Route closures and diversions
The path closures and diversions of which we are currently aware are:
Lochs & Glens South - Carlisle to Glasgow
Temporary path closure on bridge over the River Annan - There is a temporary path closure in place for the bridge carrying National Route 7 over the River Annan in effect until 9th March.
Galloway and Dumfries Council have now signed a temporary diversion away from the Annan footbridge. It follows Port St, B721, B724 and then rejoins the path, same in reverse.
Clatteringshaws to Big Water of Fleet Viaduct - Forestry Commission Scotland carry out harvesting on this stretch and large timber lorries occasionally travel the route. As always on forestry roads, be aware of what is going on around you. If forestry operations are in progress, you are asked to exercise access through this section in a responsible manner. Where possible, alert the Forestry Commission workers to your presence before proceeding through these sites at a safe pace. You need to make sure the operators of the big working machines have seen you. When harvesting is underway, you may see "Do not proceed beyond this point" notices. Under no circumstances must you pass these notices. Large groups intending to travel along this section of the route are asked to contact the local Forestry Commission office in advance. Contact telephone number 01671 402420.
A good but unsigned alternative is (going south) via Raiders Road which is an untarred forestry road starting just across the bridge from Route 7 (OS NX545753). After about 6 miles, at the signposted Barney Water turn (623717) go right on a forestry track to cross the Dee at Barney Water. Then, after about half a mile (612711) keep right just after a bridge and continue straight on which will take you generally south and then south westerly towards the Big Water of Fleet viaduct. The route goes through OS grid references 608700 and 591671 and towards the end of this track it runs fairly close to the old railway. When the track ends at a T-junction, turn right, away from the old railway line and, keeping left, follow this track back up towards the railway on the other side of the Little Water of Fleet Valley. After about 2 miles, at the next junction (561649) go right and down to Meikle Cullendoch (560652) where you rejoin Route 7. This is an attractive quiet run, shared with tourist traffic on the Raiders Road, although not many cars use this toll road (no toll for bikes) and there's a speed limit. New forestry roads can appear from time to time so an OS map and a compass is a good idea to prevent confusion.
Temporary route closure - Sandilands promenade (between Saltcoats and Stevenson)
The promenade path is currently closed due to storm damage. There is currently no formal diversion in place; this will be confirmed in due course by North Ayrshire Council. An alternative route can be achieved via Canal Street, Saltcoats Road (B780) and Hillside Street to bridge the gap in the route between Saltcoats station and Stevenson station. However, be aware that the B780 can be busy during commuter hours.
(Updated 12 October 2011)
Lochs & Glens North - Glasgow to Inverness
Crubenmore (Crubenbeg) to Glentruim Road - This section of route was closed from November 2010 to allow the buiding of dual carriageway on the A9. We are glad to report that the path reopened on 30 September. New sections of path have been rebuilt and existing sections are being repaired. (Updated 12 October 2011)
Cycle path over Drumochter Pass - The surface of the cycle path over the Drumochter Pass has suffered further deterioration over the past two severe winters and is broken in some places. In summer 2011 Transport Scotland resurfaced approximately 2km with tarmac, but some sections may still be difficult for those on skinny tyred bikes. The only alternative is the A9 trunk road which has good sight lines, but is busy, very fast and carries many heavy goods vehicles. Sustrans does not recommending cycling on the A9, but if you are happy cycling alongside heavy traffic, this may be an acceptable option. The maintenance of cycle tracks in trunk road corridors is the responsibility of Transport Scotland and its contractors Transerv. (Updated 12 October 2011)
Temporary diversion (16/01/12 - 31/01/12) – Glenoglehead
There is a path diversion in place at Glenogle due to rock cutting stabilisation. Cyclist’s will be asked to walk the short distance of the diversion due to poor surface along the diversion route. There will be a marshall to walk and guide cyclists through. Suitable signage will be in place at appropriate places north and south, in addition to works signs.
Whiteinch and Partick in Glasgow. The diversion is signed on the ground and is due to the Glasgow Harbour development. When this work is complete, we expect a quality route along the Clyde. More information is available on the Clydeport website.
