Opening of Cadley and Coronation Park & barrier work.

Several of our recent articles have focused on the fledgling cycle network developments around Swadlincote.  Happily, a few weeks ago the 2 new parks to the south of Swadlincote were officially opened, therefore providing more off road cycling facilities within the area.

Coronation Park Information board

 Hallfields Road path towards Coronation Park

Events took place at both parks with cycling related activities happening on the learn to ride and bmx track at Cadley Park (located between the golf centre and the Ruby Way estate).  On the other side of the golf centre in Coronation Park there were several stalls and other activities including tree planting of a new orchard which looked well attended and enjoyed.

Path from Golf Centre to Cadley Park

Both parks feature wide paths to be suitable for shared use and although relatively bare at the moment there are lots of baby trees planted which will grow over the next few years.  We are sure that both parks will become a focal point for several activities and hope to be able to join in to support.

New footbridge at entrance to Cadley Park

From a cycling point of view this now creates a route into Swadlincote from the A444 without having to double back from Cadley Hill Roundabout and use William Nadin Way.  After the Park Road turning for Newhall and just before the Gate Inn, by turning off from Hallfields Road, an number of off road paths now transverse Coronation Park towards the Golf Centre car park.  Through the car park the path continues to the right hand side of the driving range (thankfully well fenced) towards Cadley Park.  At Cadley Park you can either follow the path round towards the learn to ride & BMX facilities and then follow residential streets or branch off right over a new footbridge and towards the estate entrance.  This then links with further infrastructure between the housing and William Nadin Way towards the Cobblestone Drive estate.

View over Cadley Park with BMX track in front

At this point there is still the obstacle of a very narrow wooden bridge which is not easy to take a bike over, but not impossible.  From here you can either use the residential streets or take the off road section at the front of the estate parallel to William Nadin Way.  Either way converges near the allotments and onto Darklands Lane and onto the Toucan Crossing on Darklands Road.  Thereafter the route still needs to be better signed through the town centre area but the mile or so of off road cycling is certainly a more pleasant way to arrive in Swadlincote.

Cadley Park sign and map

Other Recent News

Meanwhile, in the Heart of the National Forest we have seen the removal of a few of the A-gate barriers.  Whilst these are important to deter motor vehicles, they also deter mobility scooters and make it difficult for those with child seats and tag-alongs.  The barriers are being replaced with more sensible posts as shown.  So far they have been replaced between Conkers Discovery and Albert Village Lake.  We'll keep an eye on any further changes.

Please keep an eye on signage at Albert Village Lake as there have been some recent closures due to an outbreak of avian flu.