Thursday May 28th 2026
Lauder to Oxton pathc
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Two communities in the Scottish Borders have been united thanks to the joint efforts of the council, landowners and funding from Transport Scotland.
Scottish Borders Council (SBC) Active Travel and Transport Team is expanding the active travel network in the region, focusing on walking, wheeling, cycling and horse-riding routes to connect communities.
Now the latest phase of the route between Lauder and Oxton has been successfully completed and is now open.
This phase has upgraded around one mile of existing core path, which runs along a former railway line, locally known as the Auld Licht Railway.
This project was funded by Transport Scotland and designed and delivered through a partnership with Scottish Borders Council and SBContracts.
The council is grateful for the support of local landowners to deliver this phase of the project.
Further funding has been sought from Transport Scotland for the remaining section between Blackburn and Midburn.
If successful, SBC will continue to work closely with landowners and the local community to deliver the full 3.6 mile traffic-free route for residents and visitors travelling actively between the two communities.
Jenny Linehan, SBC’s executive member for Environment Sustainability and Transport, said: “I am delighted with the connection of the new section of shared-use path between Lauder and Oxton. The two parts were completed with thanks to funding from Transport Scotland.
“This project has been underway for a number of years, it was started by the work of Councillor David Parker and I am delighted to be working with him as it nears its completion.
“The final section will undoubtedly be challenging but we look forward to collaborative working to see it finalised and for the people of Oxton and Lauder to safely traverse between their respective areas.”
The Lauder to Oxton Active Travel Route is a key priority for SBC and was identified in the Active Travel Strategy as one of the five most requested routes.
The benefits of active travel routes are to connect communities and key services and improve the health and well-being of local residents by making it easier to choose active travel, such as walking, wheeling, cycling and horse-riding, for everyday journeys.
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