£1m Accessible Route Still Blocked by 15 Stone Steps and Stiles

Over a million pounds was allocated to create a pathway designed for easy access, yet it remains partially unusable for some. Wheelchair users and cyclists have highlighted that a newly renovated two-mile section of the bridle path along the River Dee is not fully accessible. The route connects Corwen and Cynwyd in Denbighshire, offering a scenic alternative for pedestrians and cyclists. However, the presence of fifteen steps made of stone and stiles has left portions of the trail difficult to navigate.

Local residents and advocates have pointed out that these barriers prevent full access. Morgan Jones, a wheelchair user, expressed frustration, stating,

“I can’t understand why the council hasn’t put in that ramp. I feel that disabled people in a wheelchair are a second thought.” “I’m quite frustrated to be honest. It’s 2026. It’s a shame that I have to fight for accessibility.”

The issue stems from the design choices at Cynwyd, where the path descends via steps, and at Corwen, where private land boundaries require crossing over fences and stiles.

The project, part of the Welsh government’s initiative to promote active travel, began in 2024 with funding from the UK government’s Levelling Up scheme. A significant portion of the path now features a tarmac surface, but accessibility remains a challenge. Ross Adams from Cycling UK added,

“It’s great that progress was made but then it stalled and it’s got to a situation where it may as well not have started because it’s almost a pointless exercise.” “We’ve got a situation at both ends of the active travel corridor where people can’t really access it, so it begs the question, why was it put in in the first place?”

Denbighshire council has acknowledged the issue, noting that improvements to the steps were completed in the first phase of work. They also secured funding for a ramp at the Cynwyd end, planned for completion by spring 2027. A council spokesperson said,

“We understand that the existing route is popular with local residents and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during the first construction phase whilst the path was closed.” “The council have been successful in applying for further funding to introduce a ramp at the Cynwyd end of the path to improve accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchair users.”

Dafydd Morris from Corwen Town Council emphasized the need for accessible gates, stating,

“We desperately need accessible gates here so horses, bikers, wheelchairs – everybody – can access.” “It’s a beautiful path along the riverside and it’s a shame so many people can’t access it.”

The council aims to address these concerns by collaborating with landowners to ensure the trail meets its intended purpose for all users.