Scottish route developments
Sustrans is constantly reviewing the status of the National Cycle Network and is working with local authorities and other partners to bring all sections of the Network up to standard. The following information summarises our current progress on developing the Network. Under each route heading, the first section explains changes to the routes since the most recent Sustrans map of that route was published, while 'Other Developments' gives information on recent works.
All featured maps are available from the Sustrans Online Shop Scotland page.
Route changes should be indicated on our online mapping. Go to the 'Get Cycling' section of the website and use the 'Plan Route' function to find the place you are interested in.
Edinburgh to Newcastle (Coast & Castles South)
Most recent map: 3rd edition, 2008
NOTE: Only information on the section from Berwick upon Tweed to Edinburgh is given here.
Route changes since map was published: There are no changes to the route shown on the latest map.
In addition to Route 1, the map also shows the new coastal route between Musselburgh, Dunbar and Berwick-upon-Tweed (National Route 76). However, the construction of a cyclepath along the A1 between Skateraw and Bilsdean near Torness, originally scheduled for completion by March 2008 by Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland, has not yet started. Until this section is built, the route is not complete and pushing your bike along the verge of the A1 for almost 2 miles is probably the best option - an inland diversion on minor roads is another. Work has been postponed several times and is now scheduled to begin sometime in financial year 2009-10. Overall, the route is signed, but is classed as interim and subject to change. For updates on the construction schedule, see this website, or contact Bear South East on 0800 138 9903 or Transport Scotland on 0141 272 7100 email info@transportscotland.gsi.gov.uk . (Updated 8 January 2009)
In future, we anticipate significant changes to the route between Dalkeith and Gorebridge when construction begins on the Waverley Railway line. Watch this space!
Other developments: None
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Most recent map: 1st edition, 2000
Route changes since map was published: Angus Council has constructed a high quality, traffic-free route across Barry Links between Monifieth and Carnoustie. The Council has also constructed a new cycle track alongside the A92 to Arbroath. Both these new tracks are now part of National Route 1. The route now uses the quiet road past East and West Scryne rather than the (now) busy Salmond's Muir road between the A92 and East Haven - watch out for new signage. A new cycle track has been built along the sea front at Carnoustie.
Dundee City has surfaced a well-used commuter section of the route from Broughty Ferry to link into the recently-opened Dundee Port route. Cyclists require a pass to travel through Dundee Port - the route is currently not open to pedestrians. An alternative route is signed for those who do not have a pass. To obtain a pass, call 01382 224121.
The route alignment has been changed near Edinburgh's Haymarket Station - it now runs from the Roseburn Path through residential streets to the Haymarket Station car park. The new route is signed.
Take a break ...
We have been contacted by Queensferry Recreation Centre in Ashburnham Road, South Queensferry (next to Queensferry High School) and right on National Cycle Route 1. Cyclists are welcome to use the facilities, which include toilets and showers - or just a wee break from cycling. Could be useful for day trips or for long distance tourers! For more information, contact the duty manager on email douglasmackay@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Other developments: Part of the Deeside Way (The Old Deeside Line) has been resurfaced to provide the potential for an alternative and more satisfactory route between Aberdeen and Stonehaven. (A cycle route is being developed along the old railway line from Aberdeen to Ballater). A new high-quality bridge has been installed over Holburn Street in Aberdeen by the City Council.
South of the Tay Bridge, Fife Council has created a better link and road crossing onto the bridge. Near Kinross, the ford over the Glen Burn has been upgraded and Perth and Kinross Council is hoping to negotiate a more direct route at Muirs of Kinnesswood. Fife Council has upgraded the path between Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay and plans are underway to improve the coastal route between Aberdour and Kirkcaldy.
Aberdeen to John O' Groats, Orkney & Shetland
Most recent map: 1st edition, 1999
Route changes since map was published: A new combined footway-cycle track along the A835 between the Tore and Maryburgh roundabouts has been constructed. This removes the need to go via Munlochy and cuts 6 miles off Route 1 between Inverness and Dingwall. The sections across the viaduct at Cullen and along the coast path between Portknockie and Findochty are open. Moray Council has resurfaced the old railway line leading from Findochty into Buckie. A new stretch of track has been upgraded from the Spey Viaduct near Garmouth that heads south directly onto the B9104. National Route 1 now uses all these traffic-free sections.
