Accessible Route Investment Faces Accessibility Issues
More than £1 million has been invested in developing an accessible route, yet cyclists and wheelchair users report that the path remains inaccessible to all.
The redeveloped two-mile section of a bridle path along the River Dee connects the communities of Corwen and Cynwyd in Denbighshire.
Users have criticized the path's design, noting that access requires descending 15 stone steps, and the route includes fences and stiles that hinder passage.
Denbighshire County Council has stated it is collaborating with landowners to enhance access to the route.
"I can't understand why the council hasn't put in that ramp. I feel that disabled people in a wheelchair are a second thought.
I'm quite frustrated to be honest. It's 2026. It's a shame that I have to fight for accessibility."
These remarks were made by Morgan Jones, a wheelchair user, who expressed his disappointment at being unable to access the entire route.
“It’s great that progress was made but then it stalled and it’s got to a situation where it may as well not have started because it’s almost a pointless exercise,"
“We’ve got a situation at both ends of the active travel corridor where people can’t really access it, so it begs the question, why was it put in in the first place?"
Ross Adams, representing Cycling UK, highlighted the frustration regarding the route's limited accessibility.
Active travel is a key initiative of the Welsh government aimed at promoting walking and cycling.
Work to convert the former railway line commenced in 2024, supported by £3.8 million in funding from the UK government’s Levelling Up scheme.
The majority of the path now features a new tarmac surface, which cost in excess of £1 million.
However, at the Cynwyd end, access to the route is only possible via steps.
At the Corwen end, the grass path traverses private land parcels, marked by fencing and stiles that users must climb over.
“We desperately need accessible gates here so horses, bikers, wheelchairs - everybody - can access.
Denbighshire County Council and the landowners need to come to an agreement."
Dafydd Morris, a member of Corwen Town Council, emphasized the necessity for accessible gates to accommodate all users.
“It’s a beautiful path along the riverside and it’s a shame so many people can’t access it."
A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council noted that the first phase of work was recently completed, which included improvements to the existing steps at Cynwyd and the installation of the new tarmac surface.
The council has secured funding to construct a ramp at the Cynwyd end of the path.
"We understand that the existing route is popular with the local residents and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during the first construction phase whilst the path was closed,"
"The council have been successful in applying for further funding to introduce a ramp at the Cynwyd end of the path to improve accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchair users which will be completed by spring 2027. We are also currently developing works to improve the accessibility of the path at the Corwen/A5 end."
