logo
Upgrade for crumbling coastal path with stunning views of North Wales icons

Upgrade for crumbling coastal path with stunning views of North Wales icons

A popular coastal path with some of the most dramatic views in Wales is to be upgraded after falling into disrepair. Each year, tens of thousands of people walk or cycle the route along the banks of the Conwy Estuary.
In recent years the path has begun to degrade and cycling charity Sustrans worries this is starting to affect its usage. After heavy rain, it becomes almost impassable as huge puddles form on its uneven surface.
Resurfacing work is now planned for the path at Deganwy. This section forms part of the Conwy Estuary Trail, a 3km walking and cycling route that links Deganwy and Llandudno's West Shore. It is part of the Wales Coastal Path.
Each year an estimated 429,871 walking and cycling trips are made on the trail, which gives views towards Conwy Castle and the town's quay and marina, backed by the mountains of Eryri.
An economic analysis in 2019 estimated that, were the 3km trail to fully upgraded, it could attract almost 600,000 users each year – almost as many as those who visit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Sustrans will soon be organising improvements on the Deganwy section to enhance the path's 'quality and usability'. The resurfacing work is being funded by the Welsh Government. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
As the Conwy Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sustrans has liaised with Natural Resources Wales to ensure marine habitats are not disturbed during the work. An on-site ecologist will be employed for pre-nesting survey checks.
Anthony Jones, network development manager at Sustrans, said: '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.
'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. The aim is then to 'celebrate' the resurfaced route with led walks and rides the following spring.
As the Conwy Estuary Trail incorporates Route 5 on the National Cycle Network, Sustrans said it is one of the most popular cycling routes in North Wales. Route 5 runs from Holyhead to Reading, spanning a massive 367 miles.
'This is an especially popular and well-used section of National Cycle Network,' added the charity. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Family blast caravan park after being forced to leave despite 'horrendous' stay
Family blast caravan park after being forced to leave despite 'horrendous' stay

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Family blast caravan park after being forced to leave despite 'horrendous' stay

Nicola Jones and David Shirley checked in at the Lyons Robin Hood Holiday Park in Wales but were asked to leave early after experiencing several issues during their stay A family has vowed never to return to a caravan park in Wales after experiencing several issues during their stay and eventually being asked to leave. ‌ Nicola Jones, her partner David Shirley, their three children, and other relatives arrived at the Lyons Robin Hood Holiday Park in Rhyl, Denbighshire, last Saturday. They had booked a £560 week-long stay and were due to check out today, but say they were told to leave early, which they did on Wednesday night. ‌ Among the issues they faced were finding toothpaste in the sink, urine in the toilet, a sewing needle in the carpet and no running water in the food kiosks. Nicola said she left a note for the cleaner to point out the issues in their caravan - but claimed her request was ignored. ‌ READ MORE: Brit's 'holiday from hell' as family given mouldy caravan 'with a giant hole in it' Nicola told North Wales Live: "There was toothpaste in the sink, pee in the toilet and hair in the shower. I requested a cleaner to come and sort out the caravan. I left some notes to show the cleaner what was needed. But she didn't look at the notes. She hoovered the floor and left everything else. "I had to go to reception to complain but by then there were no cleaners left. I would have done it myself and requested some cleaning products as I was not going to buy them." Nicola said that in the end, a "lovely" lady arrived to solve the issues in the caravan. But the issues didn't end there, as there was no running water at two food kiosks - one selling ice cream and the other pizzas - on the site last Monday and Tuesday. Nicola, of Port Talbot, runs a burger van and pointed out it had to be running water. She said that on one day, her relative went to Alton Towers "just not to be at the park." Eventually Nicola said "sort kind of customer service manager" met her group to discuss about their problems - but claimed her group was eventually asked to leave. She said: "It's been horrendous. We were thrown off the site without a reason why. I was told if we left we would get a refund." ‌ The mum said the group left the caravan park at 10pm on Wednesday and arrived home in south Wales at 3.30am. Due to their experience, Nicola said they will never return to the caravan park. She said: "It was the first time we have ever been to Rhyl. We book a different caravan park every year to give the kids more experience in going places. "I would not book a holiday at a site like that again. I would go back to North Wales - towards Snowdonia (Eryri) way. We went horse riding and there was a holiday let on a farm (which they could use in future). (But) we would go past Rhyl with our eyes closed." Nicola says she has been offered a two-night refund which is "unacceptable". A Lyons Holiday Parks spokesman told North Wales Live there were issues which were resolved: "We did have an issue with a burst main water pipe which did have to be repaired. We carried out the repair and operated in line with requirements. We did also have bottled water available for our guests. ‌ "This guest did report issues on Sunday to reception and was offered upgraded accommodation and many alternatives which were refused. Our housekeeping team resolved all issues with the accommodation that afternoon." The spokesman added: "Although we will not comment directly on the circumstances which prompted us to ask the guest to leave, a full refund will be issued and we have been in contact with the 3rd party operator today. We do not take decisions to asks guests to leave lightly, however in this situation we feel it was warranted." They added that the caravan park, which has been open for over 100 years, has "very positive" feedback from their guests.

