Quotes from the Group
Messages from our support group ...
20th April 2006: people from our support group were asked for a couple of sentences as to the importance of this path in their eyes. Within a day, seventy people put electronic pen to paper. There wasn't enough room for those in our spring newsletter, but this page has the lot, so it's a bit of a read - and a great morale booster!
I'm writing to express my support for the two tunnels project. Although places like Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon are quite close "as the crow flies", they aren't close by bike (unless you go over a big hill). If the two tunnels project were to go ahead they would be much more easily reached.
The Bristol to Bath path is well used and it would be good to open up more of the former Somerset & Dorset railway line to cyclists too.
Finally, the opening of the tunnels would allow a nice circular cycle route from Bath - going along the canal and returning via the tunnels.
We would like to give our support to the two tunnels project as it will
make it much easier for us to cycle to our friends and relatives in Norton
St. Philip.
Hope it succeeds
I support the project of opening up the old railway line from Midford into Bath.
Bath has a chronic traffic and parking problem. Enabling people to cycle into town from the south side, eventually connecting Norton-Radstock and all places along the Wellow valley to Bath, would provide enhanced leisure and exercise for the cyclists, and commercial opportunities for all, including the City of Bath. No doubt it would reduce the magnitude of the Dunkerton-to-Glasshouse traffic jams also.
With the benefit of hindsight, we can see that the decision to close the railway back in the 60s was a short-sighted one; consequently opening up the track bed now as a maintained cycle path is an excellent first step to making the route available again. Maybe one day the need for additional non-road travel capacity will be such that it is justified to upgrade it from cycle path to some sort of rapid transit system; in which case we will all be glad that the route was prevented from being lost without trace by using it as a cycle path in the meantime.
This project is absolutely MARVELLOUS. Having lived in Lyncombe Vale for many years I'd say that the route would be a tremendous asset to Bath - a pathway out of town for those who live in it and a conduit for those cycling and walking to our wonderful city. Count me in sir! I've been thinking along similar lines for years, and now the project seems poised to become a reality. WONDERFUL NEWS. A real asset.
May I formally add my written support for the campaign to reopen the two Somerset & Dorset tunnels and complete a path from Bath to Midford . . . and beyond? As as keen cyclist, historian and Bathonian, I believe the scheme to be both inspired and of great value both culturally and historically. I would even suggest that once opened, the two tunnels path will become a major regional tourist attraction. The chance to be able to walk or cycle easily and in safety from the centre of the city, right out into the Somerset countryside through the longest unventilated railway tunnel in the British Isles, on such an historic route is surely an opportunity too good to miss?
One only has to look at the extraordinary success of the first such scheme - the Bath to Bristol Cycle Path along the old Midland Railway line - to see the potential of the proposed Two Tunnels Path. As I see it, if implemented, this is a scheme where everyone wins. It increases the potential for safe recreation, it helps with the present policy of encouraging children cycling to school, it will benefit small businesses along the way (cycle shops, the Hope and Anchor at Midford etc) and a nationally important piece of industrial archaeology will not only be restored and safeguarded for the future but actually put to good use.
The scheme is inspired and visionary.
I offer my full support and once opened, I will be cycling the route on a regular basis.
Even without knowledge of the tunnels existence, its hard to imagine a
better addition to the walking/cycling routes in the south bath area. Once
you understand they are lying there dormant it seems crazy not to realise
their full benefit.
I am very excited by the Two Tunnels project. I live in a village south-east of Bath, and commute into the centre of Bath along the Kennet and Avon canal towpath. Although this is a longer journey than going directly over Combe Down hill, I couldn't face having two hill climbs every day! The new tunnel path will provide a welcome alternative to my current route.
This would be brilliant for all sorts of reasons - any walking or cycling around Bath on the flat or with /gentle/ inclines has to be a good thing and it encourages people (including me!) to get out and about. It makes good use of the old railway track and improves the environment, keeping it tidy and beneficial to all.
Good luck with the project - keeping my fingers crossed.
I would like to add my support for the creation of the two tunnel path in
Bath. I think this path would be of great value both for tourism, but also
more importantly allowing people who live south of Bath in Radstock,
Midsomer Norton and Peasedown St John to ride on a fairly flat and traffic
free route into Bath, since the path will link up with the existing
Colliers way route and the new Wellow - Midford path.
