Lakenham Way is a leafy, traffic-free 1.4 mile route through south Norwich, ideal for walking, wheeling and cycling. Since its creation in 1999, there have been regular maintenance and improvement projects, with more substantial investment in 2025 and ongoing plans for the coming decade. It links neighbourhoods with the city centre, supports wildlife in its woodlands and wildflower margins, and is managed by Sustrans, Railway Paths Ltd. and community groups.
The Lakenham Way. Credit: Sustrans
What is the Lakenham Way?
As a former route on the Great Eastern railway line, it was transformed into a traffic-free route after years of advocacy and development efforts led by Sustrans, the Norwich Cycling Campaign and the Lakenham Way Working Party. It originally opened on 30th July 1999 and a recent community celebration was held in 2024 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Lakenham Way’s transformation.
The Lakenham Way is owned by Railway Paths Ltd (RPL) who manage and maintain the railway infrastructure. The greenway is leased to Sustrans who oversee its general maintenance and development.
Why do we need Lakenham Way?
Lakenham Way is more than a cycle route: it’s a green corridor that connects people, communities, and wildlife, right in Norwich’s urban core. By working together with Sustrans, councils, and the community we’re showing how traffic-free routes can restore nature, encourage active travel, and shape identity-rich public spaces.
What’s next for the route?
Thanks to funding from Norwich City Council and Sustrans, the 2025 improvement project will deliver:
- New wayfinding and welcome signage, guiding people between Sandy Lane, Brazen Gate, and key destinations.
- Upgraded seating and bins, making pauses along the route more enjoyable.
- Ecological enhancements, including wildflower margins and pollinator habitats.
- Accessibility improvements, with clearer entry points and upgraded stepped accesses at Hall Road.
These phase-one improvements are scheduled for completion by late 2025, creating a more accessible and better-connected greenway.
The Lakenham Way. Credit: Sustrans
The vision for the next decade
Building on these early wins, we’re developing a long-term vision to transform Lakenham Way into a destination green space featuring, for example:
- Ecological enhancements for local wildlife like butterflies, birds, bats and lizards.
- Public art and placemaking, highlighting the railway and local heritage and involving community through, for example, murals or vegetable growing beds.
- Community events and volunteering, including guided walks, wildlife surveys, and planting days.
- Promoting active travel, encouraging everyday journeys by bike or on foot.
Future improvements proposed in the Greenway Management Plan are subject to securing additional funding and community involvement.
How you can help
Further community engagement opportunities related to future phases of the improvements will be shared in due course.
Community groups including the Lakenham and Town Close Green Spaces (LTC Green Spaces) and Wild Lakenham hold regular events on Lakenham Way, including litter picks and ecological management. Volunteers are always welcome - join to make a difference in your community!
