21 July 2017 Land of Oak and Iron Green Travel Assessment Final report 1. Introduction Introduction: The Land of Oak & Iron
The Land of Oak & Iron ò Investing in Heritage: identifying, enhancing and managing the little known natural and industrial heritage; The Land of Oak & Iron is centred on the Derwent Valley, North East England. The area covers 177km 2 and is home to ò Investing in People: investing in people to develop skills, learn about the heritage and volunteer time; approximately 112,000 people. One end is more rural, bordering the Derwent Reservoir and North Pennines Area of ò Investing in Communities: improved access to and interpretation Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The boundary then of the heritage, reducing negative environmental impact, expanding engagement and ownership, and promoting the area follows the River Derwent down to the River Tyne where it is to make it a better place to live, work and visit. much more urban, bordering the edge of Newcastle and Gateshead, including the Metro Centre. The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership comprises organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors who share the following vision: “Working with local communities to celebrate, conserve and enhance our natural, industrial and cultural heritage. With partners, it will deliver a legacy of job creation, tourism, regeneration and economic benefits.” The Land of Oak & Iron programme The Land of Oak & Iron programme comprises 14 interconnected projects grouped into the following three themes: Introduction: The brief
The brief The Assessment will need to identify deliverable actions for implementation of the Go Green project: The aim of the Go Green project is to support the reduction of environmental impacts in the Land of Oak & Iron area by ò Information about sustainable transport developed for promoting and improving opportunities for sustainable travel. promotion to encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport. Promotional materials to be based at key Through the identification and implementation of schemes Heritage Centres; that promote walking, cycling and the use of public transport, Go Green will encourage those who live, work and visit the ò Bikeability cycle training courses for residents; Land of Oak & Iron to travel in a more environmentally ò Activities to engage residents in cycling, walking and friendly manner. running activity in the Land of Oak & Iron through support for existing events or establishing new ones; The brief is to carry out a Green Travel Assessment that ò Promotional activity with public transport companies; identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the existing green travel network and makes specific recommendations on what ò Capital support to residents and organisations, including is required to encourage more people to cycle, walk, use car bikes, safety equipment and cycle racks to encourage the uptake of walking and cycling. clubs and the existing public transport network. ò Activities that encourage sustainable transport within the A detailed review of the existing cycle infrastructure network Land of Oak & Iron’s other projects. in the Land of Oak & Iron to identify areas of connectivity and gaps in the network is also required. This will also help identify and support the best approach to enhance the existing facilities or establish a new cycle hire/e- bike scheme. Introduction: The method
Tasks This report To address the project aims, the following tasks were This report is structured as follows: undertaken: ò Section 2 provides the information from our audit of the green travel network and assets, including mapping of ò Inception meeting visitor attractions, walking and cycling networks, public ò Mapping of green travel networks and assets transport routes. We have also identified a range of ò Cycle network audit information sources on walking and cycling activities, and walking and cycling groups operating in the area. We ò Policy review conclude this section with a SWOT analysis. ò Consultation with stakeholders ò Section 3 provides a short policy review. ò Workshop ò Section 4 details consultation held with stakeholders ò Issues and recommendations report during the study.
ò Section 5 provides our recommendations. 2. Audit of the green travel network and assets Audit: mapping of networks and assets
The initial task was to map the existing network and assets. This included:
ò Population centres, visitor attractions and other key destinations;
ò Cycle routes, including off-road, on-road and signed routes;
ò Public Rights of Way, including longer-distance routes and promoted trails;
ò Bus network;
ò Information available on walking and cycling opportunities in the area;
ò Other transport services in the community: including walking and cycling groups, bike shops and bike hire facilities, car club providers. Audit: Overview map of area see Map 1
Heritage Sites Nature Sites Nature Sites Walk / cycle sites
1 Derwentcote Steel Furnace 15 Hamsterley Riverside 29 Cattyside Woods 37 Greenside Waggonway 2 Allensford Blast Furnace 16 Chopwell Woods 30 Bradley Hall Gardens 38 Woodhouse Lane Byway
3 Path Head Water Mill 17 Ryton Willows LNR 31 Blaydon Burn Nature 39 Red Kite Trail Reserve 4 Gibside 18 Blackhill & Consett Park 40 Pedalling Squares 32 Daniel Farm 5 Cherryburn 19 Derwent Walk Country 41 Tyne Riverside Café Park, Kite Hill and Nine Arches 33 West Wylam Wood 6 Hollinside Manor 42 Pontop Pike Viadut 34 Watling Wood 7 Prudhoe Castle 43 Hownsgill Viaduct 20 Clara Vale LNR 35 Derwent Gorge and 8 Hagg Bank Bridge 44 Crawley Dam 21 Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hill Muggleswick Woods 9 Kiln Pit Hill Church 22 Allensford Country Park 36 Shibdon Pond &Meadows 45 Ovingham Bridge Local Nature Reserve 10 Battle of Newburn Ford 23 Allensford Woods 46 Prudhoe Heritage Trial Visitor Centres 11 Ryton Holy Cross Church 24 Priestclose Woods A Tyne Riverside Country Park 12 Postick Mill by River 25 Pont Burn Woods Ebchester B The Lodge 26 Stother Hills and Victoria 13 Vindomora Roman Fort C Proposed LOI Heritage Garesfield LNR (Ebchester) Centre 27 Milkwellburn Woods 14 Whinfield Coke Ovens D Swalwell Visitor Centre 28 Tyne Riverside Country Park E Thornley Woodlands Centre Audit: Overview of attractions
Attraction Visitors Additional info
Derwent Walk 406,933 1 Increase in 9,000 since 2012. Busiest part at Winlaton Mill. Chopwell Woods 200,000 1
Gibside 160,000 1 Increase of 60,000 over last 10 years. ThornleyWoods 11,506 1 Doubled since 2012
C2C Cycle Route 7,500 – Complete the route each 15,000 1 year
The Lodge 9,000 1
1: LOI Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 1, pg. 35 Audit: Cycle and walking network see Map 2
Map 2 in Appendix A shows:
ò Overview of all cycling routes, divided into NCN, off-road routes, on-road (as shown on Gateshead Cycling Map) and NCN / regional routes adjacent to area
ò Walking network shows public rights of way for all 3 authority areas. Audit: Cycle & Walk routes information
Various organisations publish information on walking and cycling Sustrans publishes a guide book for the C2C route, which routes in the area, including the following: covers Derwent Walk, Consett to Sunderland Railway Path and Keelman’s Way (from Derwent Walk eastwards) retailed ò Gateshead Cycling Map : http://www.tyneandwearltp.gov.uk/wp- on-line: https://shop.sustrans.org.uk/ultimate-c2c-sea-to-sea- content/themes/ltp/maps/gateshead/gateshead_north.pdf guide ò Derwent Walk Country Park: Tim Deveaux has also published a book of Derwent Walks, http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/dbimgs/Derwent-Walk-Country- retailed on-line. Park-Leafet-2015.pdf http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/4402/Railway- Path---Derwent-Walk/pdf/RailwayPathDerwentWalk.pdf Information is also available for some of the regional cycling / multi-user routes adjacent to the area: ò Keelman’s Way: Riverside Route: http://www.walk4life.info/sites/default/files/walkdocs/walkdoc-9967.pdf ò Waskerley Way: http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/4423/Railway-Path--- ò Chopwell Woods: Waskerley-Way/pdf/RailwayPathWaskerleyWay.pdf https://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/ChopwellWalksLeafletamended.pdf/$ FILE/ChopwellWalksLeafletamended.pdf ò Lanchester Path (Consett to Durham) http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/4405/Railway-Path--- ò Red Kite Trail: 20 page leaflet: Lanchester-Valley/pdf/RailwayPathLanchesterValley.pdf http://www.friendsofredkites.org.uk/page20.htm ò Tanfield Path and Bowes Rail Path: ò Gibside walking routes: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/Leisure/ https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/features/walking-at-gibside CountrysideWildlife/countryside/NewMarkingtheWaysleafl ò Blaydon Burn Trail: et.pdf https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/Leisure/Leaflets/country The Consett to Sunderland Railway Path and Waskerley Way side/blaydonburnleaflet.pdf form part of C2C route for which there are guidebooks. ò Clara Vale Local Nature Reserve: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/Leisure/CountrysideWil dlife/countryside/Clara-Vale-Leaflet-Nature-Reserve.pdf Audit: public transport network see Map 3
ò Map 3 in Appendix A shows bus routes and bus stops, rail routes and interchanges. Audit: car access see Map 4
ò Map 4 in Appendix A shows main roads and car parking in relation to visitor attractions. Audit: other community activities and organisations
Social / health walks Walking groups
ò Gateshead Health Walks: provides health walks ò Northumbria Walking Group: arranges walks throughout throughout area, including Whickham and Blaydon Northumbria : http://www.northwalk.org.uk/walk/ https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/north-east/get- ò Northumbria Ramblers: local groups, including walking Derwentside, Gateshead and Durham groups: ò Active Northumberland Health Walks: including weekly http://www.ramblers.org.uk/northumbria walks from Prudhoe (Tyne Country Park car park) (web ò Pont Valley Network: local community group that information relates to 2014) promotes interest in the local area, including occasional https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/West%20Hea walks: http://www.pontvalleynet.co.uk/ lth%20Walks%20Jan-Jul14.pdf ò Prudhoe PathForce: http://www.parish- ò Derwentside Short Walks: variety of walks from Consett council.com/prudhoe/index.asp?pageid=429735 offered by Durham Culture and Sport Team. http://www.durham.gov.uk/walk4life ò Ryton Pathfinders
ò Friends of Red Kites: regular programme of health walks: ò Consett and Vale of Derwent Naturalist Field Club: 42 run in 2015/16 with 1,145 participants: programme of walks from March to October each year: http://www.friendsofredkites.org.uk/page18.htm http://www.consett-walking-club.org.uk/WELCOME/WELCOME.html
ò Nordic walking sessions at Gibside: ò Derwent Valley Trail Runners : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/3e613dd6-e7e2-45ef-b214- http://derwentvalleytrailrunners.co.uk/ 3ad1c6657c66/pages/details
ò Alan Platt, walk lead volunteer
ò Pont Valley Network: organises walks: http://www.pontvalleynet.co.uk/maps-and-advice-for-our-walks.html Audit: other community activities and organisations
Social bike rides Cycle training providers
ò The Lodge: volunteer rides on Wednesday mornings. “Back ò The Bicycle Repair Man, Prudhoe http://www.giant- on the Bike” courses starting in April 2017. newcastle.co.uk/en-GB/ Cycle clubs ò Bits4Bikes, Consett http://bits4bikes.moonfruit.com/
ò Derwentside Cycling Club: racing club: Car clubs / volunteer driving : https://www.derwentsidecyclingclub.co.uk/ ò Derwent Valley Car club: based in Blackhall Mill with 1 ò Tyne Valley Cycling Club: based in Wylam with regular electric car plus 3 electric bikes to hire locations. Also programme of rides, more leisure than competitive sports offers volunteer driver scheme to transport local cycling: http://www.tynevalleycycling.com/ residents using the car club vehicle: http://www.blackhallmill.org.uk/uskyrt/blackhall-mill-car-club/ ò Beamish Odd Sox: specialist mountain bike club: http://www.beamishoddsox.co.uk/Home.aspx Community transport Bike shops / bike hire / cafés ò No community transport organisations in the area.
ò Pedalling Squares café, Swalwell, http://www.pedallingsquarescafe.com/
ò North Pennine Electric Bike Network, hire from Old Village Shop, Edmundbyers; Blanchland Post Office. Collection of 9 suggested printed routes available. http://electricbikenetwork.org.uk/
ò Derwent Valley car club: folding e-bikes to hire
ò Recyke y’bike: bike recycling service covering North East, cycle training and bike maintenance classes: http://recyke-y-bike.org/ Audit: Overview
The Land of Oak and Iron provides an attractive, high quality environment and plentiful visitor attractions within easy access of large populations. Some of the major walking and cycling routes are well known and promoted. Gibside is one of the best known and visited attractions in the region. The area also has a fascinating industrial heritage. Most of the attractions and population centres together with the major walking and cycling routes are concentrated along the River Tyne and the River Derwent. However, there is little promotion and awareness of other attractions and there is very little cross-promotion of attractions and activities. People tend to be aware of discrete destinations and individual walking or cycling routes, with no awareness of the Land of Oak & Iron as an area with many attractions. There is very little attempt to tap into the visitor market commercially (e.g. cafes, refreshments, visitor-oriented shops, bike hire etc.). Linking activities could help to lengthen visitor stays, build awareness of other opportunities and generate more commercial benefit from visitors. Audit: SWOT: Cycling
Strengths Weaknesses
ò Two very good long-distance routes, with good accessibility ò Virtually no signing to visitor attractions from cycle route; to surrounding populations and links to strategic network; ò Once on Derwent Walk, it is difficult to know where you are ò River Tyne corridor and Derwent Walk provide gentle in relation to any attractions; (predominantly) off-road cycling ideal for leisure users, ò There is limited promotion of visitor attractions, cafes etc. to families and (potentially) mobility-limited people; cyclists passing through; ò Signing reasonable in most places and routes fairly intuitive ò Limited signing to / from main route; to follow (in most places!). ò Disabled / mobility-limited access: where railway bridges Opportunities have been removed, some of accesses off/on to rail path are ò Better links to adjacent towns and villages; too steep;
ò Signing and improvement of links to make more varied trip ò Some specific sections are in poor state: options available; ò Keelman’s Way by Wylam Bridge and Ryton golf ò Signing to visitor attractions and cafes to encourage visitor course; spend and increase activities available; ò Derwent Walk through Rowlands Gill and through ò 4-way junction of NCN routes at Hownsgill viaduct could Consett and south of Consett to Hownsgill viaduct; become a major destination and feature; ò C2C along southern edge of Consett; ò Rail trackbeds offer good opportunity for mobility-impaired ò Junction of 4 long-distance routes south of Consett. cycling activities; ò Entrance to Derwent Walk at MetroCentre and routes ò Expansion of availability of e-bikes to enable longer- towards Gateshead past MetroCentre distance, more adventurous trips;
ò Promoting use of Tyne Valley rail line to access cycling routes. Audit: SWOT: Walking
Strengths Opportunities
ò Excellent network of walking routes throughout area; ò Better signing and promotion of walks from adjacent towns and villages; ò Good access to walking network from surrounding population centres; ò Marketing and presentation of different walking routes;
ò Good signing and presentation of major walking ò Marketing and presentation of varied walking options to destinations such as Derwent Walk, Red Kite Trail, cater for different markets;
Chopwell Woods. ò Signing to visitor attractions and cafes to encourage Weaknesses visitor spend and increase activities available.
ò Limited information presented on walking options elsewhere;
ò Limited signing to visitor attractions from walks;
ò Limited marketing of walking options in relation to visitor attractions. Interpretation and signage Audit: SWOT: Public Transport & Car
Public Transport Strengths
ò Good rail service on Tyne Valley route;
ò MetroCentre interchange provides easy access to start of routes;
ò Red Kite bus service: well branded and presented;
ò Bus service (“The Tens”) along Tyne Valley being upgraded and rebranded. Weaknesses
ò MetroCentre station very difficult to access with bikes;
ò Limited marketing of bus to access walks;
ò Limited marketing of rail to access walks and cycle routes;
ò Limited marketing by visitor attractions of bus and rail access;
ò Limited availability of group products on bus. Opportunities
ò Promotion of rail to access walks and rides along Tyne Valley;
ò Linking public transport fare products to visitor attractions – e.g. discounted entry with valid rail or bus ticket;
ò Development of group products for bus;
ò Integrated ticketing: plus bus. Audit: SWOT: Car access and parking
Car Strengths:
ò Easy access from Tyne and Wear and surrounding towns and villages;
ò Good quality parking facilities provided at key entry points to Derwent Walk, such as Swalwell, Winlaton Mill and Thornley Woodlands Centre. Weaknesses
ò Signing into some car parks, linked to heritage attractions is poor (e.g. Swalwell, Winlaton Mill);
ò Some car parks in poor state of repair (e.g. Derwentcote Steel Furnace, Lydgetts junction;
ò Gibside parking overflows on busy bank holiday days in summer. Opportunities
ò Improve signing into car parks in relation to visitor attractions (e.g. Swalwell Car Park for Derwent Walk);
ò Cleanse poorly maintained car parks and make good picnic areas;
ò Provide interpretation in car parks;
ò Improve walking links to visitor attractions from car parks. 3. Policy and plans Policy context
There is a strong policy justification for investing in walking and Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland all have Rights cycling, most recently heralded in the Government’s National of Way Improvement Plans (ROWPIs). Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy announcement on 21 st April 2017: • http://www.tyneandwearltp.gov.uk/documents/rowip/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycling-and-walking- • http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/8367/Rights-of-Way- investment-strategy . Improvement-Plan/pdf/RightsOfWayImprovementPlan.pdf
Cycling strategies for Gateshead, Northumberland and Durham • http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/WAMDocuments/EFC7E0DC- also confirm that cycling is an important priority for each of the A38A-4DDF-A38A-A45DCB0FC3D9_1_0.pdf?nccredirect=1 Councils. Northumberland has recently updated its strategy to incorporate a joint approach towards walking and cycling. Gateshead (with Newcastle) and Northumberland have also conducted green infrastructure studies. • https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/Transport/Strategy/cy
clingstrategy.pdf ; • https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/Building/PlanningPo
• http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/3881/County-Durham-Cycling- licy/Core-Strategy-Documents/163.-SD-NewcastleGateshead-Green- Strategy-and-Action-Plan-2012- Infrastructure-Study-Evidence-Base.pdf 15/pdf/CountyDurhamCyclingStrategy2012-2015.pdf ; • http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/NorthumberlandCountyCouncil/ • http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/NorthumberlandCountyCouncil/m media/Planning-and- edia/Roads-streets-and-transport/cycling/Walking-and-Cycling- Building/planning%20policy/Studies%20and%20Evidence%20Reports/ Document-apt-19-04-2016.pdf Landscape%20Green%20Spaces%20Studies/3.%20Green%20Infrastruc North East Combined Authority has recently commissioned the ture/Green-Infrastructure-Strategy-October-2011.pdf development of a NECA-wide cycling and walking strategy which will aim to raise the ambition for cycling and walking We have extracted specific proposals from these documents across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham and pertaining to the Land of Oak & Iron and included in our list of identify strategic priorities and schemes. recommended improvements. Plans
Improvements to the walking and cycling network : The Land of Oak & Iron Partnership, as part of its Access Improvements Strategy has identified a range of specific improvements to footpaths and bridleways to be delivered during the first phase of the programme:
ò Woodhouse Lane surfacing
ò Milkwellburn Connection: surfacing
ò Hamsterley Riverside: surfacing
ò Lintzford to Dipton: surfacing
ò Bowes Railway: surfacing
ò Greenside Waggonway: surfacing
ò Prudhoe HeritageTrail: drainage, handrails, steps
ò Red Kite Trail: surfacing 4. Consultation Consultation with stakeholders
Stakeholders with an interest in walking Stakeholder organisations contd . Workshop attendees and cycling in the Land of Oak & Iron were ò Northern Rail ò Karen Daglish, LOI Partnership identified. Key stakeholders were ò Go North East ò Kate Marshall-Evans, LOI Partnership, approached for a face to face or telephone Community Engagement officer ò Arriva consultation and all were invited to a ò Ian Jopling, Durham County Council, ò Stagecoach workshop to discuss the Green Travel Sustainable Transport Group Assessment. ò Leisureworks (Durham County Council) ò Tim Fish, Northumberland County Stakeholder organisations: Council, Area Countryside Officer ò Living Streets ò Alex Thompson, Northumberland County (those in bold had telephone or face to ò Sustrans Council Local Transport Plan Officer face consultations during the project) ò Tyne Valley Community Rail ò Claire Kerrin, Sustrans, Network ò Gateshead Council Partnership Development Manager ò Edmundbyers Village Shop (bike hire) ò Northumberland County Council ò Tim Deveaux, walking advocate ò The Bike Hub ò Durham County Council ò Laura Hood, Derwentside walk and cycle ò Northumberland Tourism ò Pedalling Squares (bike café) group (Durham County Council)
ò This is Durham ò David Gray ò Aidan Lawson, Brighten Ryton Community Group ò NewcastleGateshead ò Andy Haddon ò Alan Platt, walk leader volunteer ò Northumberland National Park ò Ted Liddle ò David Gray, Chain Events, cycling ò North Pennines AONB ò Graham Vickers advocate ò NECA ò Tim Deveaux ò Nexus ò David Marrs, Pont Valley Network 5. Recommendations Recommendations
Overarching strategy: Detailed recommendations are provided over the following
ò Focus on the better used routes and areas closer to visitor pages, covering: attractions and to nearby population centres; ò Access improvements to the walking and cycling network
ò Improve accessibility and quality of key cycling and walking ò Access improvements for getting to the Land of Oak & Iron routes and links to adjacent visitor attractions; ò Marketing and promotion: ò Improve access to this network of routes by improving public transport and car parking at key access points to ò Branding and presentation of the area; these networks; ò Creating and marketing new walking and cycling options;
ò Improve awareness of routes and the landscape and ò Events and activities; heritage through signage, interpretation and supporting ò Supporting services and facilities. materials (at heritage centres, on-line etc.); This is followed by consideration of delivery and funding. ò Link longer-distance cycling offer to broader area: market in relation to long-distance routes;
ò Provide, and market, opportunities for variety of route options to suit different markets (longer-distance, shorter distance circular routes with families, routes for disabled or mobility impaired);
ò Ensure Derwent Walk is fully disabled accessible and market as such;
ò Market specific routes alongside access to attractions, providing packaged ideas for days out;
ò Provide support services to the above, including bike hire, guided walks and rides, refreshments, toilets etc. Recommendations: Walking and cycling network improvements: ideas for enhancements to routes
See Map 5 and spreadsheet: lists ideas from LOI access improvements, Newcastle / Gateshead Infrastructure Study, our audit, consultations and workshop. Recommendations: Walking and cycling network improvements: maintenance of the network and supporting infrastructure
Maintenance Signage
ò Confirm Councils’ commitment for maintaining parts of ò Enhance signing to visitor Derwent Walk and Keelman’s Way under their attractions and amenities from ownership; the Keelman’s Way and Derwent Walk routes. ò Sustrans to maintain parts of cycle routes under its ownership; ò Ensure footpath signing on advertised circular or linear ò Request Sustrans to brief its rangers to monitor condition of routes and to feed back faults, potential walks is supplemented by route improvements; markings Bike parking ò Identify volunteers from walking and cycling groups to monitor other parts of the network and to feed back ò Encourage visitor attractions faults and potential improvements; and amenities such as cafes and pubs to provide cycle parking. ò Provide a fault reporting and feed back mechanism on Land of Oak & Iron website for general public; The Park That Bike scheme is operational in Durham and ò Pass on feedback to Rights of Way teams and Sustrans Gateshead offering subsidised (for its part of the network); support for installing bike
ò Co-ordinate and encourage community action to parking: improve the presentation of routes (such as litter picks). http://www.parkthatbike.info/ Recommendations: Access to the Land of Oak & Iron
Public transport access: Car parking:
ò Marketing Tyne Valley line for opportunities to cycle and ò Audit capacity of car parks at peak times;
walk between rail stations: ò Provide signing into Swalwell and Winlaton Mill car parks ò Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership wants to from A694;
put additional cycle parking at Prudhoe and Wylam ò Assess whether additional capacity required at Thornley Stations and improve facilities at Blaydon. Woodlands Centre (after improving signing to Winlaton ò Marketing Red Kite bus service for visitors: Mill car park and promotion of walking links to Thornley Woodlands Centre); ò leaflet promoting Land of Oak & Iron and specific visitor attractions accessible from bus; ò Tidy Derwentcote Steel Furnace and Lydgetts Junction car parks (removal of litter and fly-tipping, cut back of ò Group ticketing products to be developed; vegetation, making good of picnic area at Derwentcote car ò Discounted entry to visitor attractions for holders park); of valid bus ticket. ò Ensure litter and dog bins are provided at all car parks. ò Opportunity to reinstate Black Grouse service carrying cyclists and bikes to Stanhope and Parkhead to cycle back into Newcastle / Gateshead? Recommendations: Marketing & promotion 1) Branding & presentation of area
