Old railway to become cycle path
Plans are afoot to transform a section of disused railway into a walking, cycling and wheeling route between Doune and Callander.
Sustrans – a walking and cycling charity – has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) ahead of a formal application for planning permission for the project.
The ‘Doune to Burn of Cambus Project’ is part of Sustrans’ National Cycle Network.
The proposals for the scheme near Doune, an extension of NCN Route 765, have been designated as the first phase of the overall project.
It will provide a trafficfree route between Doune and Burn of Cambus – with an on road connection to Callander via Drumloist Road.
The plans cover an almost two-mile long stretch and will utilise disused railway trackbed, three bridges, including a crossing at Annet Burn and the A84 trunk road at Burn of Cambus.
The proposed path runs within Moray Estate.
Sustrans has already met with Kilmadock Community Council at their January meeting and will also do so with Callander Community Council at a later date.
It will also consult with Callander Partnership next month and Stirling Area Access Panel on a date yet to be confirmed.
Public engagement events are also to be held in Doune and Callander in March.
A spokesperson for Sustrans said: “This is the first phase of trying to complete the gap in the Network – and one of the activation projects identified in our 2018 Paths for Everyone Report.
“There is no current route between Doune and Callander. Users would have to use the A84 trunk road. There is an opportunity to deliver a new route as part of output from the National Walking and Cycling
Network initiative and deliver a key section new tourist and recreation route linking National Route 765 to National Route 7 and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
“Our aim is to identify new preferred alignment and deliver traffic-free route between Doune and Burn of Cambus as phase one.”
No date has yet been set for when the proposed route construction or completion may occur.
Trossachs and Teith Tory councillor Martin Earl said: “Linking the last sections of this national cycle route has been being discussed for years so I’m delighted that plans are finally being lodged.
“Getting Doune and Callander linked will be significant for many residents, the environment and the local economies in both communities. Having the funding agreed by Transport Scotland is key and I hope that will happen in the next few months.”