PLANS to create six new circular cycle routes throughout the Cotswold Water Park have stepped-up a gear.

The Cotswold Water Park Trust has been awarded a £6,835 grant from Gloucestershire County Council’s Growing Our Communities Fund.

Funding will enable the trust to develop the routes covering a combined distance of 150km.

The proposed new routes will be created mainly for proficient cyclists on quiet lanes and roads across the eastern and western sides of the 42 square miles of the Cotswold Water Park.

Cyclists will be guided using downloadable maps and via popular cycling apps such as Strava. A series of way markers will be installed to assist with navigation.

One of the routes utilises stretches of cycle path along the Old Railway Line between South Cerney and Cricklade and it is here that a family activities trail will be incorporated.

The trail will comprise a series of rubbing plaques set out at various points along the course accompanied by a downloadable activities sheet.

Gloucestershire County Council Cllr Shaun Parsons said: “Cycling continues to grow in popularity, and I am pleased that the Cotswold Water Park Trust will be able to develop these new routes which will enable cyclists from the local area to get out and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Cotswold Water Park.”

Commenting on the award, Paul Hazel, executive chairman of the Cotswold Water Park Trust added: “We are delighted to have been successful in obtaining funding for these new cycling routes and we are particularly grateful to Cllr Shaun Parsons who has been so supportive of this project.”