A path linking Weston-super-Mare to Brean Down will finally open during the bank holiday weekend. It has taken 20 years of planning but cyclists and walkers will finally be able to enjoy the route starting on May 1. This is how you can join in…

Weston Mercury: The sluice gate. Picture: Brian WilkinsonThe sluice gate. Picture: Brian Wilkinson (Image: Brian Wilkinson)

What is it?

It is a new path providing a walking and cycling route between Weston and Brean Down via the Brean Cross Sluices over the River Axe.

It is hoped the path will be used by holiday-makers wanting to travel between Weston and Brean, and for walkers who want a safe route to enjoy the magnificent views of Brean Down and Uphill.

Weston Mercury: Volunteers hard at work before the route could open. Picture: Brian WilkinsonVolunteers hard at work before the route could open. Picture: Brian Wilkinson (Image: Brian Wilkinson)

Who created it?

North Somerset Council has taken the lead in the project, but Greenways And Cycle Routes has also been involved.

The charitable body Greenways has entered land agreements in Somerset, and organised the construction work and is responsible for maintaining the southern side of the route.

Volunteers have been involved in the final section of the project – and travelled from as far as Cornwall, Northumberland and Wales to do so.

Weston Mercury: The route between Uphill and Brean Down (Picture: Greenways & Cycleroutes)The route between Uphill and Brean Down (Picture: Greenways & Cycleroutes) (Image: Greenways & Cycleroutes)

Where is it?

It starts by the beach in Uphill, although people can easily start along Weston’s seafront. It will take you to the National Trust coffee shop in Brean Down and beyond.

Weston Mercury: Brean Down Fort (©National Trust)Brean Down Fort (©National Trust) (Image: Archant)

How long does it take?

Cycling from Birnbeck Pier to the National Trust coffee shop in Brean Down is estimated to take about an hour.

A trip from the coffee shop to the Napoleonic fort is an additional 20 minutes.

Weston Mercury: The views at Brean Down. Picture: Brian WilkinsonThe views at Brean Down. Picture: Brian Wilkinson (Image: Brian Wilkinson)

When does it open?

The opening is on May 1, and a ride from the Grand Pier will start at 12.30pm. From then, it is open to anyone.

Weston RNLI is involved in a welly relay and will use the route to take the welly to Burnham-on-Sea. Riders will leave the station, by Marine Lake, at 1pm.

Weston Lions Club is involved with tje project and will be providing mile markers and direction signage on May 1.

Weston Mercury: Volunteers will help to maintain the route. Picture: Brian WilkinsonVolunteers will help to maintain the route. Picture: Brian Wilkinson (Image: Brian Wilkinson)

How can I be involved in the future?

Volunteers will be needed to maintain the route going forward. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Greenways.

Weston Mercury: And the views at Brean Down are spectacular. Picture: Brian WilkinsonAnd the views at Brean Down are spectacular. Picture: Brian Wilkinson (Image: Brian Wilkinson)

* Somerset is beautiful. Here – let us prove it to you.