A vision for the future ...
The disused and dismantled railway lines of Upper Tweeddale in the Scottish Borders have huge potential as walking, cycling and horseriding routes. The lines of the old Symington, Biggar, Broughton and Peebles railway have long since been removed, but the tracks remain. With improvements to access, signage and track surface, this network could become an outstanding attraction and amenity for tourists and locals alike.
The aim of Upper Tweed Railway Paths is to see a traffic-free route connecting Peebles, Broughton, Biggar, Symington and Tweedsmuir.
To fund an initial feasibility study into this project we need to demonstrate strong support – please join our supporters list. It costs nothing and will keep you in touch with developments.
Links to
Article in Scotsman
Scottish Parliament Motion.
Clicking on the supporting quotes below will take you to the organisation
- "Our ambition to be a world class activity destination by 2015 will only be achieved if great initiatives like the Upper Tweed Railway Paths are supported. Anything that increases our network of paths for walkers, riders and cyclists is a must."
Sarah L Macdonald, Development Manager
Tweed Valley Tourist Consortium - " Joining the network of paths together is a fantastic idea. The entire Tweed Valley is set up perfectly for this type of project and I can see enormous health and transport benefits."
Ewan Jackson,
Chief Executive, Borders Sport and Leisure Trust - "Tweeddale has a terrific reputation for the great cycling and walking on offer and attracts visitors from far and wide but we need to do all we can to boost the local tourism offer. Using the old railway lines could be an excellent way of making the most of what we have and turning our existing assets to good account for the future."
Rt Hon David Mundell
MP Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale - "The Tweed Valley has good claim to being the best cycling destination in the UK, with visitors and all kinds of cycle events voting with their wheels to prove it. Making the railway lines usable by bikes and pedestrians would add a vital dimension to the amenities here – I have no doubt what it would do for economic growth throughout the area. I’ve visited areas in Europe where projects like this have completely re-invigorated and transformed multiple communities, let’s hope the same can happen here. It would provide stunning riding and walking for everyone."
Neil Dalgleish
Festival Director, Tweedlove - "I
think this is a wonderful idea, to use the trackbed of the former branch line.
Of course I support the concept."
Dr David Baird
Chairman Tweeddale Ramblers + SUPPORTER NO. 500! - "Destinations such as Dawyck Botanic Garden are likely to benefit from this development - good for tourism in the Borders as a whole and the direct economy of the area."
Graham Stewart, Curator,
Dawyck Botanic Garden - "At Stobo Castle we promote healthy living and the Upper Tweed Railway Paths would be a fantastic attraction to suggest to our guests and members. The concept of providing a safe, traffic-free route suitable for walking and cycling, whilst also boosting the economy, must be supported."
Stephen Winyard, Managing Director
Stobo Castle Health Spa - "As the roads around school become increasingly busy we are struggling to encourage pupils to walk or cycle to school. We are committed to having happy and healthy pupils in our school and would see the railway path as an ideal way of having safe and fun avenues for individuals and classes to gain access to our beautiful countryside."
Maureen Sharp, Headteacher
Broughton and Newlands Primary Schools - "The Tweedsmuir Community Company are in negotiations to reopen the Crook Inn. A cycle path would provide an excellent route on which the Crook Inn can provide services to tourism."
Duncan Davidson
Tweedsmuir Community Company - "At the Laurel Bank Tea Room we are continually asked about good local walks – it would be wonderful to be able to recommend the old railway lines but at present they are too overgrown and difficult to access."
Christopher Lambton
Bistro and Woodland owner - "I'd welcome any development that increases the number of customers in our shop. And as a horserider with the Cornets I'd use the route myself."
Willie Steel, Owner
Broughton Village Store - "Developing these old railway lines could encourage tourism, for walkers, horse-riders and cyclists alike, and be a real asset to people in the local and surrounding areas. I am sure that such development would encourage so many, locally and further afield, to take advantage of what this beautiful area has to offer."
Graeme Pearson
MSP for South of Scotland - "Sustrans fully supports the development of a shared-use path along the old railway between Peebles and Symington. Such a scheme would be appreciated by locals and visitors alike. Sustrans is the charity behind the National Cycle Network, which annually contributes nearly £100M to the Scottish economy from tourism and recreation; we think that the businesses of the Upper Tweed Valley should also benefit from this income and would welcome the creation of this new path network."
Phil Kearny
Sustrans Scotland - "The route would put this area firmly on the map, boost opportunities for families to be active together and offer an alternative and safer travelling option for both work and recreation."
Lesley Kirkwood
Peebles Cycle Club - "A significant amount of my work is with walks in the Scottish Borders and I believe this area has some of the best walking and cycling potential in Scotland but has been backward in developing and promoting its leisure activities. The potential for walking is growing and is of economic benefit to the region."
John Henderson
Walking Support - "Walking provides local communities with a steady income
stream, so any new walks will be welcomed with open arms. We would definitely
send clients to your area."
Julie Deans & Steve Higson
Gemini Walks Ltd - "The development of more off road cycle paths near to the 7stanes would be very beneficial for cyclists, especially for beginners. The new pathways will also add to the tourism offering and will help the local community to enjoy the great Border outdoors."
Les Jardine,
Chairman of 7stanes Community Interest Company - "A well maintained and way marked path network is essential for a destination to prosper as a destination for walkers and cyclists. This project would enable the Upper Tweed to benefit from the walkers and cyclists crying out for new destinations in Scotland. We would definitely be interested in adding walking and cycling holiday programmes in this area."
Neil Lapping, Director
Macs Adventure Cycling and Walking Holidays - "Upper Tweed Community Council support the creation of multi-use paths along the existing abandoned railway lines and hope that this might be achievable. This route could provide a valuable resource to the Community as a whole. It would attract visitors to the area, thus providing more opportunities for local business to flourish; creating and safeguarding local jobs."
Upper Tweed Community Council - "An excellent project - developing the old rail routes for mulituse paths could provide a valuable resource for local people."
Claudia Beamish MSP - "The resurfacing of the disused railway track in the Upper Tweed area would provide an invaluable asset to the Tweed Valley and a legacy for future generations. The new pathway would link in to the upcoming Peebles to Innerleithen shared pathway, providing a safe cycle path for families, visitors and commuters. This path would provide a boost to the local economy and would help reduce our carbon footprint by providing an alternative to using the car."
Isabelle Clements
Tweedgreen Project Coordinator
Latest News
April 2012
Funding applications submitted, expect responses by August.
Looking for 37K +VAT for the Study. Tender will be advertised on Public Contracts Scotland. Selection by panel comprising Ourselves, Sustrans, Scottish Borders and South Lanarkshire Councils.
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