I personally would use the two tunnels path for commuting, shopping and as
an opportunity to enjoy the countryside around Bath.
I wish to offer my strong support for the Two Tunnels plan. As a resident of Larkhall in Bath I make daily use of the existing cycle paths in the area.
In particular, I commute to Temple Meads by running along the canal towpath to Bath Spa station, then taking the train. Alternatively, I cycle all the way to Bristol along the old railway path. At weekends, I frequently run along the Bath to Bradford-on-Avon canal towpath, or cycle on other paths in the area.
I feel that investment in building of non-road-based paths for commuting and leisure is incredibly worthwhile, when increasingly cyclists are being threatened by aggressive speeding drivers on our roads.
There is no doubt that I would make regular use of the Two Tunnels path.
Keep up the good work.
In response to your e-mail of 19/04/06 I've put together a few words on why I'm in support of the Two Tunnels proposal... (I'm afraid it's turned into a bit of an essay but feel free to quote selectively!)
Cycling and walking are both great ways to get exercise but one of the problems with Bath for me is its hills! For a leisurely no-hills bike ride from Bath there's a choice of two routes: to Bristol, or along the Kennet & Avon canal (both part of Sustrans' National Route 4). Although they are both excellent paths neither offers a circular route, and the Two Tunnels proposal would provide an excellent circular walking/cycling route from Bath that I'm sure I'd want to use regularly. It would also make trips to Midford and beyond much more tempting as the hill climbing and length of journey from Bath would be a lot shorter.
I also work for Claverton Pumping Station (a waterwheel-powered pump built in 1813 for the Kennet & Avon canal, and now run by volunteers); I think the increase in people using the area brought about by opening the Two Tunnels route would be helpful to us in attracting visitors.
[Aside: I'm sure I could arrange for us to show a poster or distribute leaflets at the pumping station if this might be useful to you? I suspect there may be a fair few potential Two Tunnels supporters amongst the industrial history enthusiasts who visit the pump!]
Finally as someone interested in industrial/railway heritage in general I'd love to see this part of the old S&DJR reopened -- it would be fantastic to walk again along the route and see inside the old tunnels!
I support this proposal since it would open up cycleways for my family and I to explore the area to the South East of Bath that we can currently only access by car.
We support the Two Tunnels project.
It gives us the opportunity to retain the historic Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway formation in good order for historical reasons and also to use this path to explore the local countryside by continuing many miles from the nearby Linear Park path.
This would be of great benefit both to local people and visitors in providing a safe route for walking or cycling away from the fumes,noise and dangers of road traffic.
My family and I walked through the Combe Down Tunnel on many occasions when it was open and on one night we searched it for a missing child who was found later at Foxhill. We all would love to do it again. It is a safe route for all ages and beautiful valleys at Lyncombe Vale and Tucking Mill. We support The Somerset and Dorset J.R. Heritage..
As Shoscombe residents, we regularly use Cycle Route 24 to walk or cycle to Radstock; the idea of being able to cycle to Bath from Shoscombe via the Two Tunnels path is very exciting prospect indeed, which we fully support.
The Two Tunnels Path would re-establish and conserve the continuity of a historic transport corridor and provide a valuable modern use for the great engineering legacy left by the builders of the original railway. The Path would create a sustainable transport link to Bath for those of us who live in the Midford / Wellow valley and create new opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of the stunning views of this part of the world for many others.
We congratulate Sustrans on its all achievements thus far and wish you every success in opening up the Two Tunnels Path. We look forward to using it on a regular basis!
I think the scheme is brilliant and I'd certainly use the route. I live in Bath and often cycle out towards Wellow.
Just a note to indicate my support for the venture.
As an enthusiast of history and old railways I, along with two of my friends, covered as much of the route from Bath to Midford as we could about 12 years ago. We followed to path up to where the Devonshire Tunnel entrance would have been, picked up the southern entrance to Combe Down Tunnel entrance in Lyncombe Vale, to Combe Down Tunnel entrance near Tucking Mill and then on the Midford through "Long Arch" Bridge.
