Written question WQ85429

The primary focus of our policy and consequently of our investment is to create the conditions that enable people across Wales to choose walking and cycling to make everyday journeys.

We recognise the need to enable journeys between neighbouring towns. Many sections of longer distances routes will also overlap with the active travel networks planned by local authorities and therefore serve a dual purpose, which makes them eligible for active travel funding.

The Welsh Government as the Highway Authority for the Strategic Road Network is furthermore scaling up its programme of active travel schemes on the Strategic Road Network and is working together with local authorities to agree priorities in their areas.

Long-distance walking and cycling routes are often intended for recreational journeys. The Welsh Government recognises the value of longer distance walking and cycling routes for leisure and tourism and is providing funding to Sustrans to progress improvements to the National Cycle Network that have been identified through the Paths for Everyone programme.

The Welsh Government also provides annual funding of over £1.5m to National Resources Wales and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to maintain, improve and promote the 870 mile Wales Coast Path (WCP) as well as our three National Trails - Offa’s Dyke Path, Glyndwr’s Way, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

This includes £1m core grant to maintain the WCP and priority projects on the Coast Path and National Trails. This year we are also providing additional funding to help celebrate the WCP’s 10th anniversary.