Milton Keynes
Cycle Path

Challenge

A key section of National Cycle Network Route 6 between Castlethorpe and Milton Keynes was rendered frequently impassable by chronic flooding. Poor drainage left the path unusable for disabled users, families with children and regular commuters. Conventional pipe-and-trench solutions were ruled out by constraints including a nearby railway line, shallow services and protected badger habitats in the surrounding area.

Solution

Rosehill 1m² Drainage Mats were laid along the full 200m affected section, topped with gravel and finished with asphalt surfacing. Grip Drains were positioned at the path edge to discharge collected water onto the adjacent field. The no-dig installation minimised disruption and protected surrounding ecology, while modular components followed the curved terrain and adjusted to shallow service constraints. The design was subsequently approved for a full 2.5km route upgrade, with a 1km extension completed in June 2025.

Result

Zero flooding was reported throughout winter 2024, validated by continuous monitoring. Built from 90% recycled rubber, the scheme offers a lower-carbon alternative to traditional pipe-and-gravel systems, alongside approximately 19% cost savings versus conventional installation methods. With £3.16m in social value projected over 10 years for the full route — including health, accessibility and travel benefits — the scheme demonstrates how modular drainage can transform active travel infrastructure.