Ceredigion environmentalists have unveiled bold new plans to open a cycle and walking path along the old railway line between Lampeter and Llangybi.

They believe the project – which may begin as early as next year – could ultimately lead to such a path being extended to Tregaron, Aberaeron and Aberystwyth.

And Traws Link Cymru, the group campaigning for the reopening of the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen rail link, have said there would be sufficient room for such a path to run alongside a reinstated rail line.

Preliminary plans were presented to Lampeter Town Council by Ellie Waters, of Ceredigion Greenways Partnership, last week.

She described the group as a partnership of local organisations hoping to establish such a route, which would not only cater for cyclists and walkers but would also be disabled-friendly.

“The aim is to convert the old railway line between Lampeter and Llangybi into a multi-purpose pathway,” she told councillors.

“We have already made initial approaches to five out of seven landowners who own farms along the route and they have been tentatively positive.”

She added that a rural development funding application had been made and asked the council for help in potential negotiations over rights of way.

Deputy mayor Cllr Rob Phillips felt the idea had great potential.

“The 7km route is not steep and would serve several villages in the area,” he told colleagues.

“It would obviously be an attraction for visitors as well as locals who could perhaps use it to cycle into work or cycle into town. Similar routes in other areas have attracted tourists but I see this as something that will encourage everyone to increase the amount of exercise they do, be it walking or cycling.”

The council unanimously agreed to give the project their backing.

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now