The Old Carriage Drive bridleway, which links Derwen Fawr and Killay, became the focus of fierce local anger last year after residents discovered proposals to lay a hard tarmac surface along the rural route. Walkers, horse‑riders and cyclists warned the scheme would “urbanise” one of the valley’s most cherished green corridors, prompting protests, petitions and packed public meetings.
Now the council has confirmed it is rowing back on the original plan and will instead restore the bridleway using a more traditional surface dressing, improved drainage and lighter‑touch repairs designed to keep the route’s natural character intact.
A clear shift after community pressure
Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the rethink came directly from the strength of feeling shown by residents and community groups.
“Our discussions with residents and community groups have come up with suggestions that will help enhance the route while also maintaining the look and feel of the local natural environment.”
“We’ve listened to what people have been saying about our original proposals and the result will see enhancements aiming to reflect many of their suggestions.”
He said the new approach would still improve accessibility, but without the hard urban finish many feared. The revised plan includes clearing drainage ditches, restoring the bridleway’s original surface and improving connections to adjoining paths.
Residents claim victory after months of opposition
Locals had slammed the tarmac plan as “completely inappropriate”, staging a protest walk through the valley in a bid to stop it. The council’s reversal is already being seen by many as a significant climbdown.
Campaigners had warned that tarmac would damage the valley’s ecology, increase speeds on the route and erase the historic feel of the Old Carriage Drive. Some accused the council of pushing through a scheme that ignored the bridleway’s rural status.
Part of wider investment — but with a lighter touch
The council says the new works will complement more than £1 million already spent upgrading the main Clyne Valley Path, which has been widened and resurfaced in recent years to cope with rising footfall. But unlike the main route, the Old Carriage Drive will now retain its woodland character.
Cllr Stevens said the upgrade would “add to and continue the significant investment” in the country park, while ensuring the bridleway remains in keeping with its surroundings.
What happens next?
Detailed designs for the revised scheme will be drawn up in the coming months, with work expected to focus on restoring the bridleway’s original surface rather than replacing it with tarmac.
For many residents, the shift marks a rare moment where community pressure has directly reshaped a council project — and a win for those determined to keep Clyne Valley’s woodland routes as natural as possible.
