A PEDESTRIAN and cycle path on a disused railway line in the Wye Valley has opened today after a long-running project.
The Wye Valley Greenway project aims to repurpose the long-since defunct railway line between Chepstow and Monmouth.
Part of the line - open to the public as of this morning - heads through a 1km tunnel near the National Diving and Activity Centre (NDAC) just outside Chepstow.
At its deepest point, the tunnel is some 100m below the surface.
There is a slight curve in the track as you head through, giving the illusion that the underground section is far longer than it is.
Volunteers from charitable organisation Greenways and Cycleroutes originally surveyed the route in 2018.
READ MORE:
They supervised construction by local contractors and organised volunteer work camps to repair structures, put up fences and install lighting and bat shelters.
A Greenways and Cycleroutes spokesperson said: "The route would not have been possible without the support of the National Diving and Activity Centre, Wyedean School, Forestry England, A to B Communities, Bishton Farm, co-operative neighbours, and Greenways volunteers."
The tunnel was surveyed for 18 months before being opened to the public, as the area is important for lesser horseshoe bats.
Tidenham Tunnel is now open to walkers and cyclists
Tidenham Tunnel is now open to walkers and cyclists
Low level lighting has been installed which, although disorienting at first, gives the tunnel atmosphere as well as protecting the bats.
The first people to venture through were commuters, off to work in Tintern and Monmouth respectively.
John Grimshaw of Greenways and Cycleroutes joked that it would soon become a major commuter route in the Wye Valley.
He said that due to coronavirus restrictions, no opening event had been organised.
"We thought it better to allow the public to come down when they wanted to," he said.
Picture: Forgotten Relics
Picture: Forgotten Relics
The tunnel section will be closed off at night with large gates. This is to protect the bats nesting inside.
In a statement, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said: "Please enjoy this special access through some of the UK’s richest, internationally important, ancient woodlands of the lower Wye Valley and remember that not all the woodlands are open access so please check for public rights of way and consent to avoid trespassing or disturbing important habitats for wildlife."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel