Sustrans, a charity promoting sustainable travel, is the main agent behind the National Cycle Network: the green way of traveling the UK. But building long distance cycling routes from the country's tip down to its toe is not enough for the charity…

Next this huge project, the charity works with artists and local communities to offer artistic and creative places at different nodes of cycling routes, along which cyclists and pedestrians can pass by during their voyage.

Intended to embellish one's journey, or simply to provide stopping points where travelers can rest while admiring artwork, this initiative definitely gives an additional incentive to go on cycling or walking expeditions, while at the same time boosting communities' creativity.

These paths have been baptized The Art Trails and are an important part of the National Cycle Network. Visual pleasure is not the only purpose of these artworks however as they have been constructed in a way and at specific locations in order to live them as well.

Some of the most interesting examples include Sentinel 1 by Jim Paulsen located between Bristol and Bath: a sculpture in the form of a sign post that can be seen from afar to help travelers get track of their journeys. Linear Orchard Enamel Waymarkers by Elizabeth Turrell and Imi Maufe are hand-made enamel signs along Colliers Way, each with the name of the apple tree planted nearby, highlighting the variety of the fruit.

Wiggly Wall by Eve Body, located between Dulverton and Barnstaple is a little wall that has been reconstructed from an old broken-down one to put forward the dry stone craftsmanship practiced in the area. It has moreover been turned into a picturesque bench-like structure covered with grass to allow a bit of resting if needed. Dyffi Bridge designed by Jon Mills and located in Machynlleth is of a bridge shaped in the form of fluid to mirror the water below and while crossing it is interesting, the full creativity can be seen when passing underneath…

These are only just a very few examples amongst many, many others little creative additions to the National Cycle Network, waiting for you to discover it all…