£300 million train project shunts scenic cycle path aside

Published on Thursday 23 October 2008 10:01

A POPULAR cycle path along a disused railway line has closed as part of the £300 million Bathgate to Edinburgh railway project.

The scenic 14-mile section of Route 75 has been enjoyed by walkers and cyclists from across east-central Scotland for more than a decade.

Network Rail will construct a new path close to the original route, which is scheduled for completion in December 2010.

As an alternative to the closed route, transport charity Sustrans is recommending cyclists and walkers use the towpaths of the Union and Forth and Clyde Canals as a cross-Scotland route.

Sustrans' national cycle network development manager Katharine Taylor said: "We are very pleased that Network Rail has decided to reinstate train services between Airdrie and Bathgate, even though it means we will temporarily lose a central section of Route 75."