A riverside footpath all the way from the centre of Glasgow to the Falls of Clyde at New Lanark has finally become a reality.

The completion of the final stretch from Crossford to Mauldslie, near Rosebank, for the first time, allows walkers to explore and enjoy the full 65km route as it meanders its way along the beautiful Clyde Valley.

The last stage of the project saw 5.8km of new path and 1.5km of upgrading to existing track being completed in two phases, the first from Crossford to Poplar Glen involved the construction of 1.8km of new path and the upgrading of 1km of existing path at a cost of £350,000.

The second phase, from Poplar Glen to Mauldslie, passes through more environmentally sensitive areas and topographically difficult terrain and involved constructing 4km of new path and the upgrading 0.5km of exiting path at a total cost of £525,000.

Work also included the construction of seven new bridges, land engineering and drainage operations, boardwalk and step construction, fencing works, signage and interpretation, tree and shrub planting and the installation of access controls and electronic visitor monitoring equipment, providing a safe, high quality walkway whilst ensuring the protection of the sensitive natural heritage of the area.

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Given the environmental sensitivity of some sections of the route, notably where it passes through native broadleaf gorge woodlands, some of which are nationally and internationally protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas for Conservation, the project has been designed to enhance the environmental quality of the area. The route also achieves Scottish Natural Heritage's objective of improving access to the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.

Councillor Hamish Stewart, the Deputy Chair of the council's Community Resources, who was at the official launch of the completion of the last leg of the Clyde Walkway, said: "We are delighted to have come to the end of the road with the completion of the last leg of this wonderful walkway.

"The idea for a walkway was first muted in the 1970s with great excitement and the hard work and dedication of all parties concerned has finally brought the walker's dream to fruition. Even if you are only walking part of this wonderful 65km walkway you will enjoy every minute of the variety of landscapes and peaceful, scenic areas, gorge woodlands and riverside rambling along the way.

"May I offer my thanks to all who have been involved in the planning, construction and the funding of this wonderful project and may the Clyde Walkway be enjoyed by many for years to come."

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) helped fund the development of the Walkway with a grant of £425,000.

(GK/KMcA)