Walking isn’t only good for our physical, social and mental health. It’s also good for our communities, the environment and the economy.
We support and inspire people in Scotland to walk and wheel more.
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We support the improvement of local path networks within and between communities, making it easier for people to choose to walk for everyday journeys.
We currently provide funding through two routes. Our national Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF) and a local fund that covers the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) region.
Supported by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), our SPT Community Path Fund supports communities to deliver small capital projects that improve local walking and wheeling networks and infrastructure.
Applications will close on Wednesday August 12 at 12:00pm.
Who can apply?
Any community organisation with a constitution and bank account based within the SPT region can apply. Find information about the SPT region here.
Community organisations include registered charities, educational establishments, community councils, and national park authorities. This fund is not open to individuals and businesses.
We welcome applications from communities who haven’t received funding from us before. We can help guide you through the application process.
What can we fund?
Communities can apply for funding to build new paths or improve existing ones so they’re easier for everyone to use. This can include removing barriers, adding seating, putting up signs and planting greenery to support wildlife.
Please read the guidance notes for full information on what we can fund. Please also refer to the best practice design principles when considering your application.
We’ll be holding online events to answer any questions about the application process. These events will be on:
Sign up for online events: SPT Community Path Fund Online Information Event – Fill in form
How to apply
Submit an expression of interest by accessing the Grants for All portal here.
If you have any questions, you can get in touch with a member of the team by emailing communitypaths@walkingscotland.org.uk.
We encourage you to read the guidance notes and best practice design principles before submitting an expression of interest.
See how our grants have made a difference to walking and wheeling in communities.
Supported by Transport Scotland, our Ian Findlay Path fund ran from 2022 to 2026. Over these 4 years, the Ian Findlay Path Fund supported 62 community-led active travel projects and awarded £5.07 million in grants.
It was established in memory of Ian Findlay CBE who was the previous Chief Executive Officer of Paths for All (now known as Walking Scotland). The hope was that it would build on Ian’s legacy and contribution to everyday walking across Scotland. We’re pleased to say it has achieved that and much more.
The fund provided grants to a wide range of organisations who are delivered projects in Scotland. The projects improved local path networks within and between communities so that it’s easier for people to choose to walk for everyday journeys.
We’re always happy to answer questions and share more information about our path funding. Use our contact form to get in touch.
A path 120 years in the making (Isle of Lewis)
Glasgow community celebrates major pathway improvements (Castlemilk)
Historic path on the Isle of Skye gets a new lease of life
New path is vital link to local services and greenspaces in Dunfermline
Visit our walking hub and select the ‘technical path advice and guidance’ filter to find a wide range of information including our outdoor accessibility guidance, surfacing guide for path projects and a community path guide.
