Path network to boost health, economy, tourism and environment

The National Walking and Cycling project plan was launched today (19 March) by Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights Alex Neil near the Falkirk Wheel. It will extend the network by 500 miles over the next five years, joining up and improving existing routes.

Scottish Natural Heritage, Sustrans and Scottish Canals, who are behind the initiative, want Scotland to develop a strategic path network on a par with the best in Europe, making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to get to and enjoy. The paths will offer something for everyone, from walkers, cyclists and horse riders to people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The project is one of a number of key developments highlighted in the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework.

Mr Neil stepped out on the banks of the Forth and Clyde canal to see some of the benefits for himself and meet the project partners and representatives from Falkirk Council. The canal towpath is part of the new John Muir Way, a national cycle route and links to a network of local paths round Falkirk.

Mr Neil said: “Scotland’s extensive network of long distance routes, national cycleways and canal towpaths is already much loved and well used.

“Encouraging more people to enjoy the natural environment is important for the environment, tourism and boosting the economy – that’s why the National Long Distance Cycling and Walking Network is designated as a national development in Scotland’s National Planning Framework.

“The Plan will extend the network of connected, accessible paths and tracks for visitors of all ages and abilities to walk and cycle, encouraging even more people and visitors to enjoy the outdoors and to become more active.”

Feasibility studies are already underway for a North Solway coastal path, parts of a ‘Pilgrim’s Way’ across Scotland between St Andrews and Iona, and to extend the Clyde walkway in Lanarkshire. Major improvements on canal towpaths have begun and there are also plans to improve existing long distance routes such as the Cowal Way and the Clyde Coast path. While work will be carried out over the next five years, the national development is also long term, with the project plan setting out a strategy for the network over the next 20 years.

Ian Ross, Chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage said: “We want to make sure that the network offers something for everyone, with rural routes offering peace and quiet, great views and the chance to get close to nature; paths between settlements to help local people commute away from traffic; high spec surfaces in places for people in wheelchairs and cyclists and more varied paths for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.

“The most important thing is to give people the chance to access and enjoy the outdoors close to where they live – irrespective of their age or mobility. And on the back of that we hope that people will embrace healthier, more active and sustainable lifestyles.”

John Lauder, National Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with SNH and Scottish Canals to ensure the successful delivery of a National Long Distance Cycling and Walking Network, as detailed in National Planning Framework 3. Sustrans wants to see as many people as possible choosing to walk and cycle more on a daily basis. In order to achieve this aim we need to continue to develop high quality facilities for people to use.

“2015 marks the 20^th anniversary of the National Cycle Network in the UK; Sustrans’ flagship project. In 2013, there were an estimated 104 million trips on the National Cycle Network in Scotland and the indicative value of leisure cycling and cycle tourism was £298 million.

“It is fantastic to think that the Network will be extended even further as part of this National Long Distance Walking and Cycling Network and more people than ever before will have the opportunity to use it.”

Andrew Thin, Chair of Scottish Canals, said: “The towpaths along Scotland's canals are busier than ever and play a vital role in both the national path network and linking the communities they run through. They're increasingly significant destinations for leisure, exercise and commuting and offer the perfect way to explore all that the canal corridors have to offer, from the majestic landscapes of the Great Glen to the unique engineering of the world’s only rotating boat lift.

“Scotland’s towpaths already attract more than 22 million visits a year; we hope this project will encourage even more people to leave the couch and car behind, get outdoors, and enjoy the rich heritage, wildlife and green space offered by the nation’s waterways and the wider path network."

ENDS

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