A NEW family friendly cycle route in Wensleydale is a step closer to becoming reality following an£8,000 cash injection from the district council.

Members of Richmondshire’s Corporate Board gave a grant towards a feasibility study for the creation of a multi-user cycle route as part of the reinstatement of the Hawes to Garsdale railway route.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority proposal aims to increase the family friendly routes available through the dales by 2023 – they have already established three routes at Malham Tarn, Greenfield Forest and through the Swale Trail.

Council leader, Angie Dale, said: “Family cycle routes not only enable local people to benefit from them, but they attract young people into the area and in turn enhance our visitor economy.

“But this new route will have one major advantage – being near a former railway line it is on a relatively flat terrain so will make access easier for people of limited mobility, those in wheelchairs and those with young children.