New bridge for gap on Darn Walk

Power line cash will pay

A replacement bridge to cross a burn on the Darn Walk between Bridge of Allan and Dunblane is expected to be erected in the next few months.

The bridge over the Wharry Burn was washed away by high water about five years ago.

The issue was raised at this week’s meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council.

One member of the public told the meeting something must be done urgently to ensure walkers’ safety.

She said: “The Darn Walk where it crosses the Wharry Burn is now much more difficult to cross.

“Is there an effort to repair the bridge or instal some element of stepping stones there?

“There is a very steep section there which is often slippery. The rocks are wet and there are no hand holds.

“Somebody could fall into the water. It think it needs to be attended to urgently.”

Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Douglas Dodds told the meeting that funding for a wooden bridge there had been set aside and work will start this year.

The money is coming from SP Energy Networks’ fund for the landscape around the Beauly to Denny power line.

Councillor Dodds, who sits on the fund’s steering group, told the Observer: “It’ll be great to have the bridge back on the footpath again.

“The Darn Walk is very popular with walkers, who can get the train before or after their walk in places like Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Gleneagles.

“Overall I think the mitigation measures supported by SP Energy Networks have been great for the area.”

Other projects funded by the scheme include dry stone walls on Sheriffmuir, a new footpath on Dumyat and a footpath round the Cocksburn Reservoir.