Cycleway for the Montgomery

A LENGTH of towpath on the Montgomery Canal will be officially  opened this week as a cycleway that 'forms a small but significant part of a leisure route linking the heartlands of Powys with the shores of Cardigan Bay at Aberystwyth'.

The two miles of upgraded towpath have been provided by a partnership between Powys County Council and British Waterways, we are told 'as  an all-weather surface that will benefit the growing number of waterway visitors and communities along the towpath corridor.'

Popular leisure route

A spokesman for British Waterways explained:

"This waterside stretch runs between the scenic villages of Abermule and Aberbechan. It is the latest phase in a strategic programme of towpath improvements which is opening up access along the Montgomery Canal south of Welshpool—already a popular leisure route."

The £180k project has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government through Powys County Council, with works undertaken by British Waterways.

Improve access

British Waterways Regeneration Manager Jason Leach explains:

"The previous towpath was in poor condition, so the upgrade will improve access to this picturesque waterway for a broad spectrum of customers. The project will open up the waterway for the benefit of local communities, in addition to forming a gateway to attract more visitors to this stunning waterway and its heritage rich corridor.

"Towpath improvements like this are now carefully targeted toward creating multi-user routes linking urban centres to rural destinations. They bring in increased footfall and visitor spend, while contributing toward the core vision of doubling waterway visitor numbers by 2012."