The ‘Ken Bridge Approach’ Footpath Is Declared Open!

This week saw the formal unveiling of the final Galloway Glens supported path, a 700m stretch of off-road route running from the outskirts of New Galloway, across the fields and up to the iconic Ken Bridge. This path was installed following public interest in the route, taking pedestrians off the busy road and adding to a network of walking opportunities from the village into the wider landscape.

The project was made possible thanks to the support of the landowners, the Maxwell family, and delivered by the Galloway Glens Scheme, supported by the wider Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team and the Dumfries & Galloway Outdoor Access Trust.

The ongoing maintenance of the path will be taken on by the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust.

The idea for the project came from community consultation and engagement in recent years, both for the additional walking opportunity, but also to take pedestrians off the busy road.

Jonathan Barrett, Galloway Glens Land Management & Access Officer, oversaw delivery of the path, with support from the wider Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team.

Jonathan said:

“The new Ken Bridge path has been a lovely project to implement with significant community support and most importantly, willing and supportive landowners in Kate and Marcus Maxwell. The path brings an improvement in connectivity between New Galloway and its surroundings as well as a major improvement to pedestrian safety for walkers between Ken Bridge and the village”.

Helen Keron, Executive Manager of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, said: “This path is an excellent addition to the Glenkens path network, and is very well timed, as last year was the bicentenary of the Ken Bridge and we will shortly be installing interpretation boards to mark the anniversary and attendant celebrations. It’s very good to now have a safe route from the village to admire the Bridge and to access the riverside (and the pub!) and we thank the Galloway Glens for their efforts on this project, as with so many others.”

The Galloway Glens Scheme is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. An initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, it is funded by a range of partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Galloway Glens Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities.