Update from November 2011 Meeting

The group met to review progress and discuss actions.

Waymarking and Route Maps
Waymarking has been updated along the route and we're planning to erect new posts where the route crosses the Welsh Way at Perrott's Brook, as several people have complained about lack of clarity at this point. 
Weather-proof route maps are being printed by GCC.  Suitable locations for posting the maps will be found at the current start and end of the route and at Perrott's Brook and Baunton where the route follows surfaced roads for short distances.

Next Stage of Development

Developing a route for riders between N. Cerney and Rendcomb is under discussion.  A footpath exists along the River Churn, but a route which could be used by bicycles and/or horses is a more difficult prospect.
We continue to look at possibilities with landowners and their agents and believe we are making progress, but no firm decisions have yet been made.  Members of the group are hoping to look at a couple of options in January (weather permitting).  Any suggestions from members of the public on this topic would be welcome.
 

Update October 2011

The safer walkers and cyclists route between Stratton and North Cerney has had a thumbs up from local residents.

Latest work includes the following:

• Lots of new gates have been installed/repaired.
• The surface scraped in parts to remove years (centuries?) of accumulated mud.  
• Construction of a new 'French' drain near the telephone exchange in North Cerney to stop the path becoming waterlogged.
• Deployed just under 20 waymarks so that it is now suitably waymarked at virtually every gate between Cirencester (Bowling Green) and North Cerney. 

Much has been achieved within a very small budget - often with the help of the landowners, for which we are very grateful.

The slide show below illustrates some of the changes.  These may look a bit 'raw' at the moment, but will soon blend in.  Many residents have expressed their appreciation of the changes - especially the improved gates.  The group is turning its attentions to the northern end of the path where both residents and Rendcomb College have shown a lot of interest in extending the route from North Cerney to Rendcomb.

Churn Valley - Safer Route - Report end of April 2010

Cycle/walkers route – The cross parish group set up in 2008 under the chairmanship of CDC Cllr Paul Hodgkinson has made really good progress towards a safer cycle/walkers/horse riders path from Cirencester to Rendcomb. The existing bridleway from Stratton to North Cerney will be used and we’re working with landowners and the County Council to ensure it has a good surface with efficient and well-designed gates.