A proposed 26-mile ‘cycle spine’ through Gloucestershire has been announced.

Extending from Stroud to Bishop’s Cleeve, the map shows how the route would pass through Gloucester and Cheltenham, creating a substantial cycling and walking network through the county.

Funding has already been committed to link Gloucester city centre to Cheltenham, with a route along the B4063.

This will be extended to the north with a route through Cheltenham, and on to Bishop’s Cleeve. While, to the south the route will extend as far as Stroud, with work underway to identify the most appropriate route.

Sections of the route to the south of Gloucester city centre and to the north of Cheltenham are yet to be confirmed. However, proposals are in the process of being developed and funding has been committed to undertake further design. Residents will be consulted on the proposals once the plans are at a more advanced stage.

Cllr David Gray, Cabinet member responsible for Environment and Planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This map is a commitment by the council to invest in methods of sustainable transport across the county.

“Our long-term vision of an unbroken cycle route from Stroud to Bishop’s Cleeve will allow cyclists and pedestrians to access our county through more sustainable modes of travel.

“I am delighted to see these the plans, and look forward to seeing them come to life.”