National Cycle Route 46

National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 46 is a Sustrans National Route that runs from Bromsgrove to Neath.

NCN Route 46
Length92.5 miles (148.9 km)
LocationUnited Kingdom
DesignationUK National Cycle Network
TrailheadsNorth: Bromsgrove
South: Neath
Websitewww.sustrans.org.uk

Route

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Bromsgrove to Worcester

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Bromsgrove | Droitwich Spa | Worcester

The route begins in Bromsgrove town centre on road before opening out onto country lanes which lead to Droitwich Spa. Here the route joins the Droitwich Canal towpath. Alternatively, here you can join National Cycle Route 45.[1]

Leaving the towpath, NCR46 then passes through residential streets, country lanes and another short section of the canal before reaching Worcester city centre and the River Severn.[1]

Worcester to Hereford

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Worcester | Malvern | Hereford

NCR46 continues to follow the River Severn, however the connection to Hereford is still under development.[2][3] There is a short section of NCR46 in Malvern, which has been changed from National Cycle Route 45.[4]

Hereford to Abergavenny

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Hereford | Abergavenny

Leaving Hereford the route takes country lanes, branching before Kentchurch onto the National Cycle Route 426. The NCR46 continues through Kentchurch and over the welsh border.[5] There is a link between NCR46[6] and National Cycle Route 42 along this section until they meet in Abergavenny.

Brynmawr to Clwydyfagwyr (Merthyr Tydfil)

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Known as the Heads of the Valleys Route,[7] this section of NCR46 has a mixture of major and minor roads as well as off road trails. Out of the 60miles of this route, 40miles are segregated from traffic. This includes towpaths, disused railway trails[8] and tarmac cycle paths.[7] Beginning in Gwent Valley this section of the route ends in Merthyr Tydfil.

Cynon Valley to Neath

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The NCR46 continues through Cynon Valley and ends in Neath. Cyclists can travel onwards from NCR46 to National Cycle Route 47.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Herefordshire's rural cycle network" (PDF). Worcestershire cycling and walking guides. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Route 46". Cycle Malvern. 20 December 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Malvern to Worcester cycle route plans". Sustrans. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Routes". Cycle Malvern. 27 January 2008. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Abergavenny to Hereford". Rambling Fat Man. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Herefordshire's rural cycle network" (PDF). Herefordshire walks and cycling maps. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  7. ^ a b c "Heads of the Valleys Overview". cycle.travel. Éditions Système D Ltd. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  8. ^ Chris Barber (2023). Gwent Industrial Heritage. Amberley publishing ltd.