Powys County Council has been awarded nearly £11 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support a series of projects aimed at promoting recreational tourism in the county through transport investment.

The funding will be spent during the 2025/26 financial year and will focus on upgrading transport links to popular visitor destinations, encouraging active travel, and improving access to the region’s extensive network of footpaths and cycle routes.

Among the key projects earmarked for investment are resurfacing schemes to enhance access to tourist hotspots, support for the National Cycle Network, and upgrades to active travel routes linking towns with nearby attractions.

Plans include improvements to Brecon promenade and the Llandrindod Lake area, further development of the Llandrindod Wells to Howey route, and a new section of path between Crickhowell and Llangattock. Rights of way improvements will also be made, starting with the replacement of the Pont y Milgy footbridge in Ystradgynlais.

Council leader Cllr Jake Berriman welcomed the funding, saying it would help “begin making the improvements needed to the county’s transport infrastructure.”

“Through this timely investment, we aim to improve accessibility to key services, encourage active travel and support recreational activities, providing better journeys for everyone and improve connectivity to tourist hotspots,” he said.

“We are hopeful to receive confirmation of additional Levelling Up Funding to enable us to complete further projects in the future.”

The Levelling Up Fund is part of the UK Government’s commitment to addressing regional inequalities by backing infrastructure schemes that increase pride in place and promote economic opportunity.

Tourism has long been seen as a vital part of Powys’ economy. Powys County Council said the localised projects will deliver wide-reaching benefits including reduced carbon emissions, improved access to key services, and enhanced economic prospects for businesses and communities.