Clearly, this route would be of great interest to enthusiasts of the S&DJ Railway as this was one of the most famous stretches of the route.
As a person who is no longer able to drive I look forward to being able to revisit this area to walk the route in the future.
I would love to see the construction of the two tunnels path, as a keen mountain biker it would complete a great route around Bath as well as providing excellent access to trails beyond Bath that I would normally use a car to get to.
Good luck in your bid.
As someone who used the "Two Tunnels route" to get from the Hope & Anchor pub at Midford to Bath when the railway was closed but still had track and the tunnels were open I would love to use the route again legally! All power to your elbow in getting the route off the ground. All the best ...
I wish to show my support for the fantastic Two Tunnels project.
The route of this path is ideal for the people of Bath to explore the beautiful countryside to the south of the city, without having to submit to the raw pain of climbing Ralph Allen Drive or Wellsway, making it perfect to encourage families and the less fit to explore.
It also enables the more adventurous cyclist from South Gloucestershire the chance to trek further into somerset on a safe, traffic free route.
I am the Manager of Dave Bater Cycles in Downend and am actively spreading the word on this most worthy project.
I wish you well for the future.
I support this imaginative project, chiefly for the following reasons.
Pedestrian and cycle routes away from car and lorry traffic are a great enhancer of the quality of life experienced by people, and by an urban environment. As well as this lift to the spirits, simple benefits to health also accrue. The Two Tunnels Project would also make good use of some of the area's heritage and history. This is just the sort of imaginative and attractive project - which would cost so much less than many other transport developments - that should be encouraged in today's society.
Great idea - I look forward to using the path when it's complete.
As a keen cyclist I think the link into Bath via the tunnels would be of huge benefit and am confident it would get used for both leisure and commuting cycling.
Any extra traffic free cycling routes are more than welcome around Bath
particularly when it will extend existing routes
Please add my support for the proposal of the 'two tunnels' path project.
As a daily commuting and leisure cyclist I have first hand experience of the immense value of car -free routes to the community. Apart from 2 well used routes, Bath is in fact desperately short of such facilities. I sincerely hope the efforts to obtain funding are a success.
Thankyou for working in support of the proposal of the 'two tunnels' path.
As a mother of two small boys it is of some concern that when they become more independent and will want to make journeys by bicycle, car-free routes for this are very scarce in Bath. (this is also the only reason why I rarely cycle myself). I hope the application for the (very small, in comparison to road budgets) funding is successful.
I'd like to add my support to the campaign to get the tunnels and this route opened. It seems a great idea to be able to get from the south side of Bath out to the countryside at Midford and Wellow without having to go up and over Combe Down. I'm sure it'd be extremely popular - I know we'd use it as a family for cycle rides and walks.
I support this path to give a nearly flat way out of Bath towards Midsomer Norton, to allow for sociable, fit commuting and leisure. I used to have to use the A367 in the mornings from Midsomer Norton - WHAT A NIGHTMARE!! Anything that eases that road's dreadfully dangerous traffic congestion must be hugely welcomed by the council and Sustrans, surely?
To whom it may concern,
I would like to offer my support for the development of the Two Tunnels pathway.
I was one of the children that opened the Linear Way from Monksdale Road to the Devonshire Tunnel in a ceremony in the 1970's and subsequently used it for many years for recreation and as a general pathway. I have also visited the Lyncombe Vale section and Midford beyond the Combe Down tunnel. These are all wonderful environments in their own right and linking them using the historic and architecturally important two tunnels is an exciting prospect.
Completion of this project would bring huge benefits to the local area in the form of investment in addition to providing a recreational resource and environmentally friendly traffic free pathway. A carefully researched and implemented pathway development could help to protect and enhance the valuable wildlife habitat that has developed as well as preserving an important historic route and a wide range of industrial and architectural features.
Successful restoration of the Two Tunnels and linking as a whole pathway would deliver a unique asset that would be used and valued for generations.
What a great thing it would be to have the path, not only as a lovely walk and way to take exercise, but also for the fact that it would be preserving our industrial history.
