New pathway established at Temple Newsam, making the historic setting accessible for all visitors
A new route connecting the Temple Newsam Estate to the National Cycle Network has been unveiled, providing a sustainable travel option for locals and visitors alike. The new path, which runs from Temple Newsam House to Pontefract Lane in the south and connects to National Cycle Route 66 in the north, is a significant step forward in improving active travel choices in the area.
The project, which cost over £1.1 million, was made possible through funding from the National Highways' Designated Funds programme. The path starts outside Temple Newsam House and connects with National Cycle Network Route 66, offering a seamless journey for cyclists and pedestrians.
In addition to the new route, the team has worked to reinstate an historic carriageway and re-lay a cobblestone path, maintaining the character of the estate while making the surface more accessible for wheelchairs, buggies, and other mobility aids. A former carriageway that had been grassed over was also reinstated to create the walking, wheeling, and cycling route through the estate.
To ensure easy navigation, better directional signage has been added throughout the path. Crossing the River Aire in the future would enable people to connect with National Cycle Network Route 67 along the canal, potentially opening up even more travel options for those using the new route.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families and ward member for Temple Newsam, Leeds, expressed her pleasure at playing a part in creating the new National Cycle Network route. She believes providing better active and sustainable travel choices encourages more people to walk, cycle, and wheel, improving health and wellbeing.
The work on the path was influenced by collaboration with the heritage team at Temple Newsam Estate and advice from landscape architects reShaped, who carried out similar work on Liverpool waterfront. National Highways Head of Customer Journeys Freda Rashdi expressed pride in supporting the project, which she believes will make a significant difference in the area.
The improvements allow many more people to access the path and enjoy it for leisure and short trips. For those interested in learning more about the project or future developments, consultations can be made with Leeds City Council’s public rights of way or access improvement plans, Sustrans for National Cycle Network works in the area, or Temple Newsam estate official website or visitor services.
The new cycle route, connecting Temple Newsam Estate to the National Cycle Network, offers an excellent opportunity for locals and visitors to adopt an active lifestyle by embracing outdoor-living through cycling and pedestrian activities. The improved home-and-garden area, thanks to the reinstated historic carriageway and re-laid cobblestone path, provides a more accessible environment for various mobility aids, encouraging community members to enjoy the estate leisurely.
