In Scotland, new paths using the old ‘bogey line’ between Coalburn and NCN74 cycle route to Lesmahagow have been unveiled.
The project includes the upgrade of existing core paths, and the creation of a new path section to the village of Douglas. The paths create links to Coalburn Leisure Centre, Lesmahagow High School and retail opportunities.
Funding for the path was provided by Transport Scotland through the Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF), as well as South Lanarkshire Council Renewable Energy Fund (REF) via Middlemuir Windfarm and Douglas West Windfarm, and Scottish Mines Restoration Trust Mainshill Environmental Improvement Fund.
“We’re thrilled that these new paths are now open for the South Lanarkshire community to enjoy. The paths will give local people the opportunity to incorporate more walking and wheeling into their everyday lives. This has so many health, wellbeing and environmental benefits,” said Kevin Lafferty, Walking Scotland chief executive.
Both paths make use of old mining infrastructure to provide almost 10 kilometres of whin-dust topped, safe off-road paths. The paths are suitable for everyday journeys by walking, wheeling and cycling. They lie near renewable energy sources in the Hagshaw Energy Cluster between Coalburn and Douglas.
Community Action Lanarkshire, a programme of the Rural Development Trust, project managed the design and construction of the paths. They worked with Coalburn Community Action Group, One Stop Shop – Coalburn, and Douglas and Glespin Community Council.
Maintenance of the paths will be shared between Coalburn Community Action Group and Douglasdale REAL Group. They recently received support from Hagshaw Hill Trust and REF via Galawhistle Windfarm for equipment and machinery to support annual maintenance activities linked to landowner path agreements.
The pathways form the basis of plans to develop Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism proposals in the Douglas Valley currently in scoping with the community-led Douglas Valley Advisory Group. This is funded by UK Shared Prosperity Funds administered by South Lanarkshire Council.
