Our plans are advanced and the beginnings of an approximately 8.2km of all-weather cycle path which will link the communities of Coggeshall and Earls Colne is underway. The new cycle path will provide a new recreational activity for visitors to and through the Estate and enhance our place in the leisure and recreational opportunities for our local and regional communities.
The free to use route will include a 2.5km loop around the outside of the Arboretum featuring new interpretation points and will make use of the existing Second World War concrete roads, linking with the Visitor Centre and Orchard Kitchen, where new cycle stands will be provided. The cycle path will be permissive (with the consent of Markshall Estate and Earls Colne Business Park). As part of the project, we will need to hard surface more than 2km of cycle path using granite or limestone chipping.
The project is involving our local community and several local authorities overseen by Essex County Council. It is being planned to The National Cycle Network standards. It will be safe and will encourage a sense of adventure to explore Markshall Estate and lead to routes and pathways round Essex. We welcome your support to bring this development to reality.