The Southern Uplands Partnership is delighted to announce the completion of access improvements on coastal core paths in Annan, Dumfries, New Abbey & part of the Borgue coastline.
The works were done as part of the South West Scotland Coastal Way project led by Third Sector organisation The Southern Uplands Partnership, in psrtnership with The People’s Project Dumfries and Dumfries & Galloway Council and consisted of replacing out stiles with gates, upgrading boardwalks, installing bridges and large-scale vegetation control to help improve accessibility along the coastline.
Local contractors James Smith Fencing carried out the improvements through funding from the Dumfries & Galloway Coastal Benefit Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise and The People’s Project Dumfries. The works have allowed a wider range of people to access the coast, as well as opening up underused coastal core paths to help encourage more people to explore and experience the amazing Dumfries & Galloway coastline.
The South West Scotland Coastal Way is a proposed long-distance trail which will eventually provide a continuous walking route along the coast between Gretna and Stranraer.
The walker will experience a variety of stunning scenery from sandy beaches, clifftop walks, rocky coves and pasture, connecting coastal towns and villages and attractions along the way. There is still much to do including surveying and landowner negotiations to fill in the missing sections and work is underway to secure funding for the next phase.
Once complete it is estimated that the 270 mile (435 km) route would take 2-3 weeks to walk.
The project aims to improve walking opportunities for locals and visitors alike and help to create connectivity between coastal settlements in the region, an contribute to local economy through encouraging increased usage of coastal businesses such as restaurants, local shops and overnight accommodation.
Katrina Dick, Project Officer for the South West Scotland Coastal Way says – I am really proud of the efforts we have put in to upgrade and improve some of the coastal core paths in our region, as well as the overwhelming support we have received from Community groups and Councils as well as landowners in the area and I am looking forward to seeing more people out walking along the coastline in future
Robbie Cowan, Countryside Access Officer says – the targeted coast core path improvements have helped more people to get out and about to explore the fabulous Dumfries and Galloway coastline. Walking has multiple benefits, contributing to people’s health and wellbeing, by experiencing nature and getting more active.
You can find out more about core path in Dumfries and Galloway here Core paths | Dumfries and Galloway Council
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