National Highways has invested over £1.3m to renovate two sections of the 'sea-to-sea path' in Cumbria and Tyne and Wear, with delivery led by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

Work was focused at either end of the coast-to-coast route, with £525,000 used in the North-West on the path between Whitehaven and Cleator Moor and £750,000 invested on the opposite end of the route in Sunderland.

The former section of work included resurfacing, as well as the removal of metal barriers and the installation of new signs, with the more expensive latter works including drainage improvements on sections prone to flooding as well as the resurfacing and widening of the path and the installation of retaining walls.

Improvements made by these schemes are intended to boost active travel and encourage more people to ‘enjoy making use of this scenic part of the national route', with the new surfaces suitable for wheelchairs, buggies and mobility scooters and the removal of barriers freeing up access for all, whether they're cycling, using mobility aides or walking.

This scheme forms part of a UK-wide effort to improve the National Cycle Network, which has received over £80m of support from National Highways so far since 2020 in the form of active travel projects.

Freda Rashdi, National Highways' head of customer journeys, said: ‘Many people with a wide range of needs will benefit from the improvements we have made to such an iconic route. We're proud to use our Designated Funds to invest in the environment and communities living and working near our roads.'

Carole Patrick, national cycle network director at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, added: ‘The Sea to Sea path is one of our most popular routes on the National Cycle Network, both for local people, visitors and challenge riders.

‘Thanks to these groundbreaking improvements, it's now easier for everyone to use the path, whether they are on foot, using a wheelchair, pushing a buggy or riding a bike. It also provides a healthier, more affordable option for local journeys, giving people access to greenspace and nature which we know is one of the key reasons people choose to use the National Cycle Network.'