National River Walks fund launched for new and upgraded routes

DEFRA have launched the National River Walks fund, a new capital fund to deliver the Labour 2024 manifesto pledge of 9 new National River walks, one in each region of England.

This round will award up to £100,000 resource funding and up to £1,250,000 capital funding to four successful projects, to be completed by March 2028. The closing date for this round is 27th August 2026.

What are the criteria for applications to this fund?

To be eligible to apply to this fund, projects must be in the remaining 8 regions: North East England

• Yorkshire and the Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East of England
• London
• South East
• South West

Additionally, the route must:

1. deliver new or upgraded linear access which should be multi-user (accommodating walking, wheeling, cycling or/and horse riding where possible.

2. run alongside a river, either a main river or ordinary watercourse.

3. Be along a river which passes through or within 1km to disadvantaged areas.

So, can I apply for funding for an eligible section and project along a National Trail?

Yes! If you have an upgrade project, or a project which would create new access linking to an existing National Trail, in one of the eight remaining regions, it would be eligible. In fact, those projects which link to existing National Trails and other public rights of way will be scored higher

Only four routes are being selected, what about the remaining 4?

Another competition for the remaining four routes will be run at another point in the future.

Full information and guidance can be found on the government’s grant portal, or via the link below:

https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/national-river-walks-1

‍

‍