Monday November 2nd 2026
active travel route in Preston pans
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Jack Lewis-Biddick
A new active travel route to provide safer and more accessible walking, wheeling and cycling between Prestonpans and West Pans is set to begin construction in the New Year.
Made possible by £1.5 million in funding from the Scottish Government, the project being undertaken by East Lothian Council will improve connections to local communities, services, public transport and the wider active travel network.
Alongside this work, improvements will take place within Levenhall village to widen the pavements and create better crossing points for pedestrians.
Since its inception in 2024, the scheme has evolved following extensive engagement with residents, businesses, community groups, and public transport operators.
Feedback received during consultation helped shape the final design, with particular attention given to maintaining bus access, minimising impacts on traffic, preserving local views and ensuring the route is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
The final design for the West Pans to Prestonpans Active Travel Route includes:
– Improved walking, wheeling and cycling facilities along the B1348 corridor from West Pans to Prestongrange Road, Prestonpans.
– A new Toucan crossing for pedestrians and cyclists in Prestonpans, close to the Bowling Club.
– Enhanced links and infrastructure improvements between Levenhall roundabout and Prestonpans.
Connections to National Cycle Network Route 76 and the John Muir Way along with the proposed Musselburgh Active Toun scheme.
– Improved access to bus stops and community facilities.
– Backed by funding from the Scottish Government, the project is being developed and delivered through a partnership between the council and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, with support from lead consultants AECOM. It will play an important role in expanding East Lothian’s active travel network, helping to support meeting the council’s climate change objectives.
– Councillor John McMillan, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “I’m grateful to the residents, businesses and various groups who shared their views during the consultations for this scheme and helped ensure it reflected the aspirations of the community.
“The council is committed to improving health and well-being by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. This active travel route between West Pans and Prestonpans will offer safer options for those walking, wheeling or cycling, whether they are commuting to work, taking some exercise, or out enjoying the countryside.”
Chris Brace, Principal Network Development Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: “When journeys are safe, accessible and convenient, more people will choose to walk, wheel and cycle. We’re pleased to be working closely with East Lothian Council on these improvements to create those healthier choices.
“This project will also reconnect the area to the National Cycle Network, opening up more possibilities to be active, get out into nature, and reach places further afield without needing a car.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I’m pleased that £1.5m from the Scottish Government will support construction of this important active travel project between Prestonpans, West Pans and Levenhall. By improving connections between communities, local services and public transport links, these upgrades will make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys.
“We are investing £226m in active and sustainable travel in 2026-27, and the evidence from previously funded projects gives us confidence that creating safer and easier routes leads to more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their daily lives.
“Active travel remains one of the best solutions to some of our most complex challenges. Whether it’s helping people save money, improving health, reducing emissions or supporting thriving local communities, investments like this deliver benefits for both people and communities while helping Scotland transition to a more sustainable transport system.”
Subject to final approvals and procurement processes, construction is expected to begin in January 2027 and continue for around four months. The work will be undertaken under traffic-light control for short stretches, and only one set of lights will be in operation at any time.
East Lothian Council will provide an update on the finalised construction programme later this year.
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