Sustrans will soon be undertaking resurfacing works in partnership with the local authority to improve the quality and usability of one of the most popular National Cycle Network routes in North Wales. Route 5, which forms part of the Wales Coastal Path, at Deganwy in Conwy will benefit from resurfacing works, funded by Welsh Government.
This section of NCN 5 is a very popular route that forms part of the Wales Coastal Path. Credit: Sustrans.
Route 5 is one of the major shared use paths in North Wales that forms part of the Wales Coastal Path, with the whole of Route 5 spanning a massive 367 miles from Reading to Holyhead.
The resurfacing works will take place on a stretch of the path at Deganwy in Conwy, where the route forms part of the Conwy estuary trail.
The work, in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council, will take place in two stages - first, a site clearance taking place toward the end of the summer with environmental considerations taken into account, and second, the main resurfacing works.
For both stages, the section of the route will be closed, with a signed diversion provided, while the work takes places, but the path will re-open in between both stages of the work, too.
This is an especially popular and well-used section of National Cycle Network, as a 2019 economic impact study conducted by Sustrans showed an annual usage estimate of 429,871 walking and cycling trips made each year.
Economic and health benefits stem from the National Cycle Network
The NCN is known to have benefits for nearby communities, so it’s essential that the quality of this section of Route 5 is maintained to ensure the continued social, health and tourism benefits provided to the area.
Over the past 20 years of use, the current surface has suffered and is now starting to impact on usage.
Sustrans’ Equality & Impact Assessment for the resurfacing project found that people with disability, pregnancy, or maternity were the most affected and least likely to use the route as a result.
The current surface is beginning to deteriorate and is in need of repair. Credit: Sustrans.
A map showing the proposed diversion on National Cycle Network Route 5 by Deganwy. Credit: Sustrans.
Taking action to ensure the future of a community asset
One of the key considerations with this section of the route, as well as ensuring it’s in a state where people can continue to make regular use of it, is its ecological significance.
This section of NCN 5 borders Afon Conwy, with the river a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and so there’s a need for real care with regards to minimising the impact to the local wildlife and vegetation.
Sustrans have been liaising with Natural Resources Wales to ensure that all precautions are being taken to avoid any damage to the SSSI, with tailored risk assessment & method statements and employing an on-site ecologist for pre-nesting survey checks.
“It’s very clear to us just how important this route is to the people who live in this part of Conwy, as well as its role in tourism here,” said Anthony Jones, Network Development Manager at Sustrans.
“This is a very popular route by an important ecological site here in North Wales, so we need to ensure we’re doing everything we can to ensure the route’s quality and accessibility for everyone.”
The works are due to be completed by the end of 2025, with a view to celebrating the resurfaced route with led walks and rides in the following spring.
