Your Views About the Lord Carlisle Heritage Trail

Many residents in the surrounding area have long relied on the trail that follows Lord Carlisle’s historic railway for both recreation and safe travel. The route provides an essential off-road connection between villages, avoiding the hazards of the A689, and offers secure access to public transport. It has delivered significant health and wellbeing benefits for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and runners alike.

THIS VALUED ACCESS IS NOW AT RISK OF BEING PERMANENTLY LOST.

In November 2025, two sections of Lord Carlisle’s Railway—originally developed by Sustrans (now Walk Wheel Cycle Trust) as a footpath and cycleway in the early 2000s—were sold. The new owner of the Whites Cut section near Midgeholme has undertaken extensive groundworks without the required planning permissions, causing damage to the site’s ecology and heritage. Access along the track, as well as a public footpath (No. 120007), has been blocked. The new owner, Michael Newberry, has indicated that his intention is to develop the land and build over the former railway line, but he has also offered the land for community purchase. In addition, the wooden bridge east of Tindale was removed in November 2024 by Knarsdale Estates after a partial collapse. Efforts to have the bridge reinstated have so far been unsuccessful.

A group of concerned residents is now seeking to secure the continued use of the historic passage and protect its future usage by pursuing its designation as an Asset of Community Value* and a Public Right of Way.
A long-term proposal also being considered is for the trail to stretch from Lambley to Brampton Station.

*Assets of Community Value (ACV) are buildings or land that further the social wellbeing or interests of the local community.