At approximately 113 miles, the River Tweed Trail will be one of the UK’s newest source-to-sea walking and cycling routes, showcasing the exceptional natural, built and cultural heritage from Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway, past the source of the river, to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the Scottish Borders where the river meets the sea.
The River Tweed Trail will provide day and multi-day activities connecting communities, businesses and attractions along the river. Dedicated signage and interpretation will enhance the experience along the route and showcase Tweed Stories, supported by a brand new website with an interactive map and route planner.
Deputy First Minister has confirmed £10million funding from the Scottish Government through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for the ambitious Destination Tweed programme.
Whilst the overall programme is made up of 13 projects, the £10m from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal will directly support delivery of the River Tweed Trail project, which will create a 113-mile long walking and braided cycling route along the full length of the river from Moffat near the source of the Tweed to Berwick-upon-Tweed where the river meets the sea. The River Tweed is a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Other funding for the River Tweed Trail has come from Sustrans, South of Scotland Enterprise and Northumberland County Council with Scottish Borders Council leading the Trail development in partnership with Tweed Forum.
With funding from both the Scottish and UK governments, the £350m Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is supporting a wide range of projects across five local authority areas on both sides of the border.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“Tourism is already a vitally important sector to the South of Scotland, with tourists and day trippers attracted by its many attractions, beauty spots and wonderful landscapes.
“I am pleased to confirm Scottish Government funding of £10 million to help deliver Destination Tweed. This is an ambitious programme which will not only protect and enhance the region’s treasured natural assets but, in the River Tweed Trail, create a piece of infrastructure with which to capitalise on these assets, helping further grow, develop and showcase what the region has to offer.”
Luke Fisher, Destination Tweed Project Director, said:
“We’re extremely grateful for the £10 million funding confirmed by the Deputy First Minister today to support the development of the River Tweed Trail. The River Tweed is one of the UK’s most highly designated and inspirational river corridors, famed across the world for its salmon fishing, great houses and castles, literary connections and wonderful natural environment.
“Through the sensitive development of the Trail and the delivery of a wide range of cultural, river and landscape enhancement projects, we will use these rich assets to harness the area’s tourism potential, connect communities along the length of the river and support the environment and economy across the south of Scotland and north Northumberland.”
The River Tweed Trail is led by Scottish Borders Council, Tweed Forum, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Northumberland County Council.