Consultation affirms that many visitors to the area know This subsidiary branding could be incorporated into specific attractions or walking and cycling options, but have interpretation materials. The heritage centres could tell the little awareness of other attractions or areas to explore. story of the Land of Oak & Iron, as well as have printed Consultees also tell as that the Land of Oak & Iron ‘makes materials advertising attractions in the area sense’ as a way of presenting the area as a coherent whole but The website could also signpost to other activities in the awareness of it is low. area, such as social walks and bike rides, cycling clubs, There needs to be a mechanism for identifying and walking groups and running clubs, as well as advertising communicating the diverse range of activities and places in the events. Land of Oak & Iron that encourages visitors (and residents) to The website should also link to established social media explore and learn about its heritage. channels in the area that are already used to push out As such, we recommend that the Land of Oak & Iron collates information. information on visitor attractions and walking and cycling The presentation of opportunities in the area could follow the routes in a website that enables people to become aware of sort of template employed by the Durham Wildlife Trust (see the diverse visitor attractions and activities available. Specific over). information on attractions, walks and cycle rides could be provided in downloadable format. A mobile app to show visitor attractions and walking and cycling opportunities could be considered. Appendix C Land of Oak & Iron branding should be used as a subsidiary provides a review of some examples of mobile apps from brand to help unite different attractions and places. Note that round the country. We would not view this as an immediate the primary branding needs to relate to the visitor attraction priority, nor worth Land of Oak & Iron investment, but could (e.g. Gibside / Derwent Walk / Red Kite Trial) as these are the be investigated as a project opportunity for local Higher places people know. Education students on web/app design related courses. Example of Website: Durham Wildlife Trust
http://durhamwt.com/reserves/ Recommendations: Marketing & promotion: 2) Creating new walk and cycle options
Identify and present different circular and linear walk Creation and promotion of walking and cycling trails and cycle routes that provide variety of options to suit ò Short cuts to link linear routes: all abilities and link attractions to walking and cycling options. ò Lintz Lane to connect Dipton to Derwent Walk and provide signed route connecting Derwent Walk to NCN 7 at Stanley ò Long-distance users ò Blaydon to Axwell Park, connecting Keelman Way and Derwent ò Family groups wanting short walks Walk
ò Family groups wanting short cycle rides ò Local links to network:
ò Family groups with person(s) with mobility ò Whickham Ingleside to Derwent Walk Rail Path impairments ò Whickham to Tanfield Railway Path ò Links to longer-distance walks and cycle routes ò Winlaton to Winlaton Mill (Black Ashy Path) ò Disabled accessible routes ò Consett local links
ò Circular routes, such as:
ò Wylam / Prudhoe circular via Tyne Country Park and Keelman’s Way or one-way using train
ò Milkwellburn Woods circular
ò Whickham circular walks / cycle rides to Derwent Walk
ò Prudhoe town trail circular walk
ò Invite local advocates to propose a budget for creating local walking routes that can be provided as pdf’s on the LOI website and held in visitor centres. Recommendations: Marketing & promotion 3) Events and activities
ò Promote local health walks and guided walks through LOI ò Create a Land of Oak & Iron festival to promote the area, website; incorporating walking and cycling activities such as:
ò Signpost to local walking groups through LOI website; ò Social rides
ò Promote social rides through LOI website; ò Led walks
ò Signpost to cycling groups and clubs through LOI website; ò Cycle training
ò Create and host events diary, consolidating activities that ò Volunteer ride leader training already happen (social walks and rides, walking and cycling ò Volunteer walk leader training groups, activities happening at visitor attractions); ò Explore Festival planned for September 2017. ò Creation of a Land of Oak & Iron festival, incorporating walking and cycling activities to explore the area: Explore Festival planned for September 2017;
ò Promote Derwent Walk and Keelman’s Way routes for school trips for local history or geography field trips;
ò Off-road Bikeability Level 1 training could be offered using these routes. Recommendations: Marketing & promotion 4) Supporting services and facilities
Heritage centres Businesses
ò At Winlaton Mill, The Lodge Consett and Tyne Riverside ò Encourage businesses to market themselves towards Country Park Prudhoe: walking and cycling leisure market:
ò Provide display, on-line and printed maps showing visitors the ò Utilise Cycling Business Toolkit prepared by Cycle range of activities on offer; Northumberland;
ò Host printed material advertising local attractions; ò LOI representative to visit businesses to identify what they ò Provide refreshments and toilet facilities; can do to market themselves and provide support;
ò Encourage local walking and cycling groups to use visitor ò Consider budget for enabling visitor-oriented businesses to centre as meeting point for their activities. take actions (such as installing cycle parking, providing bike Cycle training maintenance stands and basic repair equipment and providing signs to their businesses from the walk/cycle ò Commission local providers to offer cycle training from the routes). There is potentially budget available for bike heritage centres. Utilise existing programmes run by Durham stands through the Park That Bike scheme: Leisureworks at the Lodge, Consett. http://www.parkthatbike.info/ ; Volunteer training ò Consider whether towns / area want to work towards ò Promote volunteer ride leader and walk leader training Walkers are Welcome designation: opportunities: https://walkersarewelcome.org.uk/ .
ò Discuss with Sustrans what ride leader training they are able to offer locally;
ò Discuss with Walking for Health what walk leader training they can offer locally https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/ ; ò Liaise with Durham Leisureworks who provide social rides and walks at Consett already. Recommendations: Marketing & promotion 4) Supporting services and facilities: bike hire
Bike hire ò In order to run a ‘fully-fledged’ system, it will be necessary to have a booking system, maintenance regime, appropriate ò The provision of bike hire at one or more of the heritage insurance, and staff at the heritage centre adequately trained centres would further enhance promotion of cycling in the in providing people with the appropriate bike, ensuring it is area. However, successful bike hire requires detailed set-up correctly for them. knowledge and systems to manage a fleet of bikes, oversee booking, ensure bikes are adequately maintained and ò It is possible that a local bike shop or bike hire provider could effective marketing of the service. be contracted to provide regular maintenance of the fleet.
ò In the first instance, we recommend that when Winlaton Mill ò Equally, bikes could potentially be loaned from an existing Heritage Centre opens, visitors are asked about their cycle hire provider. potential interest in bike hire. Where they express an interest, ò In due course, if hire is popular and there is demand for a checklist of information should be collected on the type of additional types of bike (such as e-bikes or trailers), the person, the size and type of group they are with (mixed scheme could be expanded. ability, different ages etc.), the type of trip they would be interested in undertaking and their willingness to pay. From ò In the interim, we recommend that: this, an initial idea of the size and type of market can be ò Land of Oak and Iron heritage centre manager / Go developed. Green manager visit the Cycle Hub in Newcastle to ò If there seems to be a good level of interest, a small pedal receive a briefing on their operation and bike operation could be trialled. It may be possible to liaise demonstration of the activities required to run with Durham Leisureworks or other providers to utilise loan successful bike hire. bikes they already have to provide cycle hire at bank holiday ò LOI reps investigate the potential for ‘borrowing’ bikes weekends or during school holiday periods, or as a ‘pop-up’ from Durham Leisureworks to trial bike hire; bike hire in association with the Heritage Centre launch or the Explore Festival. ò An initial temporary bike hire is undertaken in association with a major event such as the heritage centre launch or the Explore Bike Festival. Recommendations: Planning & Funding & Delivery
Planning Delivery
ò Ensure aspirations are incorporated into local plans, cycle ò Prioritise actions and identify lead organisations and strategies, walking strategies and ROWIP and NECA individuals for specific areas; Walking and Cycling Strategy; ò Engage Councils to discuss which actions they can take ò Seek to use best practice, common design standards for forward or support through their cycling, walking and upgrade of links or creation of new links across the 3 rights of way improvement programmes; Council areas; ò Create and maintain a list of actions, to show progress on ò Encourage Councils to ensure that walk and cycle links are developing different elements of the plan. properly provided in new developments. Funding :
ò LOI access grant;
ò s106 for new housing developments;
ò Council rural comms infrastructure budgets;
ò ROWIPs;
ò NECA Cycling and Walking Strategy;
ò CWIS;
ò ERDF – aimed at boosting tourism. Appendices Appendix A: Audit maps Audit maps
Maps sent under separate cover:
ò Map 1: overview of area, showing visitor attractions and population centres.
ò Map 2: walking and cycling network.
ò Map 3: public transport (bus and rail) routes and stops.
ò Map 4: car parking.
