About the Crieff to Comrie path
One of top priorities identified by people in Crieff for the Crieff Community Action Plan was the development of a safe, off-road footpath and cycle route between Crieff and Comrie. Following publication of the action plan in February 2013, an action group was formed to explore options for improving access to the designated core path between Crieff and Comrie. This path will form part of a proposed ‘Three Saints Way’ pilgrim route, and eventually contribute to a national east-west Pilgrim Trail between St Andrews and Iona. Perth and Kinross Council Community Greenspace have been progressing the design of an all abilities off-road path essentially following the route of the core path whilst endeavouring to agree a Path Agreement with each of the owners of the land along the route.
What is a core path?
Core paths provide access to the countryside for “non-motorised user groups”. They are paths that are specifically intended for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse-back riders and wheelchair users — although not all core paths are necessarily suitable for all these groups. Perth & Kinross Council published a Core Paths Plan in January 2012, as required by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act (2003). This shows a system of paths across the county totalling more than 2,000 km in length. (Further details about core paths in Perth & Kinross)
What is the route of the Crieff to Comrie core path?
The Crieff to Comrie core path is in two sections. The first section runs from Mungall Park in Crieff, through Turretbank Wood and along Lady Mary’s Walk, to Trowan. The second section runs from Trowan to Comrie along the former railway line. Separate work is ongoing to improve the path through Turretbank Wood, however, the section between Trowan and Comrie also needs significant work to bring it up to a suitable standard for use by all. Maps of the core path network around Crieff and Comrie are available from Perth & Kinross Council.
Developing the Crieff to Comrie Path
The key requirement for progress on the upgrade of the core path to an all abilities off-road path between Crieff and Comrie is the signing of Path Agreements between Perth and Kinross Council and the separate landowners.
Concurrently with seeking agreement with the landowners, Perth and Kinross Community Greenspace team have been arranging funding with the support from the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) to enable the necessary design to be carried out.
There are currently four phases being progressed:
Phase 1 is the stretch of path between Tomperran to Invermilton;
Phase 2 comprises all the structures and ramps between Crieff and Comrie;
Phase 3 comprises the path works;
Phase 4 is the extension of the route into Comrie.