A new footpath linking the South Lanarkshire communities of Coalburn and Lesmahagow is set to improve connectivity, promote active travel, and enhance access to essential services.
The 3.3km Coalburn to National Cycle Network Route 74 (NCN74) Active Travel Path is a landmark infrastructure project, spearheaded by the Rural Development Trust, that will provide a safe, accessible, and sustainable route for walkers, cyclists, and mobility users.
Renewable energy developer OnPath Energy has played a pivotal role in bringing this vision closer to reality, contributing £158,719 in funding towards the project from its Middle Muir Wind Farm Fund through the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) managed by South Lanarkshire Council.
The route will transform a disused railway line and core paths into a high-quality active travel corridor, offering a safer alternative to road travel and encouraging more people to walk or cycle for everyday journeys.
Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy, said: “OnPath Energy is proud to support this initiative, which enhances connectivity while embodying the spirit of sustainability and community pride.
“This project aligns with our mission to inspire communities to embrace renewable energy and contribute to a just transition to net zero. By investing in local infrastructure that promotes sustainable practices within communities we reinforce our commitment to creating a greener, more connected future for all.”
The project has already secured £100,000 from Paths for All’s Ian Findlay Path Fund, which is supported by Transport Scotland. OnPath Energy’s contribution provides the critical match funding needed to advance construction.
Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Scotland’s national walking charity Paths for All, emphasised the importance of strong partnerships in delivering community-led projects: “Projects like this rely on collaboration, and OnPath Energy’s contribution demonstrates how businesses and charities can make a tangible difference in creating healthier, more connected communities.
“This path will not only give a fantastic place to enjoy walking, but also improve access to local services, work, and education.”
The pathway is scheduled for completion by mid-2025. It has been overwhelmingly supported by the community, with 96% of surveyed residents backing the initiative.
Beyond improving accessibility, the path will provide safe off-road access to Coalburn Moss, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), encouraging eco-tourism and recreational activities. Plans are also in place to extend the route beyond Coalburn towards Douglas, further strengthening local transport links.
Dave Graham, Active Travel Project Officer at the Rural Development Trust, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the initiative: “This path has been shaped by community demand and will be a valuable asset for generations. It’s about connecting people, places, and opportunities.
“By linking Coalburn and Lesmahagow, we’re giving young people a safer and more sustainable way to get to school, helping residents access local shops and services, and encouraging active lifestyles.
“This isn’t just about transport – it’s about improving health, wellbeing, and accessibility for rural communities.
“The Rural Development Trust would like to thank our local partners Coalburn Community Action Group, Coalburn Miner Welfare Charitable Society, Douglas Community Council and the Douglasdale REAL group for their continued support with this project.
“We look forward to progressing this project with work now underway, we are aiming for the project to be completed by summer 2025, subject to final sign off on all landowner path agreements.”
The Renewable Energy Fund, which funded this project provides funding for capital projects within a 10km radius of the 42 participating wind farms in South Lanarkshire which contribute around £2.2 million each year for communities in South Lanarkshire.
Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of Community & Enterprise Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The REF fund is about more than just providing financial support – it’s about creating long-term benefits for local communities.
“This funding has therefore not only enabled this new active-travel pathway between Coalburn and Lesmahagow to be created, but in doing so it also helps to empower both of these communities and supports sustainable, inclusive and well-connected places as well as quality outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
This project also complements a neighbouring route between Coalburn and Poneil, which has received separate funding support. Both paths form part of a broader effort to connect rural communities through a safe, accessible active travel network across the region.
For more information about OnPath Energy and its community initiatives, please visit https://www.onpathenergy.com/communities/funds/.
