Tywi Valley Path FAQs

The shared use path is mainly 3 metres wide and will be constructed using a variety of surfaces suitable for its use and the surroundings. The path will be classed as a cycle track and will cater for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Further sections will be completed over the summer months, where appropriate sections will be made available to use by the public. Members of the public are asked to refrain from attempting to access and use the path along these sections where live construction work is on-going. The final elements of the path will be the 2 main bridges spanning the Tywi and Cothi rivers. These are due for delivery and installation in the Autumn.

Parking areas are available adjacent to the museum grounds in Abergwili and at Tafarn Y Railway, Nantgaredig, where refreshments can be purchased.

A number of locations have been considered as entry points / hubs which will incorporate additional facilities such as parking, rest or picnic areas, These will be primarily at or near points where the path meets the public highway, or other public rights of way. Other access may be available by agreement with landowners. 

The access point which is now open for use is next to Carmarthenshire museum in Bishop's Palace, Abergwili where there are parking spaces and refreshments.

We welcome commercial ventures and ideas along the path and any parties interested are encouraged to email Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk

There is no public access to the rivers at any point along the route.

Good initial design with appropriate specification and features can minimise the need for maintenance. Initial vegetation maintenance during the construction phase, along with the chosen surfacing will ensure a long maintenance-free period and minimal input thereafter, contributing to a low whole-life costing.

We have made a commitment to maintain this valuable community asset at the same time as seeking to set up a local volunteer group such as Pride in your patch, contact Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk

A scoping report assessed a number of potential on and off road options, and concluded to utilise wherever possible the route of the old railway line.

It is noted that former railway lines make excellent routes for walking and cycling paths, already being direct established continuous transport routes connecting communities. They are reasonably level with gentle gradients, and also have a good base for construction. The links into the community/urban centres at each end and along the route are subject to further feasibility work and options are being investigated.

Environmental and ecological reports and surveys were undertaken at an early stage so designs could not only minimise and eliminate the impact on sensitive locations but also provide environmental enhancement where possible. 

No, whilst the path may cross over a land holding, the land to each side will not be severed. Access for the landowner can be maintained to suit the particular needs, by agreement.

The Compulsory purchase process has been successfully completed, with all lands necessary to deliver the scheme now vested, and in the control of the Local Authority.

We have received £16.7million from the UK Government, Welsh Government's Local Transport Fund and Active Travel Fund grants. Further money has been secured through Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. These grants have contributed towards scheme development and works completed to date.