Delivering a safe active travel route that connects businesses, dispersed dwellings, and attractions west of Gatehouse of Fleet

Gatehouse of Fleet to Auchenlarie Active Travel Route Assessment

Initially formed by the Gatehouse of Fleet Community Council as a fundraising team, the Gatehouse Development Initiative (GDI) is aiming to develop a new active travel route west of Gatehouse of Fleet to better connect nearby businesses and outlying dwellings. The most direct and levelled route follows the A75, a busy trunk road currently unsuitable for safe active travel. GDI engaged our team to assess the feasibility of an active travel provision along the A75 route that links several amenities, homes, and attractions.

Our approach involved three stages of engagement and collaboration to understand the role of the proposed active travel route for communities and the difference it could make to residents and visitors. We delivered this work in accordance with Sustrans’ Places for Everyone Project Stages 1 and 2 with a focus on inclusive, safe design, participatory community engagement, and a collaborative working relationship with GDI.

When complete, GDI intends the route to not only provide a safe and accessible connection between Gatehouse of Fleet and Auchenlarie, but to also increase and diversify the number of trips made by walking, wheeling, or cycling for everyday journeys as well as support tourism in the area.