Edinburgh to Portavadie
Almondell Country Park - A number of fallen trees have blocked the route through the country park. Route users should use the B7015 through East Calder and a short section of the B8046 to avoid going into the park. West Lothian Council have asked that if you are thinking about visiting any of the three country parks in West Lothian you should ring the main visitors centre at Beecraigs on 01506 844 516 before doing so. Update: the main routes including route 75 through Almondell and Calderwood Country Park are now accessible but there are many fallen trees and debris in the Country Park, so please do take care when accessing the park. The telephone line for the visitor centre is still unavailable and the public are advised to telephone 01506 844 516 (Beescraig Country Park) if they have any enquiries. (Updated 11 January 2012)
Glasgow - Clyde Walkway - Drainage problems have caused the path to collapse at Dalmarnock. Significant works will be needed to make the area safe and usable again and the path will be closed until at least the end of 2011. There is a diversion route signed by the council and Sustrans volunteers. In two places, the diversion route will be on pavements which are quite narrow so cyclists are asked to dismount and walk these short sections.
Airdrie to Bathgate railway path
Network Rail took ownership of the old railway line in July 2008. The path between Airdrie and Bathgate closed on 19 October 2008 to allow construction of the new railway line which opened on 12 December 2010.
The high quality replacement cycle route being built by Network Rail has been completed between Bathgate and Plains. It runs alongside the new railway in parts and uses minor roads in others.
The section between Plains and Drumgelloch, near Airdrie, has been delayed and should be complete by late Spring 2012. A shared-use pavement will be constructed between Drumgelloch and Plains, running along the north side of the A89. Until the new route is complete, eastbound cyclists and walkers can use the A89 or the existing pavement to reach the beginning of the traffic-free path at Ford Bridge to the east of Plains. If heading west, as you come into Drumgelloch, turn left off the A89 onto Tower Road (B8068). This is at the corner of Katherine Park and opposite the shops. After crossing the railway bridge, turn right on to Dunrobin Road; just past the curve in the road, turn right into a lane and across open grass area to join Route 75 at Torrance Avenue. If heading to Drumgelloch Railway Station, keep on the A89.
Armadale Path Closure
Route 75 was closed just east of Armadale station over the weekend of 26/27 November without notice and without a diversion route in place. We have been advised that the closure will last for two months. It is due to preparatory and access works by a contractor relating to the development of a supermarket on the south side of the railway. This is now in the hands of the access authority (West Lothian Council) as, Under the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003, a signed diversion should be in place. There are no obvious alternatives, especially as the Kenbog Farm path is also closed (see below). Cyclists could use the B708 between Bathgate and Armadale, and the road to Whitburn to rejoin the path to the west of Armadale station. (Updated 28 November 2011)
Armadale Link Path Closure
The link path to Route 75 on the east side of Armadale at Kenbog Farm has had to be closed. A survey undertaken as part of a new development has found an open uncapped mineshaft near the path, so West Lothian Council has closed the path for the foreseeable future. An alternative alignment for the path is being sought.
Blackridge railway station
Blackridge station has been built some distance from the centre of the village and cannot be accessed directly from Route 75. To reach the station from the path, turn up Harthill Road (B718), turn right onto the A89 for almost half a mile and then right onto the road to the new station. Reverse this to reach the path from the station. The station is not visible from the cycle path due to the path circumnavigating a shale bing just south of the station. We are working with West Lothian Council to develop a direct link from the path to the station. In the meantime, we apologise for the inconvenience.
Bathgate Path diversion
NetworkRail has closed the path in the area of Birniehill Avenue, to the west of Bathgate, to carry out some works. The contractor has been requested by the local authority to give advance warning of the closure and to sign the diversion route. (Updated 10 November)
Route 765 - Stirling to Dunblane
Glen Road
Ongoing works to shore up the Glen Road have been hampered by a number of land slips. Trees and rocks cover parts of the road currently. CAUTION: It is recommended that cyclists and walkers do not use the road as further land slips may occur.
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