The Nigg Ferry company has changed hands, and the number given on the map is no longer valid. The ferry runs from June to October, see www.cromarty-ferry.co.uk
Other developments: A track has been upgraded along the River Don through Riverside Park in Dyce - a very pleasant route with some good bird watching. This links into National Route 1 just north of Dyce and currently ends on Riverside Drive, near the Travel Inn and BP offices. Long term plans are for this route to continue alongside the river to Seaton Park.
Inverness to Glasgow (Lochs & Glens North)
Most recent map: 4th edition, 2006
Route changes since map was published: Redevelopment of Glasgow Harbour is underway between Whiteinch and Partick. Diversions of the NCN are in place and there will be a new riverside route when the work is completed.
Other developments: The route between Aviemore and Inverdruie has been improved and a link to Loch Morlich was completed in 2008, named The Old Loggers Way.
Glasgow to Gretna (Lochs & Glens South)
Most recent map: 4th edition, 2007
Route changes since map was published: There are no changes to the route shown on the latest map. The map includes National Route 73 (North) from Kilmarnock to Ardrossan and National Route 73 (South) from Newton Stewart to Stranraer.
Other developments: In Dumfries and Galloway, a link has been upgraded between Gretna Green and Gretna (passing the railway station), and the pedestrian and cycle bridge link over the River Nith in Dumfries was opened in early 2006. Upgrade work to the Stronord–Blackcraig section near Newton Stewart and to the Kilwinning viaduct has been completed. An important local link has been built to the station at Lochwinnoch, including the installation of three new bridges and a pedestrian crossing. This link was officially opened on 24 June 2005. The Maxwellton Railway path from Nithside to Cargenbridge was opened in 2006 and a further extension was opened in June 2008 (Connect2 project).
Ardrossan to Kilmarnock/Newton Stewart to Stranraer/Brodick to Lochranza
Ardrossan to Kilmarnock and Newton Stewart to Stranraer are covered by Lochs & Glens South (2007). Brodick to Lochranza is not yet fully mapped, but the route follows the main road along the east coast of Arran.
Route changes since map was published: The upgrading to the route between Irvine and Kilmarnock is now complete.
Other Developments: Dumfries & Galloway Council is progressing the Stranraer branch, which will now link to Cairnryan for the Irish ferries, in connection with improvements to the A75 trunk road. The dune path at Stevenston has been upgraded.
A traffic-free alternative is being proposed between Brodick and Corrie on the Isle of Arran. An excellent cycle map for Arran has been produced by Arran Bike Club - see the Maps and Leaflets section.
Gretna to Glasgow via Douglas
There is no map available for this route.
National Route 74 is already open south of Douglas. The section north from Douglas, which will meet National Route 75 at Uddingston, is being taken forward by South Lanarkshire Council. The first section has been upgraded - it links North British Road in Uddingston with Bellshill Road and is also part of a Safe Routes to Schools project. The Scottish Executive is looking at creating a safe link to Strathclyde Park as part of the Raith Interchange upgrade.
Clyde to Forth
Most recent map: 2nd edition, 2004
Route changes since map was published: The cycle path between Bathgate and Airdrie was closed by Network Rail in October 2008 to enable the railway to be reinstated. A new path will be built and is scheduled to open in December 2010. Download a Route Update (pdf) sheet with information on alterntive routes.
Other developments: A new link has been created to Quarriers Village, and route improvements are being made in Inverclyde at Devol Glen. Glasgow City Council has created a new link to the Gorbals. In Edinburgh, improvements have been made to the City Centre section of the Union Canal towpath and signage has been upgraded from Leith, through the city centre to the canal at Fountainbridge. Sustrans began carrying out structural repairs to the Rodney Street Tunnel at Canonmills in April 2007. It is hoped to use the tunnel as part of Route 75, enabling cyclists and pedestrians to avoid the busy road junction.
The route between Dunoon and Portavadie in the Cowal Peninsula is not yet signed. Argyll and Bute Council will advise when this work is complete.
Round the Forth
Most recent map: 2nd edition, 2008
Route changes since map was published: There are no changes to the route shown on the latest map.
