New Path in Burton

Although just outside our area, but of great interest to us, is the improved section of NCN R54 at Stretton.
Staffordshire County Council are to be congratulated on providing the best thing to happen in Burton since the invention of Marston's Pedigree.
Route 54 has been subject to a devious and tiresome diversion through the streets of Stretton for many years, awaiting a more direct off-road route following the Trent and Mersey Canal to Shobnall Fields. The new route, due for completion in March, does not follow the canal directly, but takes a pleasant winding route through woodland, emerging on Hillfield Lane not far from the canal and the Stretton Business Park.

This is the start on the A38 flyover at Stretton.

 

And here, looking towards Burton, the path is close by the Trent & Mersey Canal. Note good tarmac surface and generous 3m width. Top surface yet to be laid.

Looking back towards the entrance on the fly-over, we see these rather alarming (for cyclists) steps and presume that a ramp will be added alongside for cycles.

This is a typical view of the path through the woodland. It runs betwen the new canalside houses and the A38 trunk road, close by the Stretton RSPCA building.

The whole path is about 1/2 mile long and as yet only the first few hundred yards has tarmac laid, so lots of work yet to be done, but this will be a major improvement to NCN R54.We look forward to seeing it's completion and no doubt will arrange a Rangers Ride to celebrate this with the Burton Rangers.
If you wish to take a look, I suggest you go on a Sunday, as I did, to avoid getting in the way of the contractors. The barriers at both ends are easily breeched, but mountain bike recommended for the rough surface in the woodland.