Walking isn’t only good for our physical, social and mental health. It’s also good for our communities, the environment and the economy.
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The fund will help to improve local path networks within and between communities, making it easier for people to choose to walk or wheel for everyday journeys.
Applications will close on Wednesday 12 August at 12 noon.
The funding supports community led projects where local groups identify a need for safe, accessible paths to help communities choose to walk or wheel for everyday journeys.
To be eligible, groups must be constituted with a bank account and based within the SPT area which includes Argyll and Bute, East and South Ayrshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North and South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.
The fund is open to charities, community groups, not-for-profits, Community Councils, educational establishments and National Park Authorities. Businesses and individuals are not eligible.
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.
We especially welcome applications from groups that have not reached out for funding before. Our team can assist applicants through the process.
Kevin Lafferty, our Chief Executive, said, “I’m delighted that the SPT Community Path Fund is available to communities again this year. We’ve seen the incredible impact that the fund has had for 13 communities so far and are excited to support more projects in the SPT area. The path fund will continue to help more people across the region choose to walk or wheel for everyday journeys.”
Projects last year included transforming a dangerous, uneven walk to school in East Kilbride into a safe and accessible route. One parent shared how the upgrades mean they’re now able to walk their children to school “the path is a better surface for parents and children, especially as my child has a visual impairment and walks with a white cane. We walk here for the nursery and primary now.”
Stephen Dornan, Chair of SPT, said, “SPT is pleased to continue supporting the SPT Community Path Fund, delivered in partnership with Walking Scotland through the People and Place Programme.
“Building on the success of the first year, this community‑level initiative will further enhance local walking environments through new and upgraded paths, improved lighting, seating, and signage. These improvements will create safer, more accessible routes and, we hope, encourage even more people to choose active travel as part of their everyday journeys.
“This continued investment reflects SPT’s commitment to strengthening social inclusion, reducing transport emissions, and promoting health and wellbeing. We look forward to seeing the next phase of infrastructure improvements delivered for the benefit of local communities.”
Prospective applicants are encouraged to read the guidance notes and best practice design principles on our website. To apply, groups should first submit a short expression of interest via our Grants for All platform. If the proposal meets the fund’s aims and best practice design principles, applicants will be invited to complete a full application. Groups must have landowner and planning permissions in place (if required), any additional match funding confirmed and be able to provide a copy of their constitution and latest accounts.
Published: 4 June 2026
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