This week, work begins on site to build a four-kilometre walking, wheeling and cycling route along the Misbourne Valley in Buckinghamshire.
Sustrans, the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle, has been working with partners to design and deliver the long-awaited route. This is with thanks to input from Chiltern Society, Greenways and Cycle Routes, Buckinghamshire Council and Network Rail.
The new four-kilometre stretch of traffic-free Misbourne Greenway will be between Wendover and Great Missenden. It will form part of Buckinghamshire Council’s vision of a Buckinghamshire Greenway covering the length of the county.
This section will link up with other parts of the Buckinghamshire Greenway – to the north with a continuous route to Aylesbury and beyond, and to the south with a future route heading towards Amersham and the Chalfonts.
Construction of this stretch of Misbourne Greenway is expected to take approximately seven months, with most of the works due for completion in early 2023.
During the work there will be minimal disruption to local travel, affecting only a small number of local rights of way.
Stretches of path that pass by wooded areas will be raised slightly, adopting a ‘no dig’ construction method to protect the tree roots below. New hedgerows and trees are also being planted along the route and in adjacent land, as well as filling in gaps in existing hedgerows to enhance green corridors for wildlife.
When completed, this entirely traffic-free section will give more people in the area the opportunity to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for their everyday journeys, as it will provide a safer and more enjoyable alternative to the busy A413. More people leaving the car at home will help to relieve congestion in the area, reduce carbon emissions, and improve local air quality too.
The project is funded by the Department for Transport, and forms part of Sustrans’ ongoing programme to enhance the National Cycle Network.
Sarah Leeming, Director for south of England at Sustrans said; “It’s brilliant to see this highly anticipated project getting underway.
“With the original start date delayed by the pandemic and the busy construction industry since, we have been putting every effort into reaching this important milestone of starting to build this exciting new route.
“I look forward to seeing this project coming to life. Creating a route that is safe and accessible, will enable more people to give regular walking, wheeling and cycling a go, as well as connecting places and communities across the Chilterns.”
Tom Beeston, Chief Officer at the Chiltern Society said:
“We’re delighted to be doing our bit in helping Sustrans and Buckinghamshire Council create The Misbourne Greenway- an accessible, high-quality active travel route that will connect people and communities running across the Chilterns.
“It will greatly enhance the walking and cycling facilities for a wide range of groups in the Chilterns, connecting with existing footpaths, train stations and the wider Greenway routes currently in development beyond the Chilterns.”
To keep up to date with how this project is progressing, please register your interest by emailing south@sustrans.org.uk
