Residents of East Whitburn and Stoneyburn in West Lothian have united in a campaign to improve footpath safety in their communities, with the aim of connecting the two villages. A recent meeting brought together residents, local walking groups, and campaigners to discuss the pressing need for a footpath that would bridge the gap between the two areas. In East Whitburn, a survey revealed that over 500 people regularly use the Foulshiels footpath and express support for extending it to Hens Nest Road.
For years, Stoneyburn has been advocating for better footpath access, a sentiment shared by East Whitburn residents. The existing route between the villages, the narrow and winding Hens Nest Road, poses safety risks and makes the journey on foot a daunting prospect, taking up to an hour to walk. Close to completion is a footpath built by the Scottish Woodland Trust through Foulshiels Wood to Stoneyburn, with only a few hundred yards remaining to reach Hens Nest Road.
Despite the proximity to the road, the incomplete footpath presents a significant barrier for villagers from both communities. The existing pathway has become popular for daily exercise, but to reach East Whitburn, residents still have to tackle the challenging Hens Nest Road, deterring many from walking or cycling between the villages. Members of a local walking group expressed frustration at having to take a bus just to access the existing paths network outside Stoneyburn.
Stacey Johnstone from East Whitburn’s Bash Community Buzz group emphasised the community’s eagerness to see the footpath through to completion, connecting to other pathways in the area. Highlighting the positive impact of the existing pathways, Stacey noted the increasing number of people using them for recreational activities, attracting visitors from neighbouring areas like Blackburn and Whitburn. Sandy Edgar, leading the campaign in Stoneyburn, created a video to showcase local support for the project, underscoring the belief that building the footpath would encourage its use.
The completion of the footpath holds particular significance for parents in Stoneyburn, providing a safe cycling route for children attending schools in neighbouring areas. While negotiations with landowners are ongoing, there is optimism surrounding the project’s potential contribution to the council’s Active Travel Plan, aimed at promoting walking, cycling, and wheeling as viable alternatives to short car journeys. The collective determination of residents from East Whitburn and Stoneyburn reflects a shared commitment to creating safer and more accessible routes for all members of the community.