Over £1 million has been invested to transform 14 miles of towpath along the canal. Part of Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 81, the improvements have been completed through a partnership between Glandŵr Cymru - the Canal & River Trust in Wales, Powys County Council and Sustrans with the majority of funding coming from the Welsh Government.
The route along the Montgomery Canal towpath starts in Newtown and connects the communities of Llanllwchaiarn, Abermule and Berriew before reaching Welshpool, benefiting the huge number of walkers, cyclists, joggers and anglers, who use the towpath every day. The new improvements continue those recently completed between Brithdir and Belan Locks on the Montgomery Canal.
Intrinsic part of Wales
Dr Mark Lang, Chairman of Glandŵr Cymru said: “This is one of the most beautiful stretches of waterway anywhere in Wales – perhaps in Britain – so it's fantastic news that we have been able to open it up for more and more people. The help we've had from the Welsh Government and our other partners, means the improvements we've made will be enjoyed by the thousands of people who canoe, cycle or walk along this towpath for years to come. This is another important step towards our ambition to make all the waterways we care for in Wales accessible for everyone.”
Opening the towpath, Rebecca Evans AM – Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, said: “I am delighted to be opening this stretch of towpath today. Our Welsh Waterways are an intrinsic part of Wales' past and future success. They lie at the heart of out cultural heritage and have been a catalyst to the economic evolution of our country. They also have real modern relevance in terms of local regeneration, recreation, transport, education and health – and they are a haven for our wonderful Welsh wildlife.”
