July 26, 2011 3.31 pm This story is over 159 months old

Fossdyke Canal Trail officially open

Three miles: The Fossdyke Canal Trail footway and cycle route was officially opened.

Councillor Eddy Poll (centre), cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony

The Fossdyke Canal Trail, which links Lincoln and Saxilby with a new cycle path alongside the Fossdyke Canal, was officially opened on Tuesday, July 26.

The three-mile footway and cycle route was jointly-funded by Lincolnshire County Council, East Midlands Development Agency and Beal Homes.

The commuter and leisure link runs along the flood bank of the Fossdyke from the Pyewipe public house to Odder near Saxilby.

Finalised in June and officially opened on Tuesday, the canal trail opening was celebrated by Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership with events at The Woodcocks and Burton Waters Marina.

The Fire Brigade Preservation Services brought along their vintage fire engine to The Woodcocks, where children also followed a treasure hunt quiz.

The Woodcocks served hungry walkers and cyclists and over at The Landings promenade at Burton Waters Marina, the Deli Bistro served pizza continental style in the open air.

Councillor Eddy Poll, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a bike ride with your family, the Fossdyke Canal Trail provides a safe route with great views of the Lincolnshire countryside.

“Hopefully, this new track will encourage even more people to give it a go. I know residents in Saxilby and Burton Waters have been looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition, and, after a lot of hard work, we’re finally there.”

Creating the new passageway faced a challenge in how to deliver materials to the workmen. The solution was found in an 18th century technique–using a canal barge to deliver materials via the waterway.

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership were also at the opening with a number of adapted bikes specifically for children and adults with a disability.

The bikes, which are part of the county-wide Bike 4 Life project, are available to hire from four sites across Lincolnshire, including Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln (4 miles from the new cycle route).