People walking, wheeling and cycling in East Lothian can now enjoy a safer and more picturesque route to Dunbar thanks to Tarmac’s Dunbar Cement Plant.
The improved stretch of path on National Cycle Network Route 76, which follows Sustrans’ route around the Firth of Forth, has been successfully rerouted away from a road busy with industrial traffic. The upgraded section also offers users enhanced views of the neighbouring coastline.
At 750 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, the traffic-free path has created a new, high-quality section of the National Cycle Network – a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Throughout the project, Tarmac worked closely with Sustrans, the charity making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle, to ensure the path is accessible for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
The project has been supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s National Cycle Network Infrastructure Fund and delivered in partnership with East Lothian Council and Tarmac.
Craig Kirkland, Tarmac’s Dunbar Cement Plant manager, said: “Safety is our top priority here at Tarmac, so we’re delighted to have enhanced and rerouted this very popular path for the local community.
“The new path moves people walking, wheeling and cycling away from our busy site, giving them a safer and more enjoyable experience, with a better surface, a wider route and great views towards the coast.”
Rhodri Thomas, network delivery coordinator at Sustrans, said: “The upgraded section of National Cycle Network Route 76 around the Dunbar Cement Plant will make active travel in the area safer for everyone.
“The rerouted path has been widened and the surface improved, creating an accessible traffic-free route for the whole community to enjoy. We are pleased to see the project complete and hope that it enables more people to incorporate walking, wheeling and cycling into their everyday journeys.”
Cllr. John McMillan, cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, East Lothian Council, said: “Over the last few years East Lothian Council has worked with local landowners, Transport Scotland and Sustrans to improve cycle links across the county. We are very grateful to Tarmac for building this crucial link in the route between Dunbar and Bilsdean. This allows cyclists, walkers and horse-riders to avoid the busy roundabout on A1087, a narrow section of path and then having to go through a carpark. It has made a considerable improvement.”
The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and exploring the outdoors. Route 76 is 168 miles (270 km) long, with the stretch between Dunbar and Kirkcaldy known as Round the Forth – a commuting link for those accessing Edinburgh, Stirling, Alloa and Kirkcaldy.