Loops and Links

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The Loops & Links project is largely made up of the following key elements: 1. Landscape improvements to existing routes; 2 Community artwork; 3 Directional signage; 4 Interpretive signage 5 Village enhancements; 6 Promotional Campaign (including promotional items and literature); 7 Local Business Advice

1 - Landscape improvements to existing routes: There are many existing links to and from the National Cycle Network – Route 47 and the villages and attractions on route. The project identifies a number of key links with 10 chosen for improvement. These lie within the communities of; Nelson, Maesycwmmer, Wyllie, Ynysddu, Cwmfelinfach and Wattsville.

2 – Community Artwork: Community Artwork Developed by Artist Michael Disley, in collaboration with local schools and residents, lie along the route of the cycleway. 7 local schools were involved in stone workshop sessions from Nelson to Abercarn, where eager and excited children carved 140 stone tiles. The children were asked to carve into the stone taking the local area as a theme. Each school was very different and were left with 20-30 stone, where some decided to incorporate them in to walls and paths to form a sculpture trial. Following on the dedicated school workshops, 18 stone cubed seats were carved by local residents. These bench/seat-carving workshops took place at different venues across the Mid Valleys including Llancaich Fawr and Ynys Hywel Activity Centre. The design themes for these seats were again the local area and people were invited to come along and append some time carving bas-reliefs into the side of the stones. Some came for a few hours and some stayed for a couple of days, with all finding out how easy it is to become lost in the art of stone carving. The final component of the Community Artwork consists of 6 unique sculptures, where 18 original designs were devised each featuring local historical references. From the designs 6 were chosen by local residents within the mid valleys area and carved by the artist.

3 – Directional Signage: The directional signage element of the overall project will provide important useful local information and facilitate the ease of movement from the cycle route to the various villages and amenities. The design of the signs is such that the information presented to the user is easily understood. The signs promote the use of a curved edge rather than the standard design and the use of distances, times (cycling & walking) and local village facility information.

4 – Interpretive Signage: A number of information boards will be introduced within certain village centres that reflect the rural setting/history of these settlements and giving basic information on the amenities in the village. Furthermore, interpretive signage at historical sites along the route, such as Capel y Babel in Cwmfelinfach, will be introduced in order for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the picturesque scenery whilst gaining some local historical knowledge

5 – Village Enhancements: A number of villages along the route have and will be the subject of sympathetic environmental improvements works and development for cycling tourism. Through the introduction of an interesting mix of sustainable materials, cycle racks and sitting areas, attractive and welcoming areas will be enhanced and enrich the sense of vitality in the villages. The current sites under development are located in Nelson, Ynysddu and Cwmfelinfach, with a further 3 villages at Cwmcarn, Wattsville and Wyllie coming on-line later on in the year.

6 – Promotional Campaign: A variety of promotional Items have been developed for the Mid Valleys Rural Village Strategy (Loops & Links). These include t-shirts, bike bells, water bottles, baseball caps, fridge magnets, bags, reflectors, stickers, puzzle games etc.

Although most items will be delivered to local school children and can be picked up free from various tourist sites, if you would like one of the promotional items on offer please contact the number below and we will see what’s in stock.

Reference booklets and a Commemorative Artwork booklet can also be picked up from one of the tourist facilities on route or the tourist information centre.

7 – Local Business Advice: The project offers an array of opportunities to businesses along the and near the cycle route to tap into the tourism/revenue potential of this important national and local recreational resource. In this regard business should contact the Council’s Economic Development section, on 01443 862222 to discuss the potential grants on offer for capital works to make businesses more attractive to the potential tourist trade.

Contact Information: Click here for further information on the Loops & Links project or contact: Tel: 01495 235194