The Brecon to Hay Greenway

FAQ

  1. Who will be using the path?

    The route will be predominantly used by cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users (other non-motorised transport will also be permitted e.g. scooters, roller blades). The aims are to reduce the number of journeys taken by motor vehicles to improve health and reduce fossil fuel consumption, to increase space available for leisure, and to improve road safety. Those using the path are likely to be predominantly local residents but may include tourists and leisure cyclists.
  2. Who will have responsibility for the path?

    We are aiming for the Greenway to become a public right of way, meaning that responsibility will lie with the Highway Authority. 
  3. What sort of surface will it have?

    Following advice from organisations involved in creating similar routes, such as Sustrans, and consultation with other groups that have created multi-use paths, we will be aiming to create a path with a hard surface such as tarmac. Whilst more intensive in the short term, tarmac has lower impact in the long term due to its increased durability that reduces the need for resurfacing and maintenance work.
  4. Have links to Llangors and other spurs been considered?

    Yes, where it is practical and makes sense to do so, and where budget allows, we would be keen to create spurs along the route, to improve access for locals and tourists alike.
  5. How will the historical value of the land be preserved?

    Use of the old railway as a route has the potential to preserve a number of heritage aspects that may otherwise be lost. These include structural elements such as bridges and sidings, as well as information on the history of the railway. We plan to provide information boards and signs periodically along the route to allow users to learn more about the history of the area and of the railway. Similar displays and information boards are already in place in Brecon adjacent to the canal, which is likely to form part of the route.
  6. What will be the approximate cost of the feasibility study and what is its scope?

    The cycling charity Sustrains carried out an initial feasibility study for the Greenway in January 2019, which included mapping the route and existing links, surveying the route from public access points, suggesting a design for the route and providing a pictorial report.
    At the time, Sustrans estimated the cost of a full feasibility study – the next step – to be in the region of £12,000; however, this was a rough estimate only and we anticipate the final cost could be somewhat higher. Its scope will include ecology, the environment, the design and future maintenance of the route as well as the potential for access points and spurs along it.
  7. Who will pay for the path?

    The path will be funded by a combination of grants from government and other sources, and private donations. An endowment fund will be created to support the costs for ongoing maintenance of the path in the future.
  8. How does the committee plan to acquire the rights to the land?

    There are a number of options available for acquiring land to use the path, which will be agreed on an individual basis and will take account of specific factors on the land in question. These options can include permissive use, leasing or purchasing the land. We hope to discuss this further with landowners along the route to find the appropriate solution.
  9. How will you prevent people from misusing the land?

    The committee will endeavour to ensure that appropriate behaviour is maintained. There will be areas for disposal of rubbish situated along the route and measures to avoid excessive speed. Fencing will be erected where required to separate agricultural land and livestock from the path where necessary, and screening may be used where there are dwellings. We will ensure that all landowners have a point of contact should any instances of unfortunate behaviour occur, and this will be taken seriously.
  10. Can the Greenway justify being environmentally friendly? What provisions will there be?

    The consideration of ecology will be a priority in the design and construction of the Greenway, particularly with regards to European protected species such as great crested newts, bats and dormice. The proposed route runs near to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); there is the Talyllyn tunnel, which has a significant bat roost, and a Wildlife Trust reserve between Groesffordd and the tunnel is of further note.
    With the help of local botanists, we hope that with the replanting of flora and fauna, the Greenway will improve the ecology of the old railway line (which is already disturbed ground). 
  11. Will motor vehicles be allowed on the route?

    The route will be available to users of e-bikes, mobility vehicles and wheelchairs; motorcycles and motorised scooters will not be permitted in line with national rules on public routes. Motorised vehicles required for access may be permitted in certain circumstances, but use would be restricted to those with access rights.
  12. Can equestrian use be confirmed?

    The Greenway is intended to be a mixed-use path for walkers, cyclists, and those with limited mobility, and horseriding has yet to be confirmed. There is the question of whether the path (Sustrans proposes a sealed Tarmac path with a width of 2.5m) would safely and comfortably accommodate cyclists, walkers and horses – while recognising that daily traffic on the path is unlikely to be heavy.  
  13. What is the timescale for the project?

    We are aiming to approach the route in sections. The timescale for individual sections may therefore be variable, but we hope to commence building the route within the next two years. We anticipate that gathering funding and securing land negotiation arrangements with all landowners along the route may take a number of years to achieve, but we will endeavour to complete the project in as short a time as we are able.
  14. What other groups  is this Greenway engaging with?

    In 2021, the Brecon to Hay Greenway was approached by a group that is keen to get the Hereford to Hay section of railway line up and running as a Greenway. In addition, there are two similar projects – the Golden Valley route (Hay-Clifford-Pontrilas), which connects with our line, and Leominster-Bromyard-Worcester, which is a separate line but geographically quite close. We hope to be able to work together in some capacity with all three groups.

    Separately, we have been grateful for advice from more established railway paths – the Twyi Valley Path (TVP) scheme in Carmarthenshire, and the Watercress Way, near Winchester.