people a real alternative to the car, prompting a wave of excitement from the local community.
Following months of work, the upgraded McClean Way now boasts a three-metre-wide sealed surface off road track extending approximately 1.3km from Station Road to Ryders Hayes Park.
Enhancements also include new benches for weary legs and cycle parking. Recent community planting sessions, involving local schools and volunteers, have also contributed to enhanced vegetation and biodiversity on this leafy greenway.
A special ribbon-cutting event recently celebrated the completion of these major improvement works.
Attendees included West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, Beccy Marston who said: “These paths are really important for brand new cyclists as well as everyday cyclists. It’s a safe space for people to be able to build up confidence to enjoy the outdoors. And for families especially it’s really important that they’ve got a safe space so they can build up that confidence and learn to cycle together.”
Who was John McClean?
For some time, this verdant corner of the West Midlands has been about movement.
Prior to its development as a walking and cycling corridor, it was part of the South Staffordshire Railway network, developed by engineer and railway pioneer John Robinson McClean.
In 2017 it opened as an unsurfaced greenway, lovingly maintained by passionate local volunteers from ‘Back the Track’.
The community cherished this space, and it became a popular walking and cycling route. But there was always an appetite to do more, and Back the Track kept that vision alive.
Finally, following an extensive period of consultation, planning and stakeholder engagement improvement works commenced in the Autumn of 2024, and completed in May 2025.
Tim Kitchen from Back the Track said: “Not only is this fantastic community resource on our doorstep available to all ages and abilities but it is also a safe and secure off-road route for work, school and leisure purposes. It also acts as a wildlife corridor where you can encounter all manner of flora and fauna.”
Although the route no longer carries trains, it remains a place for people to move about. It connects places to people, and people to nature.
Sustrans has been working closely with Back The Track volunteers to develop the McClean Way. Credit: Mark Radford/Sustrans
Working in partnership
We worked closely with Walsall Council and local councillors to secure planning permission for the route.
However, the scheme wouldn’t have been possible without financial support from National Highways and Active Travel England who contributed approximately £1.75 million.
Principal advisor for Active Travel at National Highways, Alistair Ryder, said: "We are happy to have supported this fantastic project which is very much in line with our commitment to encourage healthy and sustainable travel.
The McClean Way now provides a safe, scenic, and sustainable travel option, giving people an alternative to road-based journeys while enjoying a healthier, greener environment."
The surface was muddy and uneven before improvements. Credit: Mark Radford/Sustrans
To Brownhills and beyond
The improvements were delivered by local company Crown Highways on behalf of Sustrans, however, we’re not done yet.
Although this phase is complete, our vision is to create a continuous, safe, and direct off-road route of approximately 4.7km between Pelsall and Brownhills, with further connections into Lichfield.
Subject to funding, this expansion would significantly enhance connectivity for residents across the region. It would help connect residents to schools, businesses, amenities and community facilities.
Commenting on the opening, Sustrans UK National Cycle Network Director Carole Patrick said: "We are delighted to see the McClean Way officially open and ready for use. This route has significant heritage value, and, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers and community support, it has become a cherished green space. With this investment, we have created a beautiful, route, opened up nature and improved connections for schools, benefiting residents and visitors for years to come."
Local firm Crown Highways has delivered a new smooth surface on the Mc Clean Way. Credit: Mark Radford/Sustrans
Paths for Everyone
Our vision is to make it easier to walk, wheel and cycle right across the National Cycle Network and we’ve been carrying out multiple projects across the country to achieve just that.
In 2018 we took an honest look at the condition of the network and and have been delivering improvements through our our Paths for Everyone programme in response
As custodians of the National Cycle Network, we are dependent on the support of others to make these improvements to this vital infrastructure, which passes within one mile of around half of the UK population.
It provides a vital backbone to the country, connecting communities to each other and helping neighbourhoods come to life.
Find out more about our plans to improve the National Cycle Network and see work in progress near you.