As primarily a leisure cyclist, this path would provide me with a fantastic opportunity to travel on a virtually flat route from one side of the city to the countryside on the other. The ability to link to the Bath to Bristol cycle track and to go on to the recently completed Midford to Wellow path, and then through to Radstock and beyond almost to Frome, will be just great. This will fill many a summer weekend and evening.
My friends are already asking if the path is open so that they can cycle through a mile of tunnel, something none of them have EVER done!
I'm really excited at the prospect of the tunnels re-opening. As a keen cyclist, I cycle daily from Midford to Bath so I would benefit enormously personally and would make much use of it. I have been convinced by the arguments put forward that this would be a tremendous benefit to the local, Bath and indeed wider communities. In particular, anything that encourages people to get out of their cars is to be applauded. I especially like the idea of people being able to do a circuit: either coming or going from Bath through the tunnels and returning along the canal.
I employ around 10 people in Bath and have discussed this with them. They are all very enthusiastic about the project and I am sure it would encourage a number of them to get out their bikes!
I really do hope that this project succeeds.
Although I know the former railway line to be converted into a future Two Tunnels Shared Path from the map only, it seems to be obvious that this path will generate new environment-compatible traffic. Opening of the two tunnels is a great chance to create a path suitable for a wide range of visitors and it will fit in the long-distance cycle network of the region perfectly.
There are many good examples for rail-trails in several European countries opened during the last few years showing that this kind of Greenways works very well. A tourism representative responsible for marketing of a trail under construction south of Trier/Germany (without a tunnel but in some other points comparable with "your" trail) told me that "people just followed the tarmac machine". I am sure that the Two Tunnels Shared Path will get the same high interest of the audience.
I would like to add my support to the two tunnels path. As I live close to linear park I enjoy being to walk and cycle in the park and the surrounding area in the evenings and weekends. Getting from linear park to the other parts of the railway line is difficult and involves steps and this hinders access for many. In the UK we are supposedly trying to ensure that we move towards sustainability, that we are healthier and that we reduce car use (hence reducing congestion and pollutants). By increasing the number of paths open to people we can encourage the use of bikes and walking for transport and leasure. By opening paths in built up areas and involving the community in their use and upkeep we can increase health, fitness, community spirit and therefore, introduce a more sustainable lifestyle.
I strongly support the Two Tunnels Path.
It will give Bath a "3rd route" to complement the B&B Railway Path and K&A Canal towing path. This will draw Bath and Wansdyke closer together.
The opening of a long tunnel, successfully achieved in many European and North American cases, will expand the scope of the National Cycle Network and the aspirations of walkers and riders.
Passing through this tunnel is a unique and exciting experience, which should be made available to the general public. It will add to the visitor experience in the region.
We support the two tunnels path because it would be a very good place to exercise and will preserve our railway heritage. It would link Bath with the countryside allowing people to access it easily.
Just a quick line or two in support of the two tunnels scheme. I feel this is a particularly worthwhile scheme for two principal reasons. Firstly it will provide the opportunity for circular walks linked to existing paths (canal towpath etc) which is ideal for the Bath area which is a centre for holidays and leisure. Secondly, the route will link together and enhance existing green corridors in this direct link to the heart of the city. Good luck.
I write as Vice-President of the S&DRHT and as a private individual who in the early 1980\s had the same vision and wrote to all the local councils and landowners urging a moratorium on any changes to the old railway infrastructure - just in case a walkway/cycleway could be reinstated.
I thus fully support this plan.
I have always thought that this would be a fantastic route for a cycle path. I supported Andrew Nicholson's submission to the Millenium Commission in 1996. The links with the south of Bath are obvious from the leisure cycling point of view, but Bath has particular problems, as you know, with pollution and congestion. This path can take cycling commuters on the flat (well almost, but certainly rideable inclines) from the villages and the towns to the south into the city and back and make a small dent in these problems.
Bath and North East Somerset Council is an authority which is split between city and country/small market towns and this path can act as a unifying feature as well as being one of the most exciting and picturesque rides in the country. I have heard John Grimshaw call route 3 through Bath along the canal to Stonehenge the 'Blue Riband' of cycle routes. I believe that this southerly route with its amazing connection to Bath could rival route 3 for this title. I am delighted to give the Two Tunnels project my full support.
