THE Spen Valley Greenway, an old rail line transformed into a pathway, has been hailed by the Government as an outstanding success.
The route was developed in partnership between Sustrans, a national charity working for a national cycle network, and Kirklees councillors.
It runs for almost seven miles (11km) between Ravensthorpe and Oakenshaw and is used by cyclists, walkers, horse riders and the disabled.
Now the route has been identified in a Department for Transport report, Encouraging Cycling and Walking, as one of 50 successful case studies nationally.
The Greenway was also voted 14th out of 50 routes by readers of the Independent newspaper.
Clr Martyn Bolt, who was involved at the start, said: "It endorses the strength of feeling amongst many people in the district.
"Kirklees is a pioneer in turning abandoned rail tracks, which often are magnets for anti-social behaviour, into safe transport routes where people can exercise or commute on a purpose-made surface all year round."
