SURVEYS have begun on the proposed Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path route – but parts of the design may have to be amended.
Eleven landowners have been identified by Argyll and Bute Council officers, and all have agreed to allow surveys on their land. The survey work is estimated to be complete by spring 2026.
However, a council officer has also reported that due to a number of identified delivery challenges, the planned route of the path will require review. Any changes can only be determined after surveys.
The details are published in a report to the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Tuesday, September 9.
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “Engagement with landowners along the route has historically been driven by progress with design work which has resulted in an irregular pattern of landowner contact.
“It is understood that, particularly over the long timeline this project has been in development, irregular contact can result in uncertainty around the council’s intentions and likelihood of the project progressing. This is compounded by the limitations and uncertainty in the single year funding model.
“It is intended that, with the appointment of the CTP to complete the design work, more regular contact with landowners will be maintained as the design is progressed.
“CTP have to date supported landowner relationship development in advance of project funding becoming available to support a more effective and continuous dialogue.
“Officers and CTP staff have met in person with all 11 identified landowners directly impacted by the route to discuss the project and the necessary non-invasive ecological and topographical surveys.
“All of the landowners met have agreed to allow the ecological and topographical surveys on their land on the understanding of a more collaborative design approach will be adopted going forward.
“One of the landowners who has agreed to allow the surveys has restricted their agreement to surveys only considering the historic alignment of phase 1 adjacent to the A814.”
Ms Flanagan added: “Following securing the agreement of landowners the non-invasive ecology and topographical surveys commenced in mid-August. The initial surveys are due to be completed in early September, with some ecology surveys continuing until spring 2026.
“Completion of these surveys will enable progress to be made to develop the designs in cooperation with the landowners.
“Following review of the draft designs developed by WSP (previous contractors), a number of delivery challenges have been identified within the designs.
“As part of the design developed a review of the deliverability of each section of the proposed route and appropriate alternatives will be undertake to ensure the route developed is the most deliverable.
“Therefore, there is a risk of some variation to the proposed route but this can only be determined post survey.”