ò Map 5: list of suggested improvements. Appendix B: List of stakeholders and consultation record
LAND OF OAK & IRON GREEN TRAVEL ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION RECORD
IDENTIFICATION TABLE
Client/Project owner Land of Oak & Iron Partnership
Project Land of Oak & Iron Green Travel Assessment
Title of Document Consultation Record
Type of Document
Date 28/04/2017
Reference number GB01T16L13
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS RAISED 3
2.1 GATESHEAD COUNCIL 3
2.2 DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL 4
2.3 NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL 4
2.4 NORTH PENNINES AONB 5
2.5 GO NORTH EAST 5
2.6 SUSTRANS 6
2.7 GRAHAM VICKERS, CYCLE TOURISM SPECIALIST 7
2.8 DAVID GRAY, CYCLE PROMOTION SPECIALIST 8
2.9 ANDY HADDON, CYCLING ADVOCATE 9
2.10 JAYNE STANTON-SMITH, TYNE VALLEY CYCLING CLUB 9
2.11 TIM DEVEAUX, WALKING ADVOCATE 10
2.12 DAVID MARRS, PONT VALLEY NETWORK 10
2.13 LEISUREWORKS 10
2.14 LEISUREWORKS 11
2.15 THE CYCLE HUB, NEWCASTLE 12
2.16 EDMUNDBYERS VILLAGE SHOP AND E-BIKE HIRE 12
3. WORKSHOP 13
3.1 ATTENDANCE 13
3.2 WHAT ARE THE ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA WE SHOULD BE IDENTIFYING AND PROMOTING? 13
3.3 WHAT RESOURCES (IN ADDITION TO THOSE IDENTIFIED) 13 3.4 WHAT ACTIVITIES (IN ADDITION TO THOSE IDENTIFIED) 13
3.5 SWOT ANALYSIS 14
3.6 SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVEMENTS 14
3.7 FUNDING 15
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 Below is our consultation record for the Land of Oak & Iron Green Travel Assessment. The consultee list was developed through consultation with the client, review of documents, our own personal knowledge of stakeholders and then from additional recommendations from consultees. A full list of stakeholders identified has been provided in Appendix B. Those stakeholders that we did not target for a one to one discussion were offered the opportunity to speak to us when we emailed people with an invitation to the stakeholder workshop.
1.1.2 Section 2 provides summaries of face to face and telephone conversations held with stakeholders.
1.1.3 Section 3 provides a write-up of the workshop. 2. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS RAISED
2.1 Gateshead Council
Stuart Corker, Transport Officer, Gateshead Council There are good existing networks (cycle, PROW) in the area, and the principal opportunity is making the most of what we’ve got. In terms of infrastructure, this is often about good maintenance. Principally, there needs to be better marketing of what is on offer, selling the opportunities. This could be mapped day rides and day walks, for which marketing is presently limited. There is a large urban area close to the Land of Oak and Iron, which is a potential strong market with an attractive offer. Links with public transport are important. There are good public transport networks to the north of the Land of Oak and Iron, with a number of stations. Examples include:
Blaydon Station, which could benefit from improved pedestrian access, potentially with partnership from the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership; Metro Centre rail station, which needs better access from Keelman’s Way riverside path; Park and ride proposal at Lobley Hill, which could link to the country park and the Tanfield railway; Rail service improvements on the Tyne Valley line within the new franchise, expected from 2019. Other potential improvements to routes that would be beneficial include:
Greenside (complete?); Milkwellburn Link (complete?); Woodhouse Lane – upgrade of existing bridleway or PROW needed; Red Kite Trail improvements at High Spen; Tanfield railway, and Bowes railway, both of which are on the edge of the Land of Oak and Iron, and both would benefit from improvements – some of which could be developer funded; A695 at Ryton and Crawcrook – again could be developer funded; High Spen – again which could be developer funded; Chopwell – again which could be developer funded. Stakeholders to engage include Rob Hindhaugh (PROW) as well as Stuart Corker himself. Funding opportunities may come from tourism promotion; also developer funding, as there are lots of opportunities from a Green Belt release. The Local Plan Infrastructure Delivery Plan sets this out.
2.2 Durham County Council
Victoria Lloyd-Gent (Sustainable Travel) There are two important routes for walkers and cyclists passing through the area, the C2C Route, and the Derwent Walk. The C2C Route passing through the area is part of the long distance east-west coast to coast route, and the Derwent Walk is a multi-user route along the track bed of the former Derwent Valley railway. Both are however important for local access as well as for longer distance users of the routes. Consett is now a commuter town for Newcastle-Gateshead. This creates problems of congestion, and there is potential for modal shift to cycling on these routes, especially as part of public transport journeys. Consett’s active travel routes would benefit from better signage. In Consett, there is concern about new development at Genesis Way, and its impact on the crossing of the A692. Durham County Council has been developing its cycle network, as part of the Cycle Strategy. Audits of the 12 main towns (including Consett and Stanley) have been completed, including a condition audit, and a usability audit, using Welsh Assembly guidance. The condition audit covers matters such as maintenance issues, culverts, signposts, etc. and is very detailed. DCC’s network includes designated cycle super routes, and primary and secondary network. Stakeholders to engage include David Gray (very active in Consett, and on C2C); Darryl Cox from the DCC countryside service (“rangers”). Funding is allocated within a three year forward plan. In 2017/18 there is little scope for much, as it will be allocated. For 2018/19, and 2019/20, there is more flexibility and opportunity. One of the priorities is for the Great North Cycleway, from Chester-le-Street to Durham to Newton Aycliffe, which is obviously not helpful here. Any match funding or local contributions from other sources can help influence DCC allocations. In Consett, with the extent of development at present, must present opportunities from developers. Areas such as Chopwell Woods, Allensford present lovely countryside for leisure trips, at the heart of the Land of Oak and Iron.
2.3 Northumberland County Council Martin Podevyn, Cycling Officer The approach to defining cycle routes in the area is diverse, with for example Northumberland defining a limited number of key routes, and Gateshead identifying all routes with speed limits of less than 40mph as suitable for cycling. Demand for utility cycling is along the River Tyne, covering the area from Hexham to Newcastle. Rail and bus networks also tend to follow the Tyne Valley. While public transport services are good, the diversity of operators (Arriva, Northern, Go North East) means that ticket integration, or the absence of it, can be a problem for promoting public transport alongside cycling and walking routes. Northern Rail has focused its investment on infrastructure at stations, including cycle parking, rather than routes to and from stations. Keelman’s Way and the Hadrian’s Cycle Way are both good routes that broadly follow the river. Blaydon is challenging for cyclists within the urban area. The Derwent Valley route has significant potential as a commuter route, but in places the surface is more suited to leisure cyclists than everyday commuters. The route has challenges at the eastern end, where it is quite poor, with a significant pinch point. (Winlaton Mill to Keelman’s Way) Improved surfacing and in places routeing could significantly enhance this route’s attractiveness. The Land of Oak and Iron is not well recognised or understood as an area. While making sense as a coherent area, the administrative boundaries are unhelpful. It would benefit from promotion. Stakeholders to engage include David Brookes (PROW), Jude Leitch (Northumberland Tourism), Graham Vickers (Cycle Pad, who lives in Blaydon). Also Stuart McNaughton in transport strategy; and Alex Thompson (Local Transport Plan officer). Metro Centre station is probably the nearest station for access to the Land of Oak and Iron, but is incredibly difficult to get in and out of on foot or by bike. The access is entirely focused on the shopping centre. It is not functional for access to other places. Funding opportunities include ERDF, a pot aimed at boosting tourism. It’s not the same focus on jobs that this previously had. The fund has a 2-month period for EOI, a year to spend, and is a £6m pot. The Scotswood Bridge junction in Newcastle-Gateshead represents an opportunity for improvement. It’s really poor at present for cyclists and pedestrians. This junction is being examined for improvement at present, and would benefit from better access on to Keelman’s Way on the Gateshead side.
2.4 North Pennines AONB
Simon Wilson, Planning and Strategic Access Officer Simon leads on strategic access. Access and recreation working group. AONB extends all way to Yorkshire Dales. High Force in the middle. National Nature Reserve at Derwent Gorge. Extension of multi-user route from Muggleswick to National Nature Reserve: access issues, including missing bridge over River Derwent. Boundary anomaly review and change in user rights. Mike Ogden, senior Rights of Way and access officer in Durham and also chair of AONB access group is a very useful contact. Thoughts on project branding: projects are transitionary, places are real – they ensure AONB logo is placed on all materials, but the key brand is the place, not the organisation or project. “DMO’s” are branding places: who is the DMO for the region? Ted Liddle: Berwick to Hexham Sandstone Way and expert on cycle tourism. Has idea to establish a link to Settle through the eastern end of the AONB “The Down Dales”. Shane Harris delivered the e-bike scheme, including preparing maps of routes and business engagement. Hire never took off so handed over to Dave Hull who already ran his own hire. Terry and Lorraine hire at Hownsgill. Or can hire at Knitley Farm shop Parkhead.
2.5 Go North East
Mark Ellis Runs the well-marketed Red Kite bus service that is one of the premium bus access routes into the area from Gateshead. Very keen to further promote this service to leisure visitors.
