Herefordshire has miles of abandoned railway lines, which traverse the most picturesque landscapes on offer.

It is a real shame that they lay in waste.

By looking at the national cycle network, it's easy to note that Herefordshire is mostly void of cycle routes.

By creating greenways along the remains of these railways, it would help open the county for safe cycling.

Being able to cycle to Hay-on-Wye, Symonds-Yat, the Forest of Dean and Gloucester along these greenways would increase tourism.

Additionally, the greenways could be developed to have links to nearby villages, which helps promote the cycle to work scheme.

There are also business opportunities, for example bike rental and cafes, which would make it possible for families to explore the county by bike.

These rail routes are a part of Hereford's history and could be promoted as such, being integrated into the new Marches Museum, and dotted with information about the local area and any landmarks.

Cornwall has undertaken a similar project to create the the Camel Trail, and I'm aware of on-going work to turn the old Leominster to Worcester line into a greenway.

Overall, a project that would help the Council create their 'green city'.

William Adams
Fownhope

Let us know what you think. Send your comments to letters@herefordtimes.com