The main cycle route from Portishead towards Bristol has received an upgrade – as the first step of a plan to create a direct commuter route.

The path behind the Portbury Docks estate, part of NCN route 26, has been largely resurfaced with tarmac and the vegetation extensively cleared. The route runs beside the derelict Portishead branch railway, itself scheduled to be revived and reopened. 

North Somerset Council says that “we want to increase commuting by cycle in the area, for example between Portishead, Pill and the Portbury Dock area, and longer journeys such as Portishead and Pill to Bristol”.

The improvements, from Portishead to Pill, will be followed by a new roadside path from Pill to Abbots Leigh. The aim is “a continuous and attractive mainly off-carriageway cycle route connecting Portishead, the Portbury Dock area, Pill and Bristol”, at a total cost of £255,000.