Hadrian’s Wall AD122 service The Hadrian’s Wall bus has been a great example of promotion: branded the AD122, they produced a leaflet advertising the bus and the visitor attractions which was distributed widely. All the information is in one place on Hadrian’s Wall website, being looked after by NGI (previously looked after by Hadrian’s Wall partnership, but evidence suggests more awareness / prominence since being incorporated into NGI website). The service has regular drivers and next stop announcements They produced walking itineraries for the Wall to try to boost numbers in August and this seems to have had an impact. This year they have introduced deals where people get discounted entry to visitor attractions with bus ticket: get 10% off Vindolanda, Housesteads: 700 tickets redeemed at Vindolanda out of 22k journeys per year. Have also used social media (twitter, facebook, Instagram) to promote visits to Hadrian’s Wall. Partnership members share responsibilities for social media.
Bus ticketing options At the moment, for trips to Derwent Valley, people are best to use day tickets: £5 for one zone, £6.40 for two zones; £7.70 for 3 zones. Also do a family ticket: £13.50 for 5 people for 2 adults and up to 3 children. This costs £10 if you use m ticket app. Haven’t got group tickets yet but are considering these
Land of Oak & Iron Very keen to market Red Kite service to visitors. Would be happy to produce leaflet showing services in relation to visitor attractions. Would be happy to investigate link ups with attractions, say offering 10% off entry on production of a valid bus ticket. Gibside is 2nd busiest visitor attraction in NE after Beamish. Just off the route and difficult to serve without compromising the main route service. Could Gibside be served with a shuttle bus from Rowlands Gill as an add on to a regular bus ticket? Note that Gibside car park gets over full at peak holiday times. The Tens buses serve the Tyne Valley every 10 minutes as far as Crawcrook, and every 15 minutes to Prudhoe. About to get a rebrand during 2017. Again, would be willing to promote these services in a similar way.
2.6 Sustrans
Claire Kerrin, Network Development Manager (NE) Sustrans has audited the whole NCN across country and will be identifying priorities for action from this. Sustrans is meeting in March 2017 to discuss potential improvements to the NCN south of the River Tyne. Sustrans owns 22 miles from Consett to Washington, though doesn’t own anything south of Consett. Where Sustrans own the route, they maintain it, but where they don’t, they look to others. Generally, Local Authorities are good at maintaining non-Sustrans owned sections. A lot of routes have good marketing and maps and web information. Sustrans doesn’t tend to provide this for free, and tries to obtain revenue from selling maps and guides. Sustrans could produce something for the Derwent Walk if commissioned and a sponsor found. Sustrans will hold counts for numbers of users on Derwent Walk or Keelman’s Path (would have to look these up). Think there are between 10-15k users of the Coast 2 Coast each year.
2.7 Graham Vickers, Cycle Tourism Specialist Graham runs CyclePad: http://www.cyclenorthumberland.org.uk/cyclepad. Graham used to work for Saddle Skedaddle as product manager for UK. Set up own consultancy as Recreational Tourism Services. CyclePad is a social enterprise bridging public sector and private sector and acting as a facilitator. They publish the official cycle touring map of Northumberland and also conduct an annual cycling tourism survey. Northumberland cycling tourism group: includes National Park, AONBs, County Council, private sector, social enterprises. Some original work conducted on cycle tourism in 2013 has now been condensed and incorporated into NCC strategic approach to walking and cycling. Jude Leitch, Northumberland Tourism is a key contact and will be sitting on the board of Land of Oak & Iron and chairs Northumberland Cycling Tourism group. Graham’s approach is that a local is a tourist as soon as they step out of the door. C2C is the biggest money earning route in the country. If you can enhance the tourism product in LOI you can then get local businesses to see the value.
Evidence for economic benefits There is a (national and regional) need to strengthen the evidence base: everyone knows that cycle tourism is hugely beneficial but we lack the data to say how much. Sustrans data monitors on C2C. CyclePad is trying to link this data to their economic data from their cycling survey (which shows average cycle tourist spends £390 per visit, with average duration of 4 nights). Saddle Skedaddle sold £12k of holidays for Sandstone Way (their customers are averaging about £50 per day spend, excluding accommodation). Mintel report 2 years ago that showed growth in cycle tourism. Lots of the areas that can benefit from tourism but they possibly don’t realise this yet. CyclePad has produced a Cycle Business Toolkit (8 pages). The challenge is to communicate this ‘at ground level’, making individual businesses aware of the benefits and understanding what they need to do. Cyclists welcome: Visit Britain initiative: need to be cycle friendly. Database for tourism maintained by Northumberland and CyclePad has access to it
Land of Oak and Iron Aims and ambitions of Cycle Pad are to present the Derwent Walk better. The C2C product disappears when you get into the Land of Oak & Iron. Once you’re east of Consett, people don’t see the value of cycle tourism so much and most local businesses are not orienting themselves to the cycle tourist market. Some exceptions are the Red Kite Inn and Derwent Walk Inn. Gibside has policy to promote cycling. Gateshead College involved with LOI: training packages for how to deliver the cycle tourism toolkit. GV delivering a course to businesses in Northumberland.
Information Graham’s view is that an effective map, effective signage and effective website are the most important. Any app is secondary and by nature restricts the market. Considers it’s best to use google platform which is developing all the time and has links to businesses. In Northumberland, they are using google platform so that you can plot a route, load into website and then the website converts to work with an interactive google map to show every listing within 5 miles of the route. Ideas The Lead Road route: Hexhamshire Common to Blaydon hasn’t been developed yet but could be. Work with two social enterprises who work with schools and take kids out to ride long distance routes.
Useful Contacts
Dave Anderson, local MP: enthusiastic and really important person to get on side. Blaydon Cycling Club: lots of useful, motivated do-ers. Also local forum Blaydon Community Page. Dunston: “High Fell Events” Barry on facebook (“real do-er” and connected to local cycling communities) Duncan Wise, Northumberland National Park (on the working group and steering group for AD122)
2.8 David Gray, Cycle Promotion Specialist One of founders of Sustrans, now runs own consultancy called Chain Events and and promotes regional greenways. If you drew a circle round the Tyne and Wear conurbation, the Land of Oak & Iron area would be considered to be the least developed and very remote, despite not being too great a distance from the conurbation. By the same token, it’s a very attractive rural recreation area in close proximity to a large urban population.
Derwent Walk and C2C route Generally in good condition with a few problems, including:
Two poor road crossings where bridges have been removed at Hamsterly Mill B6310 and Longclose Bank B6310. At the former crossing, David was keen for disabled ramps to be installed to reduce the gradient and make sure they were disabled accessible, but this would require land acquisition. Alternatively, a footbridge could be installed. At both sites, current at grade crossings would benefit from some traffic calming / traffic warning sides as these are fast rural roads. The former is on a bend. No signing or information of what’s around the Derwent Walk: a visitor would have to be brave to go off route. Stations at Ebchester and Rowlands Gill etc. could have bike hire and hub.
Opportunities Promoting family friendly routes: signing would be a good start Good cross-country link on unclassified road running from Dipton to Lintzford. café at Park Head beyond Waskerley does phenomenally well and villages north of the Tyne and cafes doing very well: not exploited once you get into Consett and towards the conurbation.
Consett Working with Project Genesis on new homes and development on former steelworks site. Many housing estates in Consett being built with fences blocking links onto pedestrian network providing shortcuts, leading to people driving on large detours. (Due to outdated Secure by Design advice from Police). Local Area Action Partnership reporting back on micro-links; producing technical drawings for each of the problems they encounter. Funded by County Council and Project Genesis. Tesco paid for a path all the way down the road to Moorside parallel to A692 but County Council came and removed street lighting. Have since reinstated it(?). Southern end of Derwent Walk route from A692 to Lydgetts junction: scheduled to be built by Genesis. Would be better to take people up the A692 on the off-road link to Tesco roundabout and into the town centre and Victoria Park. Would welcome a link connecting No 1 industrial estate, new academy, and leisure centre as a corridor running through the centre of town. Would like to create a cycle café, hub, museum and bike hire venue in Consett: a restaurant unit became available near Starbucks, though has recently been re-let. Hownsgill viaduct is a remarkable local feature: 150 foot high brick viaduct. Used to carry limestone from Stanhope to Consett. Railways made Consett. This heritage and site is hidden and it’s very difficult to find.
