We've been hearing a lot from the Addingham end about a proposed multipurpose route from A to B.

A couple of questions.

1. What are your thoughts about it?

2. Not much has been said about the link between
Ilkley and Addingham - why?

For more info www.wharfedaletrail.co.uk/

Q: Won't the trail cause parking difficulties in
the communities along the route?

:?

How many reports in the gasbag have
we heard of a link with Addingham and
where will it start and end?
Another case of your countryside being
upset from folk outside, methinks.

Don't feel strongly either way really. If it had been proposed before they ripped up the line between Ilkley and Addingham (and beyond) then I think there would be a stronger case for it - their proposed route from Ilkley does not look very well thought out.

They propose using the 'old' A65 between Ilkley and Addingham, but when I've been walking down that way I've noticed it seems to attract Kevs in their fast cars (bit like Wells Road seems to!), so I think they'd have to do something about vehicular access along there to make it safer.

They also need make their arguments a bit more coherent:

The "Proposed Route" page states:

"The section between the county boundary and Addingham is the subject of some controversy; although the dismantled railway trackbed is still distinct, it is now in agricultural use and is likely to require very sensitive negotiation to secure landowners' consent to its conversion for public use."

and then on the "The Campaign Against The Trail" page, it says:

"Most of the route between Addingham and Bolton Abbey is proposed to follow a disused railway trackbed, which, contrary to some reports, has neither "reverted to farmland" nor become indistinguishable from the woods through which it passes."

Last time I was walking in Addingham, I noticed that a large amount of embankment from Back Beck Lane bridge towards Bolton Abbey is missing, so the trackbed would need reinstating there.

I don't know how popular it would be.

I'd be happier if they reopened the railway line between Ilkley and Skipton but I can't see that happenning! 8)

Totally for it.

It would be served by rail stations at either end. And one thing that the valley is lacking is anywhere for families to cycle.
The A65 is a dangerous roads for a bicycle by any standards.

Bring it on.

Although I have not walked up or down this section of the valley for a goodly while I did walk it enough to know it would be so much better if there a safe and direct route for non motor users.

The issues that have already been highlighted on this thread though, especially by lats, tells everyone this is likely to be an other Bradford road to nowhere. Either the rail route is in agricultural use or it is not; and the fact that the person in charge of producing the report allowed both statements to appear shows there is just fudge from the Council on the issue, and that means more money wasted.

I have no idea what the issues are against this proposed cycle route, just hope the kids are still kids before it's finished.

We are regular visitors to the following trails over disused train lines in Derbyshire

www.highpeak.co.uk/hp/h_monsbd.htm
www.highpeak.co.uk/hp/h_highbd.htm
www.highpeak.co.uk/hp/h_tistbd.htm

They are very successful and a very nice trip out. Of course we have to stay somewhere for the weekend to make the most of it. Surely this would be very good for local trade.... and save me a fortune in travel/accommodation by having something simular on the doorstep.

I'll have to try some of those.

They've got loads of cycling down there.

On the "nowhere to cycle" point, does anyone know of any decent family cycling routes round here?
Sometimes on the train into Leeds I can see people cycling along the canal I think but I don't know how far this stretches.
I came from Cambridgeshire, so easy on the hills please!

If you're cycling from Ilkley the closest entry to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal is Buck Lane at Tong Park Bailden or Coronation Ave between Eldwick Hall and the sewage works. I walked between Appleby Bridge and Saltaire, which includes this stretch, last week and it was very busy with bikes.
It would be easiest I you get a train to Saltaire and get one back from Leeds, but be aware that during the school holidays the road bridges over the towpath near Leeds used to be infested with gozzers and stone throwers; and Leeds station is not bike friendly in the rush hours.

Lindsay, there is some easy cycle paths to be had around Fewston and Swinstey reservoirs and Timble woods. Nothing fantastic but might be worth a look.
Have a look here:

www.yorkshirewater.com/recreation/?OBH=3743

Lindsay, there isn't much for family cycling. That's the point.
There is a disused railway line over Selby way that is suppose to be good.
But as far as I can tell, we have to drive out to places like Dalby forest to get decent family cycling - clumber park is suppsoed to be good too.
This is useful:
www.croftway.freeserve.co.uk/cycle.htm

The York -> Selby cycle track is good in a functional way, but not particularly scenic (especially if you're accustomed to the lush gorgeousness of the countryside around here).
YMMV, of course :- )
R

YMMV ???

700ser!

Google is your fiend [sic].
www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=YMMV

All better now!
:- )

R

Thanks - I shall consider myself educated !