Clampdown ordered at besieged North Wales beauty spot
Clampdown ordered at besieged North Wales beauty spot

North Wales Live

time17 hours ago

  • North Wales Live

Clampdown ordered at besieged North Wales beauty spot

A clampdown has been ordered at a popular beauty spot beseiged by visitors. Scenes of parking mayhem at Horseshoe Falls has prompted a swift reaction from Denbighshire Council. Earlier this month, residents were left incensed when dozens of visitors parked illegally along a narrow country lane near Thomas Telford's dramatic 140-metre weir in Llangollen. By brazenly ignoring double yellow lines, and potentially blocking traffic, local people said it reflected a wider disrepect today's visitors have for the area. At an attraction that now draws more than 100,000 visits each year, littering is endemic and illegal BBQs are reportedly becoming more commonplace. Scenes witnessed on recent sunny weekends have shocked residents and fuelled calls for badly parked cars to be towed away. Denbighshire Council is now asking visitors to plan ahead and consider other sites in the beautiful Dee Valley if Horseshoe Falls is busy. The local authority wants people to do their homework so they have other options if spaces are unavailable at the weir car park. To help manage the area's problems, extra countryside rangers have been allocated to the site over the summer holidays. The council has also pledged greater visibility from traffic wardens in the surrounding area, especially at peak times. Cllr Alan James, lead member for local development and planning, warned visitors that a cheap day-out could suddenly become more expensive. He said: 'We do want visitors to enjoy Horseshoe Falls and the surrounding areas. 'But we would strongly urge them that parking restrictions are important for both road safety and ensuring there is a fair turnover of parking spaces. Drivers need to be aware that while visiting, anyone not complying with parking restrictions risk receiving a Penalty Charge Notice from our civil enforcement officers.' Another measure implemented by the council is the installation of fencing at the Horseshoe Falls car park entrance. This, it said, is to stop vehicles being parking on grass verges, which can obstruct traffic. Urging people to visit and park responsibly, Cllr James said the Dee Valley has plenty of other attractions to visit. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox He added: 'Our rangers are on site at Horseshoe Falls to provide advice and guidance to visitors coming to the site. I would ask that the public also respect the important role they are there to carry out.'

North Wales teen left fighting for life in Greece after contracting meningitis
North Wales teen left fighting for life in Greece after contracting meningitis

North Wales Live

time2 days ago

  • North Wales Live

North Wales teen left fighting for life in Greece after contracting meningitis

A teenager from North Wales was left fighting for her life after being struck down with meningitis on holiday in Greece. Millie Bayles, 19, from Garth, Llangollen, jetted out to the holiday island of Rhodes with her friends. She noticed the symptoms of what she initially thought was an ear infection. But her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was later diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and moved 300 miles from the island to intensive care in Athens Hospital, where she has been for three weeks. Her family flew out to be by her side. She is out of immediate danger but she has a long road to recovery ahead of her. Millie had no travel insurance and mum Lauren Murphy set up a fundraiser in an attempt to bring her home. It is hoped she will be able to come home shortly after more than £44,000 was raised in an incredible effort. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Mum Lauren and step-dad Pete Murphy said: "I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you who has donated to, or shared this fundraiser. "We have not only exceeded our target of £40,000, but we did it in just 24 hours! Thanks to you we can bring our girl back home and we are so incredibly grateful. "I will leave it open for now because we will no doubt have ongoing medical costs but we are now covered for what we needed most and for that we thank you all again, from the bottom of our hearts." You can donate to the fundraiser here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store