The Bay Cycle Way has won the 'Visitor Experience 2015' trophy at the Lancashire Tourism Awards.
The new route - which runs from Glasson Dock in Lancaster to Walney Island at Barrow picked up the accolade last night at Blackpool's Winter Gardens after being shortlisted in September.
Launched in the summer of this year, the cycle way was developed in close partnership with Sustrans, a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day and the route is part of Sustrans' National Cycle Network (NCN 700).
Morecambe Bay Partnership and Sustrans also worked closely with Lancashire County Council and Cumbria County Council.
It was funded by the Coastal Communities Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Susannah Bleakley, Executive Director of Morecambe Bay Partnership said: “We’re so thrilled that the new Bay Cycle Way has been recognised through these awards. A huge amount of effort went into its creation and we’d like to thank everyone involved for helping to make it possible.
"The new route has been incredibly well received, not just by local communities but by people from all over the country who are travelling to Morecambe Bay to test it out. That they enjoy it so much is a testament to the warm welcome that the communities and businesses around the Bay gives to its visitors.”
Rosslyn Colderley, Regional Director North West for Sustrans said: “This is fantastic news and very well deserved for the newest Sustrans National Cycle Network route that will do so much for tourism all along its 81 miles. Special mention must go to all those who put their hearts and souls into making the route and four day opening event such a huge success. Our amazing Sustrans volunteers spent 608 hours preparing, signing, testing and helping to lead the inaugural event involving hundreds of participants in June.”
The Bay Cycle Way will now be put forward to the national VisitEngland Awards 2016.