Marriott's Way Ramp & Resurfacing

Marriott's Way is a 26-mile footpath, bridleway, and cycle route that follows the course of two disused railway lines between Aylsham and Norwich. This project delivered access and surface improvements to two well-used sections of the route, located in Drayton and Costessey.

At Drayton, access was significantly improved by replacing a steep, overgrown slope with a new 80-metre ramp featuring handrails. The path was widened to 3 metres and 280 metres of resurfacing was undertaken to ensure year-round usability. Vegetation and tree works were also undertaken to improve visibility and increase biodiversity. Additionally, match funding enabled the installation of heritage railway gates and trellis fencing at both the Taverham Road and Fakenham Road entrances.

At Costessey, improvements included widening the path to 3 metres and constructing a new, level, well-drained surface over a 3,000-metre stretch of path. These enhancements have helped reduce footfall on the path verges, supporting biodiversity along this green infrastructure corridor. The transformation of a previously muddy, waterlogged and inaccessible path into a wide, surfaced route will support greater use in all weather conditions.

The Greater Norwich Growth Board (GNGB) provided £490,500 of funding from the Infrastructure Investment Fund (IIF). This, alongside match funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, enabled the successful delivery of the project.

The GNGB supported this project because it presented a significant opportunity to enhance a popular active travel corridor in areas experiencing significant housing growth. These improvements ensure over 500,000 users can continue the Marriott's Way, while also helping to manage the impact of increased usage.