Yass Valley Council gave in-principle support to a roughly 15-kilometre walking and cycling circuit around the village at its ordinary meeting on November 28.

An initial stakeholder survey has already been conducted and a concept trail has been mapped out. The council will now investigate funding.

“It’s easy to do, promotes exercise, and adds another attraction to the region,” said Helm Wines’ Murrumbateman owner and winemaker, Ken Helm.

The concept trail starts on South Street near Win’s Creek Meadery and passes several wineries, starting with Shaw Vineyard Estate and continuing on towards Clonakilla.

It’s anticipated to benefit locals for recreational use and businesses on and off the trail.

“We see visitors completing the trail within a few hours and then exploring other areas and experiences in the region,” said Yass Valley Council’s economic development and tourism manager, Sean Haylan.

Mr Haylan and Mr Helm also foresee the trail encouraging new businesses into the village, such as a bakery, cheese maker and bike hire facilities.

The Riesling Trail – established in 1860 in the Clare Valley, SA – attracts a growing number of about 50,000 visitors per year to the wine region, according to its chairman, Allan Mayfield.

It’s also considered an “extremely important part of the region,” said Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association executive officer, Tania Matz.

“It’s used by locals and tourists,” Ms Matz said. “People bring their own bikes or rent bikes with baskets and cellar doors offer wine delivery back to their accommodation or pick-up at other times.”

Abode Murrumbateman already has about half a dozen bikes that can be used by visitors in an accommodation package. 

The bikes are regularly booked out and often return with baskets filled with wine, according to the hotel’s manager, Toby McEvoy.

The trail is expected to be funded by federal, state and local governments. It has an estimated cost of $1.91 million for 12.71km of additional trail to be built in three stages over three years.