What a great idea.
There just can't be enough places for families and others to go to in complete safety, getting out of doors and close to nature. And if that hangs around our heritage it is educational at the same time.
And it must be good for the city. More tourists of course bringing wealth, a higher quality of living for the residence, a fitter and healthier population - everybody is a winner.
Good luck with the project.
I have recently become aware of the initiative to open the two tunnels path.
My wife and I have recently taken up cycling on the local network of cycle tracks and off road paths. We would certainly use the two tunnels route as it would create a wonderful loop taking in Midford and the Kennet & Avon.
I do hope this excellent initiative can be made to happen - it would benefit so many people in Bath and around.
As a resident of Midford with three children aged 10, 11 and 13, we would love to be able to cycle into Bath on the disused railway line. It would be a safe way for us as a family to exercise together away from the busy, polluted roads and save on the congestion. We wouldn't need a car parking space either! We already use the new cycle track from Midford to Wellow and back to Tucking Mill. We used it several times over the Easter holidays and will continue to use it more and more over the coming months. Our neighbours with small children who have just learnt to ride their bikes have also found the cycle track a great addition to Midford.
We all greatly support the development of the Two Tunnels Path.
I would like to express my support for something which I feel would be a valuable and interesting addition to the cycle network around Bath. I also quite fancy the idea of not having to slog my guts out up entry hill!
I think the Two Tunnels path is a great idea which would be of great value to my family and I. With two children now competent on bikes, the path would open up a number of opportunities for us to cycle straight from home in Bear Flat rather than having to load bikes on the car or risk lengthy stages on crowded roads.
Best of luck with the campaign and let's hope it gets the lottery support it deserves.
I wholeheartedly support this project and its aim of opening up the two tunnels. As a MIdford resident the greatest fear we had when the cycle track to Wellow opened was that hoards of 4x4's would climb over the hills from Bath, attempt to park at Midford (where there is NO parking) decant bikes etc for the delightful trip to Wellow - cycle back, pack up and churn up the verges on their way back to the city. The opening of the two tunnels would provide a car free, safe, level and delightful thoroughfare from a world heritage city to some of the most beautiful countryside in the South West and would have nothing but a beneficial effect on the local environment.
Properly done - and extended (to Bournemouth?) this track should be the Jewel in Sustrans Crown.
Hi
Pretty obvious why
To fast commute between the SW and Bath you need a quick traffic route into Bath rather than going round the canal or over Brassknocker. Car traffic into Bath from this direction is appalling.
I asked SUSTRANS about this route 4 years ago so glad to see you're making a concerted effort.
Just a quick line to say it would be nice to use this path either to walk along with my family or ideally cycle along.
Dear Sustrans,
This proposal gets my full support and clearly aligns with other good work you have carried out in the region in re-instating former railway lines into cycle paths. The re-opening of the two tunnels creates a safe, level cycle route from the centre of Bath to the wonderful countryside south of the City. The only alternative at present involves steep hills (too challenging for children) and busy B-roads (too dangerous for safe cycling, especially at twilight). Personally I would use this route regularly and promote it to others.
This sounds to me like a genuinely good initiative. As a regular cyclist in Bath and supporter of sustainable transport I would lend the initiative all the support I can.
A great opportunity has arisen to turn near derelict broken up sections of public footpath into one long path linking two parts of the national cycle path network by reopening two tunnels along the former Somerset and Dorset railway line which starts in the heritage city of Bath.
This vital link will benefit many people, both who love to walk and cycle in complete safety away from any main roads in stunning countryside as well as restoring a section of the much loved Somerset and Dorset railway line and will serve as fitting memorial to the line and the people who worked it.
As a regular walker along parts of the closed line it will be of huge benefit to walk the entire section without having to come off the line where the two present tunnels are closed off to the public.
Its a very exciting project well worth the investment which will last for many years to come and serve many future generations both young and old.
This path would make a lot of difference in the ability to cycle out of Bath, at present it is very limited without going on major & dangerous roads.
