March 10, 2026 - 258 views
Work is continuing on a long-awaited walking and cycling route linking communities in the Conwy Valley, with local representatives visiting the site to see progress on the project.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy, saw on-going construction of the new active travel route connecting Glan Conwy via the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve with Llandudno Junction.
The scheme, which has been in planning for many years, will create a safe, accessible path for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and families with prams, providing a new link between communities and one of North Wales’ most popular nature sites.
When complete, the route will feature a three-metre-wide shared-use path, along with two new bridges crossing the Conwy Valley Line and the Afon Ganol.
Construction is being carried out by Jennings Building and Civil Engineering Ltd, a Colwyn Bay-based firm, with an emphasis on using locally sourced materials. These include British steel and stone from Ruthin for the new bridge structures.
The project is expected to be completed by July.
The scheme forms part of wider efforts to improve active travel infrastructure across Wales following the introduction of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, which requires councils to plan and develop routes that make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.
Across Conwy County, local authorities have been working to expand networks linking towns, schools, workplaces and leisure destinations.
The new route is expected to provide a safe alternative to busy roads, making it easier for residents of Glan Conwy and surrounding communities to travel between the village, the nature reserve and the retail and transport hub at Llandudno Junction.
Campaigners say active travel schemes can bring a range of benefits, including improving public health, reducing traffic congestion and cutting carbon emissions.
For North Wales communities, routes like this can also support tourism by connecting visitors to natural attractions such as the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, which attracts tens of thousands of birdwatchers and walkers each year.
During her visit, Mrs. Janet Finch-Saunders said it was encouraging to see progress being made on a project that has been discussed locally for many years.
She said the route would provide a safe and accessible link for walkers, cyclists and families while allowing people to enjoy one of the most scenic parts of the Conwy Valley.
Improving local connectivity and creating safer routes for active travel was important for communities, she added, and it was positive to see work moving forward on the scheme.
Once completed, the route is expected to become an important part of the growing network of walking and cycling paths across the region, helping residents and visitors explore the Conwy Valley in a safer and more sustainable way.
