Wheelchair users can now enjoy some of the finest scenery Colne Valley has to offer.
And the newly improved one-mile route at Standedge Tunnel End, Marsden, will become even more beautiful – thanks to the efforts of volunteers earlier this month.
Around 170 volunteers helped plant 3,000 flower bulbs next to the route which has now opened.
The opening day also included a craft workshop at Standedge Tunnel Visitors’ Centre and a beekeeping demonstration.
The one-mile circular route was opened by Marsden Walkers Are Welcome (MWAW) following a £50,000 grant from Community Spaces and help from Kirklees Right of Way Unit and Canal and River Trust.
As well as pretty surroundings the flat route has benches and leaning posts every 100m and 12 metal nature plaques.
Walkers can make detailed brass rubbings using the plaques provided by Marsden-based Grow to School.
The route, previously too narrow for wheelchairs, now also includes a picnic area.
MWAW secretary Diane Green said: “We’ve created this really lovely walk and it’s not only suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs but also for people who can’t walk very far. It’s a beautiful wild site.
“There are very few walks in Kirklees that are level enough for people in wheelchairs.”
Ms Green added: “We had an extremely successful event.
“Everyone was out there planting and having fun.”
Marsden achieved ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status in 2010 for its well maintained footpaths and encouragement of walking instead of using cars.
For more about Marsden Walkers are Welcome visit: www.marsdenwalkersarewelcome.talktalk.net .
