National Cycle Route 5 (Conwy - Llanfairfechan)
It's now official ! National Cycle Route 5 from Conwy Marina to Llafairfechan is not fit for purpose. The sign below has recently appeared stating that the route is 'unsuitable for leisure cyclists'.
'Leisure cyclists' is a curious term indeed. How do we differentiate between those who cycle strictly for pleasure, and those who use a bike as their everyday means of transport. Is someone saying that those gritty, long distance touring cyclists, covering sometimes over a hundred miles a day, should be discouraged from using this major route to access Snowdonia and Ireland from the rest of the UK and Europe?
Between Conwy and Llanfairfechan there are two problems:
1. The path between the Conwy A55 slip road and the headland of Penmaenbach involves the use of a narrow path next to the east bound traffic.
2. And to the west at Pen y Clip headland, the route is ambiguous and hazardous with a choice of using either the pedestrian route next to the eastbound traffic, or the old Telford road with the prospect of being dumped between the east and westbound traffic - not for the faint-hearted!
In respect of the latter, design work was undertaken some years ago. These plans are believed to have been modified. There are indications that funding is in place to start the work soon on bridge construction. One day's delay, is one day too long.
Regarding the Conwy slip-road, Sustrans has placed this section on its Connect2 reserve list. Exploratory discussions and design work is taking place with a view to upgrading the old track through the sand dunes on the seaward side of the rail line. This would involve constructing a bridge over the railway at Penmaenbach to join the recently upgraded cycle path.
Given the proliferation of young and old alike seen cycling between Llanfairfechan and Conwy, the completion of both these projects would lead to a massive boost to cycling in the area.
But then of course this raises the question of coastal access for cycling and walking between Llanfairfechan and Bangor, with the magnificent views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. But of this we hear nothing of any plans. Why?
 |
|
On the seaward side of the rail line - the old highway between Conwy and Penmaenmawr |
 |
|
Determined to cycle along NCR Route 5, despite the poor provision for cyclists, this cheery bunch of Liverpool friends are pictured returning at dusk on the A55 Conwy slip road, after a ride to Benllech. |
 |
|
How one young family cycled along the A55 from Dwygyfwlchi to Conwy four miles away |
 |
|
Part of the coastline between Llanfairfechan and Bangor - Pen y Clip headland in the background |