The Clackmannanshire Bridge to the west of Kincardine opened in November 2008. Route 76 now uses a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A876 trunk road to the south side of the Kincardine Bridge (between Grangemouth and Airth). To the north of the Forth, the route uses a new road bridge over the dual carriageway now heading north from the Clackmannanshire Bridge. The construction of new multi-use paths connecting the Kincardine and Clackmannanshire bridges provides a much improved network and better access to and from Kincardine and Alloa.
Other developments: Work is underway on sections of this route, which is open to an interim standard. Dedicated cycling and walking track has been built for most of the way along the road between Kincardine and Culross and should be completed in 2008 - 09. Design/negotiation studies have been undertaken for preferred or alternative routes from Cambus to Old Tullibody, Stirling to Manor Powis, Cowie to Fallin and Hopetoun Estate. Plans to build a new cycleway from the Manor Powis roundabout and a bridge over the new Stirling to Alloa railway line have been delayed due to protracted negotiations with landowners.
Under our new route numbering regime, the proposed route from Doune to Callander will become Route 765. Option studies have been conducted and land negotiations have to be carried out for certain sections. Stirling Council opened the new traffic-free route along the disused railway from Argaty to Doune in November 2005.
Dundee to Pitlochry via Perth (The Salmon Run)
Most recent map: 1st edition, 2005
Route changes since map was published: There are no changes to the route shown on the latest map.
The route was officially opened in August 2004.
Campbeltown to Oban, Fort William, Inverness and Skye
Most recent map: 1st edition, 2005 (Oban to Campbeltown)
Route changes since map was published: the current map just covers Oban to Campbeltown.
Campbeltown to Oban
The route from Campbeltown to to Claonaig is now part of Route 78, not 73 as previously. Temporary signage has been put in place by local Rangers between Kilchrenan and Oban. Argyll and Bute Council are to complete the installation of permanent signs. A path in Kilmartin has been upgraded as part of a Safe Routes to Schools project. An off-road route has been constructed between Ardrishaig and the B8024. This is an alternative to the main road with excellent views, but is steep in parts and not recommended for heavily laden tourers or thin-tyred bikes.
Oban to Fort William - under development, no map
Phase 1 of Sustrans' Connel to Ballachulish section of the Oban to Fort William cycling and walking route, almost 4 miles between Kentallen and Ballachulish Bridge, is now complete. This is largely based around the dismantled railway and offers fine views to Ardgour and Glencoe. We have received a lot of praise for the work and the route is already being well used.
Transport Scotland, the trunk road authority, will be completing the section along the A82 trunk road to North Ballachulish and Glencoe village in the Autumn of 2008. A further traffic-free section near Oban, between Ganavan and Dunbeg, has been built by Argyll and Bute Council who, together with Transport Scotland, will be looking to extend to Connel in due course.
Sustrans is now working on Phase 2A - Sea Life Centre to Creagan, and 2B - Strath of Appin to Portnacroish and expects to be on site in the autumn 2008 and early spring 2009 respectively. Further negotiation with landowners for Phase 3 are ongoing and where this is proving particularly difficult Transport Scotland will be commissioning options studies to guide the way forward.
Work is also being done on developing an interpretation programme for the route to include artwork, seating and access controls. Community consultation was carried out between May and June 2008 and an interpretation plan was completed in November 2008. The first items will be installed in early 2009. See www.differentia.co.uk or the blog at http://differentiadesign.blogspot.com/
Fort William to Inverness - under development, no map
The route from Fort William to Inverness is under development and is not signed. It is possible to cycle between these destinations using the canal towpath between Fort William and Fort Augustus and minor public roads along the south side of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus to Inverness. See the Great Glen Way website for more information on the current walking route. Please note, the Great Glen Cycleway is no longer signed. Mountain bikers are advised to devise their own route along the many forestry tracks to the north of Loch Ness.
Future route development
Please continue to write to your MSPs, councillors (name & address from your local Citizen's Advice Bureau) and local authorities to ensure progress in improving the existing National Cycle Network and completing new routes.
Your feedback (both positive and negative) is always welcome. You can contact the Scottish office on 0131 539 8122 or email scotland@sustrans.org.uk. If you're contacting us to let us know of a problem on the route, it is useful if you can give us an Ordnance Survey grid reference for the location or a very good description of the location.