Tag: Walking Scotland

New West Lothian path opens thanks to landmark fund

Ian Findlay Path Fund celebrates four years transforming 62 communities

A NEW walking and wheeling path connecting Newton and Duntarvie with existing paths in West Lothian has officially opened, one of a number of projects funded by Walking Scotland’s Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF).

In response to years of road safety concerns, the new route replaces a dangerous stretch of the B8020 with a safe, accessible off-road connection to the wider Winchburgh path network.

The path is one of 62 community-led projects funded by the IFPF since 2022, a fund supported by Transport Scotland and administered by Walking Scotland that has invested £5.1 million in active travel infrastructure across 16 council areas.

The fund was established in memory of Ian Findlay CBE, the former Chief Executive Officer of Walking Scotland, who spent his career championing accessible paths and everyday walking as the foundation of healthier, more connected communities.

Walking Scotland is a charity that helps make walking and wheeling a part of everyday life, promoting the benefits of walking on our physical, social and mental health. The charity work with partners and local communities to reduce barriers and improve places and spaces to walk and wheel.

Across Scotland, its projects have upgraded more than 69 kilometres of path surfaces, created over 16 kilometres of new link paths, removed 28 accessibility barriers and installed 92 new seats changes that have already given people safer routes to school, work and local green spaces.

For many in the village, the path is already making a noticeable difference. Children can now walk or wheel safely to school, families are spending more time outdoors together and residents are able to travel between communities without relying on busy roads or car journeys.

Julie Brechin, Secretary of Newton Community Council, said: “This path was always about our community and making life easier and safer for local people. Before it was built, residents had to walk along the B8020 with heavy traffic and there was no safe route connecting us to Winchburgh.

“Now children can walk or cycle to school safely, families are out using the path together and people are enjoying being able to spend time outdoors away from traffic and noise. It has quickly become part of daily life here in Newton.”

The route combines existing historic paths with new sections to provide a new route and was designed to be accessible for everyone. Benches and picnic areas along the route have also created new spaces for residents to meet, walk and spend time together outdoors.

Julie continued: “What has been lovely to see is how many different people are using the path already. Young families, older residents, walkers and cyclists are all making use of it every day.

“It is not about attracting visitors from far away. This is a path built by the community, for the community. It is about helping local people stay active, connected and independent.”

The project moved quickly from planning to completion after funding was secured through the Ian Findlay Path Fund, with Walking Scotland providing support and technical guidance. Planning permission was granted in November and construction began in January, with work completed on schedule.

This project represents a truly collaborative partnership, bringing together Walking Scotland, Newton Community Council, Hopetoun Estates, the Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust, West Lothian Council, award-winning environmental consultancy Ironside Farrar, and civil engineering specialists Covanburn Contracts.

Walking Scotland says the Newton project is a strong example of the fund’s impact, showing how community-led investment in local paths can transform everyday life.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer of Walking Scotland said: “We’re so pleased to see the impact this path has already had for local people. The Ian Findlay Path Fund has left a legacy that communities across Scotland will benefit from for generations.

“It has strengthened community connections and created safer routes and more vibrant places. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved in Ian’s name.”

The route is also expected to support local businesses, with the village shop, garage and pub likely to benefit from increased footfall as more people travel between Newton and neighbouring communities on foot or by bike.

£5.07m community path fund leaves lasting legacy across Scotland

Ian Findlay Path Fund supports projects in Edinburgh

COMMUNITIES across Scotland are celebrating the impact of a £5.07 million investment in local path networks. Between 2022 and 2026, the Ian Findlay Path Fund, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Walking Scotland, helped 62 projects across 17 council areas.  

The fund has supported eight path projects in Edinburgh over four years, including the Dalmeny Path Development, the Coalie Park Improvement Project and the Gyle Park Path Network Upgrade 2023. 

These initiatives have supported upgrades to path surfaces, improved accessibility and strengthened connections between local communities and green spaces, making it easier for residents to walk and wheel throughout the city. 

Across Scotland, communities have upgraded more than 69 kilometres of path surfaces, created over 16 kilometres of new link paths and improved almost 29 kilometres of routes connecting neighbourhoods with local services and green spaces. 

Projects have also removed 28 accessibility barriers, installed 92 seats along community paths and improved lighting, drainage and signage, helping to make routes safer and easier to use throughout the year. 

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Walking Scotland, said: “The Ian Findlay Path Fund has left a lasting legacy that people in Edinburgh will benefit from for years to come. These practical improvements make a real difference to people’s daily lives.  

“When paths are safe, well-maintained and easy to use, people walk and wheel more. That benefits their health and their communities.

“It also helps the environment, as more people choosing to walk and wheel reduces the number of car journeys and carbon emissions.” 

The fund was established in memory of Ian Findlay CBE, former Chief Executive Officer of Walking Scotland, whose work championed the importance of accessible paths and everyday walking and wheeling in building healthier, more connected communities across Scotland. 

Kevin added, “The Ian Findlay Path Fund was the perfect way for all of us to pay tribute to Ian. I’m delighted that we can now look back and celebrate its many achievements.” 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said, “The Ian Findlay Path Fund has been an important part of our commitment to supporting communities across Scotland to create safe, accessible and attractive places to walk, wheel and enjoy their local environments.

