Walking and cycling route opens in Tyndrum

A new walking and cycling route in Tyndrum which allows cyclists to bypass the A82 trunk road has officially opened.

The new path has been created by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust and is suitable for cyclists, horses, buggies and walkers and includes a brand new bridge connecting the communities and businesses of Tyndrum and Crianlarich.

The key section of the National Walking and Cycling Network forms part of the Cross Scotland Pilgrims Way and is situated in the community-owned woodland at Dalrigh, Tyndrum.

The route has been delivered in partnership by Sustrans Scotland, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Tactran, Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER, the Brown Forbes Memorial Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Strathfillan Community Development Trust.

Speaking at the opening, Natalie Stevenson from the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust said:

"It has long been an ambition of the communities of Tyndrum and Crianlarich to not only provide a safe access route between the two villages but also to offer new local links to nationally recognised long distance walking and cycling routes such as the West Highland Way and National cycle routes.

"This ambition ties in with long term plans to create a network of paths running from the east of the National Park at St Fillans to the west at Tyndrum. This new path gives residents and visitors more opportunities for active travel, to enjoy recreational walks or bike rides or to join longer distance routes.

"We are committed to supporting local businesses and communities in achieving this ambition and are thrilled that we can now start work on the next sections around Crianlarich and Killin.”

Sustrans Scotland provided £200,000 towards the route, through its National Cycle Network Development fund, which is funded by Transport Scotland.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said:

"The Scottish Government continues to work with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to develop and support ambitious infrastructure projects such as the new Tyndrum cycle path, encouraging more people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

"Cycling and walking improves mental and physical health, offering a low cost and low carbon alternative to other modes of transport. More people on bikes and walking means better air quality. “We are spending record levels on walking and cycling which will continue for the duration of this Parliamentary term, and working with our partners, to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the benefits of cycling and active travel.”

Since completion in the last two months, 1446 walkers and 317 cyclists have enjoyed the new path. The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust hope to start the next section of path later this year linking the 4.5km to Crianlarich and then a further 22km to the National Cycle Network in Killin.

Visit the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust website to find out more.