The Lune Valley Greenway is a visionary project which aims to create a safe, traffic-free path that stretches through one of the most scenic and historically rich regions in the UK, from Lancashire, through North Yorkshire and Cumbria. We’ve completed one section, but there’s still more work to do to open up 27 miles of accessible greenway.
Explore the sights of the Lune Valley Greenway. Credit: Sustrans
What is the Lune Valley Greenway?
Designed with the principles of Sustrans’ Paths for Everyone in mind, the greenway will exist as part of the wider National Cycle Network and provide a high-quality route for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
It will provide a safe, sustainable way for people to travel and explore the area by foot, bike, wheelchair, with pushchairs, or adapted cycles.
Local resident (pictured)
My parents live in Hornby and suggested this route for our boys to bike on because it’s flat and a nice walk with the dog as well. If the route were extended, we could join it closer to home and walk all the way to [my parents].
Why do we need the Lune Valley Grenway?
We’re connecting communities, improving accessibility, and representing local people.
Upon completion, the route will provide a safe, sustainable way for people to travel and explore an extensive area by various modes of active travel.
Whether for commuting, leisure, or tourism, the greenway would make it easier and safer for people to connect with the places that matter to them, from home and schools to local shops, green spaces and services.
For local communities
The Lune Valley Greenway will be a dedicated path for walking, wheeling and cycling, reducing the reliance on cars for short journeys.
With traffic-free routes, local residents, visitors, and people with different levels of mobility will be able to navigate the area with greater ease and safety.
Local resident (husband pictured)
As it’s so safe underfoot, it’s great for [my 86-year-old husband] who needs exercise. It’s brilliant and easy to get to.
The upgraded section of greenway between Caton and Bullbeck is wide, smooth and with no barriers making it an accessible way to see the countryside. Credit: Chris Foster.
For rural areas
Rural areas like those in the Lune Valley can experience fragmentation and isolation, with communities often feeling cut off from nearby towns, services, and amenities unless the household has a car.
The Lune Valley Greenway offers an alternative method of transport to connect these areas, giving people the freedom to travel more easily and access the services they need without having to rely on a car.
The greenway will provide a direct, safe, and pleasant route to connect people, businesses and nature across the region.
Supporting the local economy
The greenway will not only improve the quality of life for local residents, but it will also boost the local economy.
By attracting visitors who want to experience the region’s natural beauty in an environmentally sustainable way, the greenway will help support local businesses such as cafes, shops, accommodation, and outdoor activity providers.
It will bring a new wave of tourism to the area, boost jobs, encourage investment and raise the profile of the Lune Valley as a key destination.
Our celebration event on an improved section of greenway. Credit: Chris Foster
For the environment
The Lune Valley Greenway is designed with sustainability in mind.
By promoting green travel options such as cycling, walking, and wheeling, the greenway will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the area, lower air pollution, and improve public health.
Visitors and locals will have the opportunity to explore the Lune Valley using modes of active travel which leave less of an impact on the natural beauty of the region while preserving it for future generations.
Two people walking their dog on an improved section of the Lune Valley Greenway. Credit: Chris Foster
For tourism
As well as the myriad of local benefits, the greenway will open up the Lune Valley’s stunning landscapes to visitors from across the UK and even beyond.
Whether for cycling, walking, or simply exploring the natural beauty of the area, the greenway will attract tourists interested in the outdoors, nature, and heritage.
These visitors will contribute to a sustainable and thriving tourism industry, providing economic opportunities for the region’s towns and villages, whether that’s buying a coffee, catching a bus to the start of the route or donating to the local loos along the route.
For health and wellbeing
There is so much information out there about the benefits of being outdoors in nature, but it’s not always easy for everyone to fit that into everyday life.
That’s why our Paths for Everyone work is so important. Whether you’re walking your children to school, just need a few minutes of fresh air with the dog or you’re cycling to an appointment at the doctors surgery in Hornby, it should be easy enough to leave the car at home.
A family enjoying a rest on one of the many benches along the improved section on the Lune Valley Greenway. Credit: Chris Foster
How you can help
Become a Community Champion:
- Donate: Your contribution can support Sustrans to deliver projects like these. Get in touch if you would like to donate to support the work of the Lune Valley Greenway.
- Get involved: Keep an eye out for community engagement events where we’ll be seeking your views on what this route will look like and where it will go. Your input is vital to ensure the greenway works for the communities it serves.
- Share the vision: Spread the word about the greenway to your networks and encourage others to get involved. We want local people to be invested in this route so that we receive the feedback to build the greenway for those who will be affected by it.
Join us in bringing the Lune Valley Greenway to life
The Lune Valley Greenway has the potential to be a transformative project for the Lune Valley, offering a safer, more sustainable way to connect local communities, explore nature, and support the region’s economy.
Together we can make this vision a reality.
