Cymbeline Trail Confusion

CCC campaigner Geoff Loates is hoping to define the status of part of the Viewfinders' Trail in Colchester.

The trail was created by Michael Goodey as an art installation to lead people around town to the best views.

Signs show when to look for the views, but the status of at least one part of the trail is unclear - is it a cycle route?

Geoff says the section in question, through Cymbeline Meadow to Bakers Lane, is shown as a footpath on OS maps and not a bridleway. The path is also signed as a footpath.

Landowner, Colchester Council, allows anyone following the Viewfinders' Trail to cycle on the path.

However, Geoff says dirty looks from walkers - who think cyclists shouldn't be there - are alienating riders.

He has written again to Colchester Council: "To prevent friction with walkers and confusion by tourists on the Viewfinder Trail, I would ask again if something could be added to indicate the path as a permissive cycle route.

"Even better, promote the route as a Colchester asset, I'm sure the Arts Council of England and the East of England Development Agency would want this as they helped fund the route in the first place."

PS: while Geoff has been in negotiation with Colchester Council, the tenant farmer has restored a kissing gate, which kept in livestock but impeded cyclists. Geoff highlighted this issue, and some changes were made so that cyclists can get their bikes through. The council says more improvements will be made soon.

A council officer said: "As you can see there are always other issues involved where there is mixed land use but we are still committed to providing the ViewFinder Trail."