2.9 Andy Haddon, Cycling Advocate Runs bakery in Wylam and keen for additional community facilities and opportunities to promote walking and cycling. The library and museum site at Wylam offers potentially good location for hub and bike hire / e-bikes. Good distance into Newcastle for leisure cyclists plus opportunities for circulars via North and South Bank. There is a building in the yard that could be used. Earth Doctors has planning permission for a bakery in the former school building. Possibility of a café being developed in association with this, or at least pop up cafes at weekends and in summer for cyclists and tourist markets. Existing cafes in Wylam do not cater for cyclist market. Northumberland County Council currently rationalising its buildings. What will it want to do with library? An integrated approach to a multi-function site would help secure its future. Lots of transport heritage in the area which is poorly known: George Stephenson born in Wylam (National Trust have just closed the property to visitors); Sydney Bridge was first single span bridge and forerunner to Tyne bridge; steam heritage: some of first steam engines trialled here (Charles Palmer); first experiment on ‘smoot track, smooth rail’ for hauling freight (William Hedley). Opportunity for virtual trial of transport heritage and digital interpretation. Northern Rail: keen to do more with stations, including potential for station adoption. Communities manager and marketing manager from Northern Rail and Tyne Valley Community Partnership are people to speak to. High level of interest locally in some sort of hub. Jayne from Tyne Valley Cycling Club based in Wylam. Jayne from TVCC takes a women’s bike groups who would like a bike hub including bike maintenance, electric bikes. Tyne United Rowing Club and Newburn Activity Centre interested in bike hubs too.
2.10 Jayne Stanton-Smith, Tyne Valley Cycling Club Jayne is a member of the Tyne Valley Cycling Club. She also volunteers for Breeze. They are keen to expand club. Organised a road ride last year that attracted 30. Focusing on women’s participation at the moment. Wylam Bakery / Library would be a great location for a bike hub. This could provide support for people to get into cycling, equipment and sales, maps and route information, car parking, food / refreshment and bike hire. Cites Capheaton Cycling community café to the north that appears very successful: opens at weekends and utilises local 6th form labour. Would be great to be able to offer something like this at Wylam. If the Wylam bakery is successful at securing funding to install kitchen, could broaden hub into wider community facility, enabling people to rent a kitchen, run childrens parties etc. Could have targeted activities promoting cycling amongst young (in grounds of library), elderly and families (making circular routes on Hadrians Way / Keelman’s Way or into Tyne Country Park. Has 3 members of the club who are enthusiastic and proactive and could assist with leading tours / maintenance etc.
2.11 Tim Deveaux, Walking Advocate Local walking advocate and author. Has written a book ‘Walks in the Derwent’. Recently submitted a second book proposal and wants to be involved in the programme. 0774 869 7533 Best tourist areas in the LOI are Derwent Walk, Derwenthaugh Park and Chopwell Woods. Most cyclists go off ‘the beaten track’ Suggests that Medomsley Bank is dangerous for cyclists - other banks that can be used Tim expressed an idea that the banks can be used as time-trial exercises for cyclists. Potential idea of creating routes for trainers. Like the Hilly 21 – something similar? Tim suggested there are two markets – leisure and training. Both could be utilised to encourage more tourism in the LOI. Derwent cycling club use Derwent Reservoir for time trials. There are also a number of running clubs use the LOI. Improvements Tim would like to see include:
Increased number of B&B in the area; Pub in Rowlands Gill; Walk from source to the Tyne; Reduction in litter in the LOI – Rowlands Gill to High Spen – lots of litter in the stream.
2.12 David Marrs, Pont Valley Network Runs walking groups – 4 times a year (one for each season – or special events). Usually on Sundays, lasting 3 hours, 5-6 miles. Food at the end using local food sources– contribution is asked for the food. Age range varies from 6yrs – 78yrs Anybody welcome but mainly attracts locals. Used to have volunteer stewards. Walks focus on heritage and are guided by David. Advertised via website, Facebook, posters, email list. Not funding dependent, it’s a small community group. Improvements:
Attitudes of land owners could be improved and better maintenance of public rights of ways; Central depository of information which all groups can use. Most groups are acting in silos at present; Proposed Heritage Centre at Winlaton – all information will be there; Lack of general knowledge about walking routes. Much of LOI is left unexplored and could be opened up more to the public; App – potentially public can download walking maps.
2.13 Leisureworks Laura Hood, Volunteer and skills co-ordinator. Leisureworks oversee a short walking programme – rota of 15 walks Volunteer led and self-sustaining. 40 -50 attend on Wednesdays – 15-25 attend on Fridays. One runs from The Louisa Centre, Stanley (outside LOI). The other runs from Consett and Blackhill Park. 12 walking volunteers and 4 cycle volunteers. Organic approach where the group steer the routes. They have 20 bikes – not currently hired out and are stored at an unmanned site. Cath Evans at DCC may know more about them. Leisureworks stopped delivering the walks internally about 4 years ago due to funding cuts. Now dependent on volunteers but works well. Tends to be retired individuals, mainly female but the age range is probably from 30-70. Used to be a weekend walk (2.5 – 3 hours long) but this was withdrawn due to difficulties running. Used to be a bus to transport people to the start of the walk but this was withdrawn due to funding restrictions. Laura commented that DCC also has a walking programme. Consett Field Club also runs every other Saturday. Laura links with Kath & is advertising LOI in leaflets this year. Improvements
Bus services. Sometimes requires 2-3 buses to get to the LOI; Parking is often at capacity (particularly on weekends); More could be done to influence car sharing; Allensford in particular is difficult to reach; Promoting family walks - walking buses to schools; Gamification of walking / cycling. Mentioned Beat the Street.
2.14 Leisureworks Martin Weston, Arts Development Officer, based in The Lodge Looking at ways to improve The Lodge as a centre for day visitors and a base for walking/cycling groups. Foyer space is visitor facing but needs updating to be more welcoming and informative. There are heritage group photos in a room off the hall. Centre is on Route 14 and recently has undergone visual improvements to the building.
Martin suggests that EV charging point would be potentially good onsite or a e-bike charge station; Interested in loaning out e-bikes for hire especially since the LOI is a ‘steep’ area. There is a secured compound at the back of the building; Signage at the front of The Lodge. Blackhall Mill has a car club scheme with electric vehicles. Events are delivered in Consett Park – The Lodge (i.e. Leisureworks) can support events, deliver events and have supporting equipment. Can deliver physical activity (fitness), band stand (outdoor event area), Brass Festival, street bands. Explore Festival was mentioned as a week long Summer event. Bring people into the area. Communication and promotion – Leisureworks website, post events, Facebook, Partnership Events, posters, leaflets. Marketing section of Leisureworks supports this. 2 people, Nicola Dailly will be able to provide more info about marketing (01207218879). Bike 4 Life run, walking, cycling activity in the area. Improvements:
Better signage at the intersection of the cycle routes (Near new Project Genesis development); Better quality surfacing on cycle route at NCN14 near the intersection of routes; Bike repair facility; Better links to Consett town centre from the NCN; The Lodge car park – lighting improvements & better surfacing. More to discourage on-street parking (complaints from neighbours); Signpost to parking.
2.15 The Cycle Hub, Newcastle Jill Hopkirk Jill helps to run the Bike Hub, Newcastle. The Social Enterprise provides public bike hire and has a fleet of pedal bikes and some electric bikes. They have also run long-term hires to employees of electric bikes as part of the Go Smarter programme. She would recommend starting bike hire reasonably small. The bikes don’t need to be as high spec as those they loan out for C2C as would probably be used for half day rides along Derwent Walk. Electric bikes add a further dimension. The bikes cost more and are more costly to maintain, particularly relating to the batteries. They would not be interested in operating a satellite operation here, but they would be happy to provide servicing. For example, they service Gateshead Council’s pool bikes once per week. Jill and Henry (the person who runs the bike hire) would be happy to run a half day session with the LOI client to talk through the detail of running a successful bike hire operation. She would ask for a small payment to cover Henry’s fee for attending, but they could show how they operate their system, including their bike management system and servicing organisation.
2.16 Edmundbyers Village Shop and E-bike hire Dave Hull Dave runs the Electric Bike Hire Network from Edmundbyers Village Shop, Blanchland Post Office and Derwent Reservoir Café. He has a fleet of 11 electric bikes which includes tourers, mountain bikes and models suitable for older users. He has a diverse range of users. The fleet is well-used, with many regulars and has good use throughout the year, but particularly at weekends and during the summer. He offers longer-term hours as well as day hire. He attributes the success to very intense promotion via social media and willingness to be flexible to customer needs – e.g. he’ll take bikes along to campsite for hires. To make the bike hire stack up financially, he tends to sell bikes after 1 year. As a dealer, he is able to get the bikes at trade price and so sell on for limited cost. He can sell bikes on for £1,800 for the spec of bike he uses, plus £25 annual maintenance and £25 annual insurance. For Winlaton Mill, he would recommend starting small, perhaps with pedal bikes only to see how it goes at minimal financial exposure. If they wanted to offer electric bikes, he could potentially provide a period loan of a couple of bikes from his fleet (for 3 months for example). He would agree a price to include maintenance and insurance. It wouldn’t be practical to offer short-term loans that involved moving bikes to/from Winlaton Mill to Edmundbyers. Durham Leisureworks provide bikes for people to take part in their Bike4Life programmes, one of which runs from The Lodge, Consett. Do they have spare bikes that they could provide to Winlaton Mill Heritage Centre while they are not in use?
