A comprehensive and accessible path and cycle network is essential in encouraging more sustainable and active travel amongst the people who live, work and visit the mid-Fife area. The paths development work-stream of the Connectivity Project focuses on the creation of an award winning standard network of paths and cycle ways along the River Leven from Cameron Bridge to Levenmouth, connecting the local communities of Buckhaven, Methil, Methilhill, Leven and Windygates.

Not only will these paths connect isolated communities to and along the river, it will connect them to jobs, training, town centres, leisure and health opportunities. It will also link the coast to the Diageo distillery which is the biggest employer in the area and the hospital at Cameron Bridge. It will be the first step in connecting the communities to each other through an improved environment and better opportunities.

With the announcement of the reintroduction of the rail link to Leven in August 2019, the Connectivity Project and rail link will work closely in partnership to ensure all benefits and opportunities of targeted investment and focus in the area are realised.

More than just paths

Tourism

Tourism and inclusive growth based on long distance routes will also be developed by linking the Fife Coastal Path to the Pilgrims Way. The path network will support heritage (built and natural), sports, art, culture and food trails within the new path network.

Placemaking

The development of the path network requires significant improvements to the surrounding areas where the route is proposed to ensure that the network is sustainable, people feel safe and it provides real benefit to local day-to-day lives. This would include improving the wildlife corridors, creating view points and linking these paths to others planned from Fife Councils Town Planning and Transport teams.

Social

There are many areas in Fife which make up the 5% most deprived areas in the country. Several of these highly deprived areas are located near the River Leven and its tributaries. The introduction of a path network underlines the potential for The Leven to improve the quality of life for these communities by addressing social, economic and environmental issues by providing access to education, employment and services.

Latest updates to project

15 July 2020

Amey Consulting on behalf of The Leven Programme has carried out an assessment of an active travel network over the whole Levenmouth area and, through this process, has identified routes that will provide the greatest benefit. The active travel network that has been derived through this process is shown on the accompanying plan.

To find out and more about the proposed plans and how to give your views, visit our Have your say section.