The latest upgrades as part of a £700,000 scheme sees a two-and-a-half-kilometre section of National Cycle Network Route 1 between Burniston and Cloughton improved.
Sustrans volunteers with local residents and Cllr Keane Duncan (second left) on the upgraded Cinder Track. Credit: Phoebe Donbavand/Sustrans, 2024.
Working in partnership with the local authority
We’ve been working with North Yorkshire Council to improve the Cinder Track and it is now open again for use.
The path has been upgraded with a smooth surface made from recycled materials and it has been widened where possible.
Restrictive barriers have also been removed to enable better access.
Rosslyn Colderley, Director of Sustrans in the North of England, said: “The Cinder Track is one of the most scenic routes on the National Cycle Network.
It links communities between Whitby and Scarborough, and is a popular path for people on foot, bike or horse.
These improvements help to make it easier for people to use the route, which is part of our wider ambition to make the National Cycle Network accessible to everyone."
Cllr Keane Duncan with Burniston residents Joanne and her daughter, and a Sustrans volunteer. Credit: Phoebe Donbavand, Sustrans 2024.
Engaging with the community
The local community got involved and gave their feedback on the proposed changes at drop-in events.
Sustrans' collaborative design approach ensures the improvements are shaped by the people who have a lived experience on the route, and work for the people who are going to use them.
In a public consultation carried out in 2016, more than three quarters of those surveyed said that the Cinder Track was in need of improvement.
The most common response when asked what improvements were needed were related to the path surface and drainage, and we continue to work on that today.
Increased accessibility
The Cinder Track forms part of National Cycle Network Route 1 and as part of our ‘Paths for Everyone’ vision to enhance the Network, we’ve utilised funding from the Department for Transport to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier and more enjoyable for everyone on this route.
Joanne Brannan, a Burniston resident lives with her daughter Ava-Grace, who uses a wheelchair.
Joanne said, “The Cinder Track was very uneven and treacherous before the improvements, and it was difficult with the wheelchair and children’s bikes.
"Since it has been improved, everyone can enjoy the walk. It is so much better now, and we feel safer from trip hazards."
The path can now be used year-round between Burniston and Cloughton by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, as well as those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or adapted bikes.
Burniston resident Joanne, and her daughter Ava-Grace on the newly improved path. Credit: Phoebe Donbavand/Sustrans, 2024.
Modern surfacing
The route has been improved with a Flexipave surface: a mix of recycled rubber from vehicle tyres and natural stone aggregate that forms a hard wearing surface.
It has a much lower environmental footprint requiring less tree removal and allows for better drainage.
It has a softer surface making for a more comfortable journey whether on foot, running, on paws or hooves. Thanks to KBI UK Ltd for this surfacing work.
Cinder Track gateway paved with Flexipave. Credit: Phoebe Donbavand, Sustrans 2024.
