GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND - Clean Breaks: 500 New Ways to See the World - page 6

The Collier's Way A 13km route across
northeastern Somerset, passing Dundas
Aqueduct, Radstock and Frome. Artworks:
Enamel Signs of Old English Apple Varieties
by Liz Turrell and Imi Maufe; Stone Column by
Jerry Ortmans; Fussell's Railings by Jez Pearson;
Simplicity Bench by Yumiko Aoyagi. (National
Cycle Network Route 24)
The Spen Valley Greenway A 13km route
along a disused railway line running near the
River Spen between the towns of Cleckheaton,
Dewsbury and Heckmondwike in the north of
England. Artworks: Forty Giant Steel Hoops by
Trudi Entwistle and Giant Pedal & Cycle Seats by
Alan Evans. (National Cycle Network Route 66)
In 2008 Sustrans won £50 million from The
People's Millions Lottery (a scheme whereby
the British public gets to vote for projects that
will benefit local communities), which it intends
to use to fund the development of walking and
cycling networks throughout the UK. So expect
to see a massive extension of the National Cycle
Network over the next few years… and a few
more healthy faces.

Inside, the floor plan is simple: a small kitchen-
dining area with large windows to let plenty of
light in, a cosy lounge with a sofa and stove, one
double bedroom and one twin-bed room, and a
utility room with a washing machine.
But back to that list of eco features: the
barbecue is stocked with locally made charcoal,
there's an “honesty” shop in a side room with
essentials such as Fairtrade chocolate, and - as
it's self-catering - you can order a delivery of
local organic food. And on the website, there
is a list of “what there is not”, such as a TV,
microwave and reliable mobile phone signal.
The only minor complaint you could have is
that Ecocabin is in such a remote setting you do
have to jump in the car if you want to see any of
the local sights other than those you can reach
in a day's walking. Unless of course you come by
bike or hire one locally. Hopton Castle and Black
Hill forest tracks are just a 10min ride away.
In fact, everything seems to have been so well
thought through that you can't help trying to
find a flaw. Maybe there are plans for a helipad
on the farm? Maybe pigs can fly.

Need to know The nearest mainline train station
is Craven Arms, from where you can arrange to be
collected by the owner. Further info, including rates
and availability, at W www.ecocabin.co.uk; T +44 (0)
1547 530 183. Rented bikes can be delivered to
the cabin by W www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk.

Need to know For information on Sustrans
projects and route maps see W www.sustrans.co.uk;
T [phone].

Ecocabin: made from local
Douglas fir and larch and fitted
with a rainwater collection butt

002 SpeNd a week at eCoCabiN,
ShRopShiRe

Nowhere is 100 percent green, but Ecocabin - in
the South Shropshire Hills, 25km from Ludlow
- comes close. This single-storey lodge is a model
of sustainability, from its design and construction
to the way it is run. The timber frame is made
from local Douglas fir and larch, the flooring is
finished with native ash and eco-friendly paints,
there's sheep's wool for insulation, solar power
for hot water and electricity, and wood pellets
for the stove. Most of the furnishings are from a
community recycling scheme, the 1950s kitchen
cabinet was plucked from a junk shop and the
kitchen work surface is made from recycled
yogurt pots.