Ever since they (who ever?) filled in the Devonshire portal and blocked off the rest I've hoping that someone would have the vision the re-open them once again. As a nipper we would often walk/ride through and enjoy the views of the Midford Valley from the other side. Around the same time the bridges near Ringwood Road and over the A4 were removed this was also a terrible mistake, in as much as it cuts a possible direct artery into almost the middle of Bath.
Closed railway lines should never be cut or blocked in any way, because although it will be great to walk and cycle through in the near future, I feel there at some time in the future these arteries will be needed again when cars become unsustainable and we have to revert to a mass transit system.
Great news about the idea to open up the two tunnels as a path.
Although I was too young to have seen the line open I have been fascinated by it and enjoy exploring what is left of it. As a cyclist this would be a fantastic way to continue to explore this railway around Bath and hopefully beyond.
The Two Tunnels project is an excellent and exciting idea, as well as being an essential route for walkers and cyclists. It would bridge the gap between the Bristol-Bath cycle path along the former Midland line, and the route onwards from Midford. It would also serve as a significant reminder of our railway heritage, with the key features (the two tunnels and earthworks along the route) being accessible to our generation and future generations. The sections through Lyncombe Vale and south of Combe Down tunnel are beautiful and under utilised, and the path would form a significant and unique asset.
I am a Sustrans volunteer Ranger on National Cycle Route 24, Dundas-Midford section. Opening the two tunnels would be hugely popular. I am 200% in favour, and would dearly like to see it happen before I finally hang up my bike (I am in my seventies, and cycle from Bath to Radstock and beyond regularly). In any case, it will be a great thing for future generations.
I want to register my strong support for the Two Tunnels project.
As a keen cyclist and walker I have supported the development of off-road cycle/shared paths for many years. Now my health is failing, I cannot tackle the steep gradients that I used to and welcome a route from Wellow and Midford into Bath that utilises the tunnels. When Wessex Water kindly opened the Combe Down tunnel a couple of years ago for a charity walk, there was massive local interest and support for its reopening for walkers and cycling.
I wish you good luck in progressing this project.
I love the idea of the two-tunnels path: it will mean that I can travel all the way from
Bristol to my friends Dick and Jane, hardly using the roads at all. Then I can travel
onwards to Somerset and back via Bath. It's a brilliant idea!
I am a resident of Midford and I live alongside the old railway line. The Sustrans work completed so far has been an unqualified success and is being used by ever increasing numbers of people, both local and visitors.
The project was handled very well by Sustrans with substantial input from local residents and the Parish Council, extending the path through the two tunnels would increase the popularity of the route even further to the benefit of all. I am wholeheartedly in favour of it.
I'd like to give my support for the two tunnels path. As a resident in Combe Down and a leader with the local Scout group to have this path fully open would be of great benefit to me personally but also to the young people I work with through the Scouts.
As part of our activities we try to get the young people out on foot and on their bikes as often as possible. However walking and cycling on the main roads and country lanes is not particularly safe for the young people. To have a path that enables them to go a long distance through the countryside safely would enable us to get them out more often and more safely. With over 130 young members in the Combe Down Scout Group, opening this path would make a considerable difference to lots of young people.
Please add my support to the two tunnels campaign. It would be a fantastic extension to the lovely and useful path through Oldfield Park opening up a level route into Monkton Combe.
As two dedicated, local cyclists and residents of Combe Down, we are delighted with and fully support the proposals to create this new pathway.
We consider it will represent good value, a great amenity to Bath, its residents and holiday-makers spending in this area.
I am writing to register my support for the proposed Two Tunnels path. It is frankly a great idea and, from my perspective, it would open up a wealth of destinations for me as I cycle from my home in Oldfield Park, Bath with my 3-year-old daughter on board. I would be able to reach places to the south of Bath that are currently beyond my ability due to the size of the intervening hills. Keep up the pressure!
Many thanks for your efforts,
As a mother of two active boys I think it's a great idea to have safe cycle routes for them to explore. Add to this the excitement of tunnels and railway history and I'm sure we'll be regular visitors.
Good luck with efforts to secure funding.
I am delighted to add my support for the proposal to establish a shared path on the route of the old S & D Railway between Lower Bristol Road Bath, and Midford.
