THE concept of a new green traffic-free walking and cycling path across Cheshire East is under discussion.
Initially titled the 'Great North Way', it would see a 12-mile-long leafy route running alongside the Bollin Valley Way, an established popular countryside route for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts next to the River Bollin.
It is early days, but a public meeting has been held to discuss the concept. Suzie Akers-Smith, Cheshire East Council's walking and cycling champion, said: "This is a significant initiative and, from a cycling and walking perspective, is in line with the council's aspirations for more traffic-free routes across the borough.
"We are happy to work with partners and interested groups to explore costs and the potential for such a scheme."
The Bollin Valley Way is a 25-mile recreational path between Macclesfield and south Manchester and is managed in Cheshire East by the council's countryside rangers' service.
It offers a changing river valley landscape of rural and industrial surroundings, grazing rare long-horn cattle and wildlife.
The Great North Way would complement this, attracting the walker and cyclist going to and from work, while enjoying the attractive rural features of the Bollin Valley.
The Bollin Valley runs along the northern boundary of land owned by Tatton Estate, one of the largest private landowners in the borough.