Next phase of new Tynedale walking, wheeling and cycling route taking shape

The first phase of a new walking and cycling route in Tynedale is complete. 

The construction of the active travel corridor between Hexham train station and Corbridge has seen substantial works in the west end of Hexham, particularly around the hospital – giving visitors, staff and patients the opportunity to use the new section. 

There are now segregated areas for pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists, with new bus shelters installed near the Country Store, and fresh bollards in place outside Hexham Priory School. 

Work is now starting on Phase Two of the scheme. Initially, these works will stretch from Corbridge roundabout heading along the B6321 towards the A695 junction. 

The County Council successfully secured £14.7m from the previous UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to upgrade active travel routes in both Bedlington and between Corbridge and Hexham - providing safe and accessible routes for people to walk, wheel or cycle short distances in the town to key destinations offering a healthier, cheaper and more sustainable alternative to using the car. 

The funding is ringfenced for active travel schemes and can't be used for other projects. 

The route will improve local connections within Hexham and encouraging active travel trips between Hexham and Corbridge. It will largely follow the A695 between the two towns forming connections with the hospital and the school.   

The route is a mix of shared and segregated pedestrian and cyclist usage and some short connecting paths. 

Several new crossings will also be installed as well as speed limit changes and traffic calming measures. The works also include upgraded street lighting, new signage, new road markings, path and drainage improvements, bus stop shelter and seating replacement, tree trimming and surface treatment. 

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member with responsibility for cycling and walking, said:

"It’s great to see this project progressing well as teams move onto the next phase, and we’ve already witnessed a good amount of use of the sections now in place giving residents the opportunity to improve their health, reduce transport costs and make more sustainable travel choices.  

“As with any big schemes on our road network there is an element of disruption and we’re working hard to keep that to a minimum. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding as this scheme continues to take shape. 

“We will continue to engage with residents and businesses as work continues.” 

County Councillor for Hexham North Trevor Cessford said: “I’m really pleased to see this scheme

taking shape, with the first phase now complete and the second phase underway. 

“It’s good to see the route being used. Clearly there is a lot of discussion about this project in the town as it progresses, which is good to see, and I’d encourage people to use the County Council’s website to find out the latest information on this scheme.” 

County Councillor for Hexham East, Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, said: "Not only can families in the east end of Hexham and commuters safely cycle to both stations now, and also join up with the popular Route 72 at Tyne Green - the infrastructure going in around the cycle path means that the road will be safer for pedestrians too. 

"So even if cycling 'isn't your bag' then this is also going to be good for Hexham and Hexham East especially, there are new bus shelters and two new stops next to the Woodland Rise estates, raised tables and a redesigned junction at Dene Street to slow down the traffic. 

"Carriageways in places will be narrowed further, making the approach into Hexham safer for all.

There will even be wildflower strips sown along parts of the route out of town and also, finally, the restoration of the missing trees of the Corbridge Road 'avenue' with the native species that were planned for three years ago, but postponed until this was completed.” 

The entire route is scheduled to open in Spring 2027.