“Missing link” to allow ramblers to walk the width of Norfolk set to open in May
Trying out the new bridge and boardwalk on the Wensum Way, close to Walsis Hill, Lenwade.left to right landowner Charles Sayer, Councillor Bill Borrett, Councillor James Joyce and Norfolk Trail Officer Andy Williams. Photo: Steve Adams
Martin George
Saturday, March 2, 2013
5:11 PM
A project to fill in a “missing link” that will allow ramblers to walk across the width of Norfolk has passed a key milestone.
Trying out the new bridge and boardwalk on the Wensum Way, close to Walsis Hill, Lenwade. Photo: Steve AdamsNearly half the £40,000 cost of the Wensum Way, a 12-mile countryside trail that will connect the Nar Valley Way and Marriott’s Way, was used to ensure a 400 metre section through low-lying water meadows was accessible throughout the year.
Yesterday, Norfolk County Council’s new leader Bill Borrett inspected the completed work, which includes a 200 metre-long boardwalk, three kissing gates and a nine metre-long wooden bridge in the Wensum Valley at Walsis Hill, between Lenwade and Lyng. The council also announced that the path, which will allow people to walk between Great Yarmouth in the east and King’s Lynn in the west, is due to open officially in May this year.
Mr Borrett, who lives near the area, said: “I’m very pleased that we are making such good progress with the Wensum Way. I’m confident that it will open in May this year and when it does, it will be a fantastic new way for people to explore this unique and beautiful part of our county.
“As well as enjoying the countryside, walkers and hikers using the route will find plenty of places to eat, drink and stay in this part of mid Norfolk, so I’m very confident that the new Wensum Way will be good news for local businesses.”
Trying out the new bridge and boardwalk on the Wensum Way, close to Walsis Hill, Lenwade. Photo: Steve AdamsPart of the Wensum Way will pass through land owned by the Sayer family of Sparham Hall, which has managed the landscape and developed the ecology of the area for many years.
Charles Sayer said: “The Wensum Way footpath opens up one of Norfolk’s hidden gems. But walkers should not be in too much of a hurry. There are 18 recorded species of dragonfly and damselfly, a diverse flora and over 200 species of birds to appreciate within the unspoilt undulating countryside.”
James Joyce, county councillor for Reepham, which includes Lenwade, said: “The new Wensum Way has the potential to bring big benefits to communities along its route – and will also be good news for businesses and heritage sites along Marriott’s Way, as the two trails will join up at Lenwade.
“That will allow walkers to also explore the countryside to the north of the River Wensum, including its villages, towns and, of course, heritage sites like the Whitwell Station project.”
Other infrastructure work still to be done along the route includes more gates to manage cattle in the Swanton Morley area, a raised walkway at an area prone to flooding south of Lyng, and the installation of signs and waymarkers along the route.
Digital people counters will also be installed to generate information about the numbers of people using the route and when.
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8 comments
Shameless electioneering from Cllr Borrett. Slash funding for keeping ordinary footpaths open across Norfolk but then splash the cash on supporting his landowner mates with a path that nobody needs. Would be better calling it Borretts Folly.
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pebbles
Thursday, March 7, 2013
I'm not a rambler, I do walk a dog, I sometimes use footpaths .... My comment is that there needs to be access to encourage more users of the countryside including equine, legal off road actvities, etc., not merely the walkers and hikers who are obviously a source of litter in the countryside and, to typecast, the most selfish users of communal by-ways, what were also BOATS, RUPPS etc. - ask other users of the communal off-road routes. Other users often keep routes free of obstructions during the more inclement weather when the walkers and hikers are unsurprisingly awaiting the fine weather to take over the routes. Community funding for the community not selfish cliques. (Nearly £20k for 400 metres, mmmm.)
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F G HOB
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
I'm not a rambler, I do walk a dog, I sometimes use footpaths .... My comment is that there needs to be access to encourage more users of the countryside including equine, legal off road actvities, etc., not merely the walkers and hikers who are obviously a source of litter in the countryside and, to typecast, the most selfish users of communal by-ways, what were also BOATS, RUPPS etc. - ask other users of the communal off-road routes. Other users often keep routes free of obstructions during the more inclement weather when the walkers and hikers are unsurprisingly awaiting the fine weather to take over the routes. Community funding for the community not selfish cliques. (Nearly £20k for 400 metres, mmmm.)
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F G HOB
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
how can spending money on Norfolk's footpaths be a bad thing! some people just moan moan moan
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Fred
Sunday, March 3, 2013
So the EDP describes Borratt as the missing link. You're not wrong there. And have you noticed how this particular tiny scrap of footpath is entirely in the missing link's district and not weeks before the election where he hopes to be the first leader of the Missing Link Party on Norwich County Council. I think Cliffhanger Jordan should be his deputy. If ever there was another missing link that would be it. I hear leaflets pointing out this clumsy attempt to strongarm people into voting are going to be distributed shortly to anyone who hasn't worked out Borratt's cheap tricks for himself. He'll be wandering around village halls frightening small children next.
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Electra
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Is this the same self-serving NCC trio who have neglected virtually every other footpath in Norfolk?
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Joe Mullets Uncle
Saturday, March 2, 2013
How incredibly rude of the EDP. But which one are you referring to as the "missing link", BB or JJ?
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Mr Cameron Isaliar
Saturday, March 2, 2013
I wonder in what circumstances the EDP would have run this story without the predictable photo opportunity to promote Borat as we move ever closer to May's election. How are his mates coping - opened a new tea room yet to cash in on the extra visitors the council are putting their way on the back of this investment of our money. It stinks!
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Police Commissioner ???
Saturday, March 2, 2013