It's tarmac so that's a plus point. But how hard is it to remove a gate, or even just lock it open? Sums up a key issue with the NCN, which is that for most of it issues like this are out of Sustrans hands and all they can do about it it ask nicely. It needs management which can bite if needs must

It’s a nice leisure route - pretty, through an urban nature reserve. That was probably my last ride there until spring though - too slippery with poor drainage & too often obstructed with fallen branches & also too isolated at quiet times. Need a protected road route (up the 40mph A road…) too.

TBF councils frequently leave gates blocking motorways for months so it's not just active travel that's affe--- WAIT