I have lived in Bath for all of my life, and now, at 58, would love to be able to access the Midford Valley and Wellow by cycle. (as I did years ago by train)
Sadly, the hills around Bath are just too much for me to cycle there now, and the alternative of loading the bikes onto a car to take to Midford really defeats the object. (even if you could find anywhere to park at Midford)
This marvellous project will allow access to the sustrans route to Wellow & beyond for anyone in Bath without the need for the car, at reasonable gradients, and is the only possible opportunity to do so. Having walked through Combe Down tunnel on a number of occasions, I can see no problems with routing the path through it and the shorter Devonshire tunnel providing adequate lighting and other safety precautions are taken.
I would urge the HLF to favourably consider this scheme. It is a wonderful opportunity to improve recreational access to the south of Bath in an environmentally friendly way, and also to tidy up a sadly neglected area, preserving the historical route and its infrastructure for future generations.
PS How about a "coffee & comfort shop" at Midford by reinstating a replica station building? (Look at Tintern station in the Wye Valley for an example)
Wonderful project. I have seen the steady increase in use of the cycleways around Radstock and have no doubt that a traffic-free route in and out of Bath would become very popular. (President, Somer Valley Cycling Club)
The path would be of huge benefit to people in the area surrounding Bath as it would afford many people the opportunity to take their families along a safe and accessible path into the countryside around Bath, providing a cheap and safe means of exercise and the opportunity to see some of the less well known glories of Bath and the area.
We live and work near the proposed path, between the two tunnels, and are sure we would use it a lot to cycle in to town and Oldfield Park shops as well as the country.
I would like to express my support for the scheme to return the tunnels to use as a footpath/cycleway, as I think that our transport heritage is an important thing that shouldn't be discarded just because it is no longer used. I live in Southampton and would gladly travel just to walk the old S&D route not just because it interests me but as the area is a beautiful part of the country.
The very best of luck with this project
I write to give my support to the above project.
I am a great believer in any project that encourages as many people as possible to choose not to use their cars for as many local journeys as possible.
Bath has a terrible problem with motor traffic congestion with the resultant pollution causing damage to health and property.
This project will provide the opportunity for many people who would not otherwise do so, to make journeys by foot and cycle, thus improving not only their own health and fitness but also the environment of the city in which they live.
I live in Radstock, already on the current NCN24, but some 10 miles from Bath via steep hills and/or busy roads. The Two Tunnels project would, for me and my family, provide a very real serious possibility of practical shopping trips to the city by bicycle, which as a non-car owning family, would be a real bonus to us.
Please give the project your serious consideration.
I would like to show my support for the opening of the two tunnels path. I am a regular walker & cyclist and believe this section if opened will enable me to make more trips into and around Bath. As it currently stands i have to make what is already a long journey into Bath an even longer full day out so I can only undertake it on good days and summer days.
I wish you well in your efforts and will support you whenever I can.
Although I don't live in the area we vist Bath regularly, often with bikes. The 2 tunnels path would give another cycle exit from Bath and together with the canal path would give a great round trip for exercise and "tourists" alike. Paths like the Camel trail are known to bring money into the area and this project, if well executed, would do the same.
A great way to make use of an asset which is currently wasted.
I think opening up the Two Tunnels and linking it to the National Cycle Network would be a fantastic idea.
The Two tunnels route would open up the southern route out of Bath. For so long we have been restricted to cycling either East or West. It would make a nice change to be able to go South, plus of course it would create a circular route around Bath. Cycling through Combe Down Tunnel and emerging at Tucking Mill would be such a dramatic transition from City to Countryside.
Having only learnt about the 'Two Tunnels Path' in the last few weeks I must say how wonderful an idea it is for local people and for people touring on their bikes from all over the country.
I know the tunnel at Ashbourne on NCN 68 is very well received by everyone that finds it on their travels and I have had many expressions of delight about how much it has improved their ride through the countryside. Since the opening of the tunnel it has made a big difference to the numbers of people cycling.
I hope therefore that you are successful in getting the two tunnels path open soon.
Contact: ignore the strikethrough - here's our email address:
Tel (Ansaphone): (+44) 1225 723 490
Two Tunnels: Made in Bath.