The island’s ’active travel’ strategy has moved a step forward when a path was opened in Ramsey at the weekend.

The path - designed to be used by pedestrians and cyclists - follows the former railway line linking Gardener’s Lane and Poyll Dooey Road.

No fewer than three government ministers attended its official opening.

The ’active travel’ strategy is designed to entice people out of their cars and encourage them to walk, run or cycle instead of drive - and therefore cut emissions and help to get people fitter.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK said: ’The path that existed here was unmade and so was only suitable for the more hardy, who were prepared to get their shoes dirty and at times their feet wet.

’The new surface enables everyone to use it at any time.

’This path is highly accessible and absolutely fits the "active travel" aims. I look forward to it ultimately being connected to the rest of the Heritage Trail to provide the island with a high quality long-distance network of off-road routes.’

The newly-surfaced path, which runs for 800 metres including an 86-metre additional path leading to Bunscoill Rhumsaa, builds a network between the primary school and Ramsey Grammar School.

It is accessible from the rear of the Lezayre Estate, as well as Auldyn Meadow, which means that children walking or cycling to school now have an easy route to follow. Access is also available to the nearby Poyll Dooey nature walks and the Whitebridge ford, and links have been created between the western estates and the town centre.

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Dr Alex Allinson MHK said: ’I hope that pupils and staff will join families and the local community in choosing this route for convenience as well as personal fitness and wellbeing.’

Minister for Policy and Reform Ray Harmer MHK said: ’It will have a significant positive impact for Ramsey, not just in terms of improved health, thanks to more active travel on a safer route, but also by benefitting our environment.’

As part of the scheme, the path is due to be fitted with lighting to encourage year-round use.

Mr Baker said: ’Covid impacted the delivery of the lighting, but it will be installed this summer, and will be ready well in advance of the days drawing in.’

The Ramsey path is one of a number of developments.

A path is currently being constructed to link New Castletown Road with Douglas town centre. A section running from the junction with Anagh Coar alongside the golf course is currently being built.

Arguably the most ambitious scheme runs along the old railway line between Kirk Michael and St John’s. It includes building bridges.