3. WORKSHOP
3.1 Attendance
Karen Daglish, Land of Oak & Iron Partnership Claire Kerrin, Sustrans Tim Deveaux, local resident, author of Derwent Valley walks and former Gateshead officer Laura Hood, Derwentside walk and cycle group, Durham County Council Kate Marshall-Evans, Community Engagement officer, Land of Oak & Iron Partnership Tim Fish: Area Countryside Officer, Northumberland County Council Alex Thompson, Local Transport Plan Officer, Northumberland County Council Aidan Lawson, Brighten Ryton Community Group Alan Platt, local resident, takes locals for walks David Gray, Chain Events, local resident Ian Jopling, Sustainable Transport Group, Durham County Council
3.2 What are the attractions in the area we should be identifying and promoting?
(map provided showing list of attractions we had originally identified)
Hownsgill Viaduct: under-recognised asset. Crawley’s Dam: one of 4 heritage sites in area. Village of Ryton: including one of oldest churches in country dating from 1210 and a lot of history around railways, historic labourer markets, first savings bank in land, Durham University founder Chapel on private land (?) Blaydon Burn nature reserve plus industrial heritage Coomb Bridges – semi-preserved furnaces or kilns Kilnpit Hill / Graymere hill Hamsterley Riverside: lots of old ironworks Allensford Woods and Derwent Gorge need identifying separately (Derwent Gorge is owned by Natural England) Nanny Mayers Incline: some owned by Sustrans and some in private ownership: Line of original Stanhope and Tyne and a little horseshoe bridge Waskerley Village to Whiteholm to Charlton Hole Dunstan Staithes (probably outside area) Tyne Valley Country Park – incorrectly located on our map Battle of Newburn Bridge: took place south of bridge and requires interpretation Butterfly bridge on Derwent: Cromwell’s army used this. Stella Coal Company Staithes and adjacent to it are the markers for the Blaydon Races finishing point.
3.3 What resources (in addition to those identified)
Trevor Hopkins wrote 3 guide books for cycling around 15 years ago. Pont Valley network pack of walking routes Medomsley pack of walking routes Ted Liddle book covering Northumberland
3.4 What activities (in addition to those identified)
Gateshead Walking for Health walks Gateshead Ramblers, Saturday mornings County Durham Health walks – Stephen Clough Explore Festival planned for September. The Lodge, Consett: container. Volunteer rides on Weds mornings. “Back on the bike” training sessions planned in April 2017 and to repeat in summer. The Bicycle Repair Man, Prudhoe. Bits4Bikes, bike repair shop, Consett. Watbike organises some rides in area Staithes café, Dunstan
3.5 SWOT analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
capacity problems at key sites on weekends / bank holidays Very few B&B’s in area
Opportunities
getting people to cycle here (without putting bike on car) some cyclists like hill climbs and these are not interested in off-road shared routes Derwenthaugh Park / Derwent Walk nomenclature is confusing We should provide pack of walks and local sites Winlaton Mill visitor centre open spring / summer 2017 Need to capture more info about who comes to area and what they do: Sustrans have counters and questionnaire survey Consett restaurant site by roundabout could become a bike hub (has recently been re-let as a new restaurant chain) Velodrome for Consett
Threats
congestion worsening with new development, so main A694 route becomes congested, putting off visitors
3.6 Suggestions on improvements
Walking
Drovers Road: Milkwelburn: Council started working on this to improve it and then stopped: just needs mud scraping off to reveal hard surface below. Chopwell Woods: 2 fields that the farmer has dug over path and put fence up on what was bridleway
Cycling
C2C route will be realigned through new housing estate south of Consett unclassified route from Mountsett to Lintzford could be used for cycling / walking from top of ridge to valley bottom Hamsterley Mill: s106 to pay for new footbridge on Derwent Walk if go ahead with executive homes. Could County clear site lines for Derwent Walk crossing road at Medomsley Bank? Hownsgill Viaduct: footpaths and routes under it are “a mess” Derwent Walk; Woodhouse Lane Whickham Thorns: underpass into MetroCentre is an important local link David Weekes, Beamish Odd Sox cycling club has a lot of local knowledge Lintzford “Sliding grays”(?) ver rutted and narrow where fencing is collapsing. Then the cross road to Chopwell Road. NCC trying to get some budget for cycling and walking. Public Transport
Some buses do carry bikes, such as previous “Black Grouse” service that took people from Tyne and Wear to Stanhope and Park Head and they could cycle back into Newcastle/Gateshead. Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership; want to do improvements at Blaydon Station and increase cycle parking at Prudhoe and Wylam.
Car Parks
Derwentcote steel furnace: parking on wrong side of road Lydgetts Lane car park: flytipping Whinfield Coke Ovens: promoting this as attraction but not providing any car parking Thornley Woodlands Centre: not enough car parking
Volunteering
“Next Door” facebook for Rowlands Gill: organising litter picks by volunteers.
Presentation of area and branding:
some of core markets are day visitors from Tyne and Wear and families branding should focus on message of “Here’s this area, this is what it stood for and this is what happened. Now you go and discover it for yourselves”. Visitor centres as hubs: Winlaton Mill, The Lodge Consett Park, Prudhoe Café next to bridge. Brighten Ryton hoping to get shop in Ryton as heritage centre brand follows evolution of green valley to industrial and back to green again Barnard Castle has “Walkers Welcome” designation
3.7 Funding
DCC condition route audits of Durham 12 towns and scored against Welsh model. New stage was planning to look at the bits between the towns. Information from Sustrans volunteers needs to be incorporated better into Council procedures.
Appendix C: Examples of mobile phone apps Leisure and tourism mobile app examples
Discover Derbyshire & Peak District app “Find and explore lesser-known cultural highlights, heritage and natural history across the region” Places (over 200) can be randomly selected and viewed from the Place List or from the map, or triggered automatically when passing if your device contains GPS receiver App contains free walking routes that help you discover hidden gems. Each trail contains walking directions, the route plotted on a map, plus information about additional points of interest iSpy game – encourages you to find ‘wonders of the peak’ Push notifications when you walk past a place of interest even if device is locked No mobile reception required “At the heart of this free app are personal stories and some of the best archive photography the region has to offer. Use this app to compare now and then. Fade old images of Derbyshire into your camera view to see how today’s scene has changed and listen to and read local residents stories that bring the past to life. http://www.discover-derbyshire.com/ Leisure and tourism mobile app examples
Exmoor National Park app The Official Wales Coast app “Packed with information on key places, audio recordings from Includes the entire wales coast path route and information on local experts and many other features” every beach in Wales. Interactive walking maps; sends alerts when passing attractions Route and gradient of the Wales Coast path, live weather links, http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/app tide tables, suggested walks, accommodation, leisure and food and drink View Ranger app http://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/plan-your-trip/the-official- Pay to download routes such as Derwent Walk, Chopwell Woods wales-coast-app/?lang=en onto smartphone. Routes produced by BBC Countryfile, Walkingworld Ltd., CycleCity Wales Trails guides etc. Gives accommodation suggestions “We’ve developed Wales Trails to inspire you to park the car and http://www.viewranger.com/en-gb/ explore our fantastic country by train, cycle or foot” Shows trails and points of interest along the way including; places Peak Explorer app to eat and drink, history and heritage, scenic places, beaches, Information on attractions including eating out, featured towns cities towns and villages, visitor centres and wildlife and nature. and villages, things to see and do etc in the Peak district https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.nvg.walestrails Shown on map view. No trails or location tracking https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/visitor-information/apps-and- Trails North Wales downloads Can download 7 walking trails ranked medium/moderate to smartphone National Trust app Shows attractions along the way e.g. nature reserve, Uses location to suggest places to visit and upcoming events on pub/restaurant, village etc map view. http://www.trailsnorthwales.info/ https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/mobile-apps