Nidderdale Greenway will run through the heart of Newby’s Glasshouses Mill development, offering a safe path for cyclists, walkers and explorers of all abilities
A donation from
housing developer Newby has helped boost a study to recommend possible routes
for the extension of the Nidderdale Greenway.
The existing
six-mile long Nidderdale Greenway path has been open since 2013, utilising a
disused railway track to provide a traffic-free route between Harrogate and
Ripley and then on to Clint. The aspiration has always been to extend the
Greenway right into the heart of Nidderdale at Pateley Bridge, and even as far
as Scar House Reservoir.
Taking the
route through Newby’s Glasshouses Mill development would allow residents the
opportunity to make the most of the path which is enjoyed by cyclists, walkers,
joggers and wheelchair users. The donation from Newby allows Sustrans to
produce a report detailing the recommended route, as well as possible
alternative options, between Clint and Pateley Bridge. Options from Pateley to
Scar House Reservoir will then be assessed. Feedback is already being sought
from landowners and parish councils.
The Nidderdale
Greenway is part of the National Cycle Network, and Sustrans wants to see more
traffic-free miles added to it to make it safer and more accessible to
everyone.
Campaigner and Sustrans volunteer Malcolm Margolis is spearheading
fund-raising, and together with fellow volunteer David Hall is talking with
landowners on behalf of Sustrans, the charity commissioned to do the work for Nidderdale
Plus (working on behalf of the Nidderdale Strategic Partnership), Harrogate
Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and other funders. Malcolm said: “We are very
grateful to Newby for its generous donation and we’re delighted the feasibility
study is now underway. Two hundred thousand people a year currently use the
Nidderdale Greenway and it’s extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. Extending
it to Pateley Bridge would make it accessible to so many more and provide a
fantastic resource for people looking to explore or get active in a safe
location. It also means we’re not adding to any traffic congestion in the area,
as cyclists have a safer option than having to use local roads.”
Frazer Roberts,
Managing Director of Newby, added: “The Nidderdale Greenway is a fantastic
local resource and we know it’s one which will be appreciated by those who buy
one of our properties at Glasshouses Mill. It’s such a picturesque location and
ideal for those who enjoy keeping active and getting out into the great
Yorkshire Dales. We look forward to seeing the plans for the Greenway develop
over the coming months and years.”
Glasshouses
Mill dates back to the 19th century and having fallen into
disrepair, it has been taken over by North Yorkshire-based developer Newby to be
converted into two, three and four-bedroom homes and one, two and three-bedroom
apartments. The Grade II Listed building remains a magnificent structure with
many of its traditional features, including the clock tower and the outline of what
was once the most powerful waterwheel turbine in the country.
For more
information about Glasshouses Mill CLICK HERE,
or for more information about the Nidderdale Greenway email
nidderdalegreenway@gmail.com.