New cycle and walking route in Hamworthy open for use

A new section of the Rigler Road to Hinchliffe Road sustainable travel route in Hamworthy has now been opened and is ready for use.

This section includes the upgraded bridleway behind the Cornerstone Academy.

Funded by a government grant, the project has seen the old bridleway - which runs along the banks of Holes Bay - upgraded to a bitmac surfaced shared cycle and walking path.

The original grass and earth path, which was prone to waterlogging, has been levelled and widened with better drainage installed and a new smooth surface laid. Footway and safety improvements have also been made at Blandford Close.

Part of south east Dorset’s Transforming Cities Fund’s (TCF) network of new cycle and walking routes, the Hamworthy path forms part of an 11km route from Poole town centre to Holton Heath.

Cycle and pedestrian path by Hamworthy Recreation Ground

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “This new section of cycling and walking path provides a lovely, picturesque route to cycle, scoot or walk beside Holes Bay, as well as being a great way of getting into Poole town centre and avoiding the traffic.

“The improvements were much needed and have made the journey a lot easier and safer.”

Sam Davidson, principal of Cornerstone Academy, added: “Our pupils often used the old bridleway to get to school and it was less than ideal, especially in the winter months, where it would get very muddy. The new path is an excellent improvement and has made it much easier for pupils to cycle and walk to school.”

As the new path goes through the Holes Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), work on a final link section between the current end of the path and Hinchliffe Road will take place in the summer of 2023 (subject to approvals) after migratory birds have left for the summer.