Road changes for iconic West Highland Way

Proposals are being drawn up to improve safety along a short stretch of the West Highland Way.

Walkers at present are forced to negotiate an approximate 300-metre section of the iconic route by walking along the B821, Cuilt Brae, between Strathblane and Carbeth.

The famous walking route stretches 96-miles, from Milngavie to Fort William.

A spokesperson for Stirling Council said: “We are currently investigating a range of options that will benefit walkers using a section of the West Highland Way which currently requires them to walk along a section of the B821 which has no footpaths.

“These investigations are currently in their very early stages and relevant parties will be consulted in the future to help decide on the best way forward.”

Philip Graves, of Strathblane Community Council, a trustee of the John Muir Trust, said that the council insists there is no space for a pavement along the road there and added: “The community council want Stirling Council to put in some sort of traffic calming measure.” Forth and Endrick Independent councillor, Robert Davies, said that serious investment is required to address the situation. He added: “The West Highland Way is vitally important to rural businesses as it generates huge amounts of revenue all along its route. However, the lack of support from the Scottish Government for this iconic path is lamentable, especially so for such an environmentally friendly activity.

“No one even seems to know how many people use it but the lack of toilet and rubbish facilities makes it an embarrassing symbol of Scottish tourism.

“Traffic levels have increased so much that there is a serious risk of accidents where it crosses roads such as the Cuilt Brae and proper funding is required for a sensible solution.”