“Since its inception, this fund has empowered local groups, who understand the needs and character of their own areas, to lead improvements that make every day active travel easier and more appealing. 

“As the fund comes to a close this month, I want to pay tribute to the volunteers, community organisations and partners who have turned small scale, grassroots ideas into meaningful local change.

“Their work embodies the spirit of community led development and complements our wider national ambition to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys. 

“While this chapter concludes this year, the legacy of the Ian Findlay Path Fund will continue in the strengthened connections, safer routes and more vibrant places it has helped deliver across Scotland.” 

To find out more about the work of Walking Scotland, please visit: 

https://walkingscotland.org.uk/ 

Almost six in every 10 Scots say safer routes would get them walking

Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

SCOTLAND is walking and wheeling more than ever, a new national survey by a leading charity has revealed.

The latest Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey from charity Walking Scotland reveals that 57% of adults now walk or wheel every day, up from 52% in 2023, and 86% walk several times a week.

Yet not everyone is keeping pace, as one in 20 admit to never walking – despite over half of survey participants saying they would like to walk more for leisure (68%) and routine reasons (63%).

Across Scotland, people report poor pavement quality, safety concerns, and poor access to local amenities are preventing them from doing so, showing a disconnect between ambition and reality.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Walking Scotland, said: “Scots want to walk more, and many are. But these figures show too many people still face barriers that stop them. It’s time to make walking the easy choice for everyone. This is a moment to listen to what communities are telling us.

“We know that almost six in 10[1] would walk more if path infrastructure was better, so the ambition is there. People want to walk.”

The survey shows that the vast majority agree that walking benefits both their physical and mental health, and a good network of paths and pavements is cited as an important consideration when deciding whether to walk or wheel. 

Scotland has led the way in promoting walking and wheeling up to now, but Scotland’s only remaining path fund for communities in Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government, comes to an end in early 2026.

That’s why, as the 2026 Scottish Parliament election approaches, the charity is calling for a National Path Fund to ensure everyone has access to safe, well-maintained paths.

Kevin continued: “Demand for our support and advice is higher than ever. This research gives a clear direction of travel. A National Path Fund would ensure everyone in Scotland has access to safe, well-maintained routes.”

Everyday walking and wheeling are simple actions with long term benefits for Scotland, improving health, connecting communications, and supporting climate and nature ambitions. Evidence shows that for every £1 spent on walking infrastructure, the return is up to £6 in health, economic and environmental benefits.

The charity says the results of this survey will shape upcoming work with local authorities, communities and delivery partners, identifying areas most in need of investment and support.

It shows that where paths and local environments are safe, accessible and well-maintained, people will choose to walk and wheel more often. Walking Scotland want to make this an option for everyone.

Making walking and wheeling part of everyday life is at the heart of Walking Scotland’s mission. Through initiatives like the Step Count Challenge, the charity continues to inspire people across Scotland to move more, feel better, and take steps toward a healthier, greener future.

Read the full report here: Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey 2025  

Walking charity steps into new era with new name and bold rebrand

PATHS FOR ALL HAS BEEN RENAMED WALKING SCOTLAND

  • New name signals commitment to making Scotland more active

SCOTLAND’S national walking and wheeling charity has today announced it has rebranded, marking a bold new chapter after almost 30 years of empowering people to walk more, move more and enjoy the outdoors.

Walking Scotland has officially unveiled its new identity, replacing its long-established name, Paths for All, to better reflect its mission and growing impact across the country.

The change signals the charity’s renewed commitment to embedding walking and wheeling into the everyday lives of Scots, enhancing health, wellbeing and sustainability.

From local Health Walks to national policy changes, the organisation has built meaningful partnerships and inspired communities to enjoy the benefits of active travel.

This rebrand follows their ‘Every Day in May’ campaign as part of National Walking Month, which encouraged people across Scotland to walk daily and to discover the profound social, physical, and mental benefits that even short walks can bring.

The charity’s new name reinforces its position as the country’s national authority on walking and wheeling – building on decades of proven impact while setting ambitious goals for the future. It envisions a Scotland where everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live has access to safe, welcoming environments to walk and wheel.

Walking Scotland’s launch follows overwhelming support for a clearer, bolder brand that better communicates its purpose and makes it easier for people to get involved – whether through walking, wheeling, supporting or donating.

The shift also reflects the growing recognition of walking as a low-cost, high-impact solution to a range of societal challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergency.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Walking Scotland said: “This isn’t just a name change, it’s a renewed commitment to putting walking and wheeling at the heart of everyday life in Scotland.

“For almost 30 years, we’ve made a real difference in communities across the country. But we’re not done yet. Walking changes lives – it improves health, connects people and helps address some of Scotland’s biggest challenges.

“Walking Scotland reflects a fresh and inclusive identity that truly captures the scale of our ambition for the next 30 years. We want everyone in Scotland to be able to walk and wheel, everywhere, every day.

“The feedback from our stakeholders, communities and partners has been incredibly positive – this brand resonates and will help us reach more people and grow our impact.”

The organisation points to a growing body of evidence that supports its mission. According to the most recent national attitudes survey, over 77% of Scots agree that walking helps to clear their minds and improve their mood.

Crucially, walking is free, widely accessible, and requires no special equipment, making it a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against inactivity, social isolation, and pressure on the NHS.

To find out more about Walking Scotland, visit: www.walkingscotland.org.uk