Representation by Pennine National Trails Partnership (Pennine National Trails Partnership)
- Date submitted
- 1 September 2022
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
I am making a representation on behalf of the Pennine National Trails Partnership whose remit is to maintain and promote the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway National Trails. National Trails are long distance walks and rides through some of the very best landscapes the UK has to offer. They are special – they have been designated by the Government and are managed to a set of Quality Standards that set them above other routes. The Pennine Way crosses the A66 in two places at Bowes, and the Pennine Bridleway Northern Extension is also proposed to cross between Appleby and Warcop. The Pennine Way has been acknowledged in document 2.4 Walking, Cycling and Horse-riding Proposals, and sufficient provision has been made for the route to be retained after dualling is complete. There is no mention of the Pennine Bridleway Northern Extension in the aforementioned document, nor it's need to cross the A66. The Northern Extension was approved by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, but has not yet been implemented. As the route will carry pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, a suitable grade-separated crossing is required, along with potential to link to existing or newly created bridleways/byways or minor roads to the north and south. The approved route of the Northern Extension did not consider the dualling of the A66, and utilised the only grade-separated crossing which was available at the time (at Coupland). This route is not ideal for a number of reasons, including the need for a substantial new bridge over the river Eden at Great Ormside. The dualling of the A66 provides an opportunity for the Northern Extension to utilise the existing river bridge at Sandford, and the proposed accommodation underpass near to Café 66 or the grade separated junction west of Warcop. Both of these grade separated crossings link to the east-west shared cycleway/footway on the north side of the carriageway. However: • The east-west shared cycleway/footway does not extend all the way to the Coupland Beck underpass. Extending this to connect with the underpass would provide greater opportunity for connectivity of walking, cycling and horse riding routes. Especially, the opportunity for the Pennine Bridleway Northern Extension to use the Sandford bridge over the River Eden, and a new grade-separated crossing of the A66, and then connect up with the approved route northwards at Coupland. • The east-west shared cycleway/footway makes no mention of horse riders or mobility devices such as trampers. These user groups are just as valid, especially with the potential of a National Trail using the route in future. The east-west route should be designed as a truly multi-user corridor. • The design of the grade-separated crossing at Warcop only refers to pedestrians. With the future potential of carrying the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, this junction should be designed with horse riders and cyclists in mind. The junction will provide connectivity for these users from a minor road to the east-west shared cycleway/footway regardless of the future presence of the Pennine Bridleway.