Ambitious plans are underway to regenerate a former railway line in Ynys Mon by investing £2million in a new walking and cycling route.
Sustainable transport charity Sustrans Cymru has conducted a feasibility study in the first step to creating a safe, convenient and attractive traffic-free route for locals and tourists.
The Lon Las Mon path would stretch for 16 miles along the old Lein Amlwch railway between Gaerwen and Amlwch.
Sustrans Cymru, the charity behind the National Cycle Network, has concluded it is possible for Lein Amlwch to be used for a dual purpose heritage railway and greenway for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Glyn Evans, Sustrans Area Manager for North Wales, said: “The development of Lein Amlwch would provide an ideal location for local people to walk and cycle in a traffic free environment which would benefit the health of the communities. The route would also result in more daytrippers and holidaymakers heading into the north of the island, which will give a real economic boost to Ynys Mon.
“Our report shows that it is entirely feasible to develop a walking and cycling path along Lein Amlwch as well as accommodate a heritage railway over the central section.
“This project would result in a high quality and long-lasting facility that will not only be a popular leisure route but will also help local people go about their everyday journeys in a healthy and environmentally friendly way.”
The Lon Las Mon Greenway would form part of National Cycle Network Route 5 which currently consists of an on-road loop from Bangor to Holyhead. It would follow the development of the popular Celtic Trail and Taff Trail in Wales which give a total impact of £75 million per year in the local economies.
Sustrans and Ynys Mon County Council aim to work with Network Rail, Anglesey Central Railway Ltd and local landowners on land negotiations before submitting planning applications. The greenway could be opened to the public by 2012.
Source: Sustrans
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Plans revealed for £2million walk and cycle route in Ynys Mon
