Streatley Footpath 21 in Berkshire has officially opened to the public, more than 20 years after it was first proposed.
The new path provides an accessible walking route through the scenic water meadows near Streatley village centre.
Originally established in 2004 as part of planning permission for The Swan Hotel, the footpath remained unusable for many years due to challenging terrain, including drainage ditches, dense vegetation, and persistently wet ground.
Campaigning by the Mid and West Berkshire Local Access Forum played a key role in highlighting the value of the path, particularly its potential to complete an accessible circular walk around the village’s water meadows. However, environmental sensitivities required careful planning, as the eastern section of the footpath crosses a designated Local Wildlife Site. An ecological report was commissioned before any work could begin.
For the past five years, West Berkshire Council’s Countryside and Public Rights of Way teams have led improvements guided by ecological recommendations. These included safety tree work, bat surveys, vegetation clearance, water level studies, and the installation of two bridges.
To protect the surrounding wildlife and adjacent meadows, stock-proof fencing was installed on both sides of the path. This fencing, funded by a grant from the Mend the Gap Scheme, helps prevent dogs from entering sensitive areas.
The opening of Footpath 21 also featured support from The Swan Hotel as the landowner, the Berkshire Ornithological Club, the Mobility Issues Group for Goring and Streatley (MIGGS), and neighbouring landowners.
Councillor Nigel Foot, executive member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside, said: “Footpath 21 is a fantastic addition to the local rights of way network. It not only opens up access to beautiful parts of Streatley’s countryside but also provides a safe and inclusive walking route for residents and visitors alike. I’m delighted to see the hard work of so many come to fruition.”
