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 are open now and close on 8 September 2025. All work must be completed by 23 February 2026.
Who can apply?
Any community organisation with a constitution and bank account based within the SPT region can apply. Information about areas included within the SPT region can be found on their website.
Community organisations include registered charities, educational establishments, community councils, and national park authorities. Unfortunately, this fund is not open to individuals and businesses.
What can we fund?
Funding of up to £10,000 is available to construct new paths to improve network connectivity as well as to upgrade existing paths to make them more accessible. This can include removing barriers on paths that are restrictive for people using adaptive equipment, installing seating along routes to provide rest points, installing directional signage, and planting wildlife-friendly trees and shrubs. Please see 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 are especially looking to hear from communities who have not received funding from us before. Our team is happy to guide you through the application process. Please do not be put off from applying because you are unclear about any aspect of the requirements.
We will be holding online events throughout the summer, and 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 and to speak to a member of the team before submitting an expression of interest (EOI).
Interested?
Supported by Transport Scotland, our Ian Findlay Path fund is now in its fourth and final year. Since its launch, the Ian Findlay Path Fund has supported 53 community-led active travel projects which has enabled the delivery of £6.1 million worth of active travel infrastructure design and construction. The total amount of grants awarded by the Ian Findlay Path Fund to date amounts to £3.3 million.
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 provides grants to a wide range of organisations who are delivering projects in Scotland. The projects must improve local path networks within and between communities so that it’s easier for people to choose to walk for everyday journeys.
Demand for this funding is so high that we will not be asking for expressions of interest this year. Instead, we are supporting the projects who have already submitted their application.
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)
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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.
