The former Fryston and Wheldale Colliery sites have been successfully transformed into country trails. The site now offers over 8km of footpaths, bridleways and carriageway and other educational and learning opportunities including an outdoor classroom and river wharf facility.
An £8million remediation programme was put into place plus investment in the village from the National Coalfield Programme The project was delivered in partnership by the Homes and Communities Agency, Wakefield Council, Yorkshire Forward and local residents supported by the Castleford Heritage Trust.
The country trails offers:
- 98 hectares of landscaped public open space
- 40,000 trees that will mature into woodlands
- Outdoor classroom facility
- Footpaths, cycleways and bridleways connecting Fryston back to Castleford to the West and rural areas to the North.
- Play area and play equipment for all ages
- A riverside wharf
- Calcareous limestone grassland
- Viewing point across the river to Fairburn Ings
- Seating along the main routes to rest and take in scenery
- Extensive horse paddock facilities.
Opening
The country trail is open to the public every day of the year.- For walkers, cyclists and horse riders there is an extensive network of footpaths and a bridleway crossing the park.
- Disabled access is generally good; however some of the routes may not be suitable.
Current progress
A specially commissioned sculpture "Fryston above and below ground" was unveiled on 4 September to mark the completion of reclamation work to the former Fryston Wheldale Colliery. It was unveiled by Sir Geoffrey Lofthouse and Cllr Denise Jeffery.
Contacts
For general enquires and more advice on access for people with limited mobility please contact Country Park Rangers on 07751 141 223
Help look after the country trail
If you see any unauthorised motor vehicles, or acts of damage and vandalism call the Wakefield Council 24 hour phone line - 08458 506 506. you will not have to leave your name or contact details.
WAKEFIELD COUNCIL ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE ABOVE FUNDER
Last updated: 7 June 2011
