The cycle path will run through Malltraeth nature reserve

L�n Las Cefni has been officially launched by the Chairman of the Environment Agency, John Harman.

The route follows one of the most picturesque and environmentally significant coastlines of Anglesey.

It takes in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an RSPB nature reserve at Malltraeth Marsh

It is our earnest wish that the people of Anglesey get on their bikes to explore the island and not to ride away! Hywel Meredydd, Menter M�n

When finished, the new route will be 12 miles long and will also be suitable for walkers and wheelchairs because of its stone shale surface.

Winding its way through Newborough Forest to Malltraeth Cob, the route then follows the floodbanks of the river Cefni across Malltraeth Marsh and to Llangefni.

On the way it links to National Cycle Route number eight at Pont Marquis, about two miles upstream from Malltraeth.

Work on the new section across Malltraeth Cob has already been completed by the Environment Agency.

Flora and fauna

The L�n Las Cefni initiative has been co-ordinated by Menter M�n, the island's enterprise and rural development agency.

They put together a �850,000 development package with an Objective One grant with match funding from the Environment Agency, the WDA and various other bodies.

"The new cycleway is the result of five years careful planning", said Menter M�n Project Manager, Hugh Knott.

"It is a big project which includes realigning the marsh drainage channels on one side of the river Cefni and widening and strengthening the river floodbanks.

He says that the cycle route will take two years to complete so as not to disturb rare flora and fauna at Malltraeth marsh which is one of the key UK sites for the endangered water vole.

The RSPB reserve is also home to many rare plants and birds such as bitterns, wild fowl, waders, reed buntings and reed warblers.

Tourist attraction

Hywel Meredydd, Chairman of Menter M�n and also a keen cyclist, said: "I can hardly wait to ride all the way from Newborough to Llangefni on a purpose built cycle path through beautiful countryside.

"Thankfully, its a very flat route and cyclists should still have energy to enjoy the scenery on the way!" he added.

Menter M�n are comparing the route to the Camel Trail in Padstow, Cornwall which has become one of Cornwall's biggest tourists attractions.

They want the local people to get and on their bikes.