Falkirk stretch of popular walking and cycling route to undergo £26,000 revamp

More than £26,000 has been set aside as part of a regeneration programme led by NatureScot to carry out repairs and improvements to the path surface on the John Muir Way.

The work is part of a project that aims to remove barriers and improve access for all on some of Scotland’s best-loved paths.

NatureScot is funding almost £111,000 of improvements to the path network, including many on Scotland’s Great Trails such as the West Highland Way.

With a big increase in the number of people accessing the outdoors and connecting with nature over the past year, and more than 70 per cent of the Scottish population living within five miles of a Great Trail, much of the project is designed to improve the accessibility of the network.

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Working with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, almost £19,000 is being invested in improvements to the popular West Highland Way at Keilator and between Ewich and Tyndrum.

Bridget Jones, NatureScot recreation and paths manager, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated more than ever before how important a nature-rich environment is for our physical and mental well-being.

“It’s encouraging that we have seen an increase in the number of people enjoying the outdoors over the past 12 months but at NatureScot we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access these benefits.

“This funding will improve surfaces, remove barriers and increase access on some of our most popular and scenic paths and trails.”

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