‘Good progress’ is being made on the Garsdale to Hawes Multi-User Route.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has been developing a proposal to create the bridleway, in Upper Wensleydale, since 2022 and has identified all the separate land holdings along the proposed route. Land agents working for the National Park Authority have been in discussions about compensation and practical issues with most of the landowners.
It is hoped that by the end of March next year the first public right of way creation agreements will have been signed. At that stage, detailed plans for installing the necessary infrastructure will be drawn up, as well as bids to potential funders for the capital works.
A survey carried out in March 2022 demonstrated strong public support for a multi user route along ‘Hawes Branch’, a six mile stretch of disused railway line between Garsdale Station and Hawes. Almost 80% of the nearly 2,300 responses expressed support for a family-friendly, off-road, wheelchair-accessible way for people on horse, bike or foot, which would bring significant local economic development.
Lizzie Bushby, Member Champion for Recreation Management, said: “Enquiries about the progress of the Garsdale-Hawes Multi-User Route are being made regularly, so it’s time we provided an update, especially for those who took part in the survey in 2022.
“Good progress is being made. The principle of developing a public right of way between Garsdale Station and the former Hawes Station has been established. Resources have been allocated to complete creation agreements in partnership with landowners. Discussions are well advanced with partners regarding the liability for some of the larger structures. From the looks of it, the Victorian infrastructure of Hawes Branch, being well built, is fundamentally sound.
“There is a lot of excitement about the project. It will provide spectacular views of the farmed landscape and a level way for all abilities. It will promote active travel at a time of climate emergency. And it will provide a far safer opportunity for children and their families to exercise and access nature in the magnificent environment of Upper Wensleydale.
“It is still too early to provide a detailed timescale for the development. It’s certainly going to take several years to complete, as we learned when we developed the Pennine Bridleway National Trail. Yet we are confident the Garsdale-Hawes Multi User Route will happen. The first practical works on the ground, on those land parcels where creation agreements are efficiently reached, could begin in 2025.”
**Note: This news release was edited on 1 November 2024, so that is consistently refers to the proposed multi-user route as “Garsdale-Hawes”.
Can we see a map of the route, please?
Does this help?
https://upperwensleydalerailway.org.uk/route-and-structures/
Does absolutely nothing to improve access for tourism to the area. The reopening of the railway from Garsdale will afford direct continuous connections from the rest of the National Rail Network to Hawes and beyond.
Something that does not appear to be addressed is the new parking areas that will be needed for horse boxes and private cars etc that will be required.
A much better option as government policy is moving to reopening rail routes surely much better to open the area to people using high speed viable public transport is better for the environment and all the public to access the environment
Some good ideas especially from ingleton up to Kirby Lonsdale, enabling people to stay off the notorious A65. Please,please let it all happen.
Looks like the Penrith to Keswick railway is now stirring to reopening to help tourists enjoy the area and access without car. The boost has come from the local government split of Cumbria into two, Cumberland council and Westmoreland and Furness. Kewswick is now in the a constituency shared with Penrith that wants reopening along with the areas local government wanting this rail route that will be a 7 day 52 week National Rail route run as part of and connected to the National Network.
I did here that some of bridleway campaigners did convince many of the small sample of the public that any rail operation between Garsdale and Hawes would be a “toy train” run by volunteers as a heritage railway which is of course is incorrect. Furthermore this was not corrected by the NYNP. Like the Keswick – Penrith it would be part of the national network,
As all know the track bed runs from Garsdale via Hawes, Askrigg to Asygarth just short of the old station yard within walking distance of the Falls Carpark.
Was the residents and businesses east of Hawes offered the chance to vote/pass on their wishes as to the use of the track bed and potential reopening of a national rail connection?
The multi user path is of only benifit to a small number and is an unforgivable waste of asset, income and connectivity for the area.
Hi Brian, everyone, local residents and the wider public, had the opportunity to offer their views on the idea in a survey we conducted in 2022. A wide range of views were heard.
Could you give an update on progress and timescales please ? I would be using this route as part of a loop from Dent if we’re available
Hi Guy. I will find out if there’s any more information and come back to you. Wendy (Communications Team)
Good evening Comms Team
I too would love an update on this and other local initiatives eg the greenway proposals in the Nidd Valley from Ripley to Pateley Bridge.
I heard recently that Burnsall is having a huge influx of tourists and local car parks have closed . This is likely to be reflected elsewhere in the Dales and even makes a stronger case for reopening the railway line
I’d love to see any re use of the route though
Best wishes
Gwil Selwood
Great to see progress on this excellent scheme. The more options for cyclists, walkers, and riders to stay off the roads the better and the connection will provide a route with a gentle gradient (unlike the road) to connect Hawes to the S&C at Garsdale.
Railways are a thing of the past.
This is the age of the train