The Cowes to Rhyll Shared Path project aims to connect Rhyll to the main township of Cowes and improve pedestrian access in the community. These works will provide a safe, off-road link between the two areas increasing health and well-being, reducing vehicle traffic and continued expansion of our tracks and trails network. The Trail will also create a new nature-based tourism visitor attraction, providing access to the unique experience of walking and cycling in Bass Coast.

This project was previously identified in Councils’ Aspirational Pathways Plan and is now part of Council's newly adopted Track and Trails strategy (a copy of which can be found under the Document Library).

Stage 5 of this trail provides the connection from the top of Redwood Drive to Coghlan Road.

Council has now completed the feasibility for this path alignment.

When designing and constructing pathways, there are a number of tasks that Council must undertake to determine the best alignment. They include:

• Determining the land owner of the site (if not Council), and seeking approval to proceed with project
• Undertaking Cultural Heritage Due Diligence/Cultural Heritage Management Plan
• Seeking consent for coastal projects under the Marine and Coastal Act
• Considering any planning overlays affecting the site
• Considering the best path surface for the location. It must meet requirements of the outcomes of the path planning tasks listed in the points above, as well as providing a level of service that meets the needs of users. It should also be an appropriate surface from a maintenance perspective.

For more information on the feasibility study, please see Aspirational Pathways Cowes-Rhyll Road Feasibility Study in the library to the right of this page.

Council has now commenced this design work. Further updates will be provided through this page as the design process continues.

From Redwood Drive to Coghlan Road. Indicative alignment shown, with alignment to be confirmed through the feasibility and design process.